Owners filed 46 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.
Most common 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems
14 of the 46 complaints (30%) are about the engine.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
13
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
7
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
7
0
0
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
7
0
0
0
Electrical System
7
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
2
0
0
0
Lane Departure › Assist · lane-keeping assist
1
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
1
0
0
0
Air Bags · airbags
1
1
0
2
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel26V046000
Filed Jan 26, 202642,677 vehiclesKia America, Inc.
Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Risk. An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy. The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Electrical System › Body Control Module › Software25V006000
Filed Jan 13, 202574,469 vehiclesKia America, Inc.
Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk. A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 202628,448 milesTX
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,448.
Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2026NV
I am submitting this complaint to report two separate incidents involving a sudden and significant loss of acceleration in my vehicle while merging onto the freeway. These incidents created dangerous driving conditions and placed both myself and my children at risk. First Incident – July 2026 In July 2026, my vehicle experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while I was merging onto the freeway. I was traveling uphill in a single-lane merge area with no shoulder available to pull over safely. During this incident, the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 40 mph, and I was forced to maintain that speed for several miles. I had both of my children in the vehicle at the time. After merging onto the far-left lane of the freeway, I needed to cross four lanes of traffic to reach my exit. The vehicle's inability to accelerate normally created a significant safety hazard, as I had limited ability to keep pace with surrounding traffic or maneuver safely. Second Incident – October 2026 In October 2026, the issue occurred again while I was merging onto the freeway. I was unable to accelerate beyond approximately 69 mph. When I released the gas pedal, the vehicle rapidly decelerated to a dangerously low speed, forcing me to pull onto the freeway shoulder. After waiting approximately 10 minutes, I attempted to drive again. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 40 mph, and a dashboard message appeared stating, "Park with engine On to charge battery." I was forc
Power Train
Filed Oct 13, 2026IN
XXX - 9:35am EST: Lost acceleration power while driving on interstate, hybrid battery rapidly depleted forcing gas engine to engage at high RPMs in effort to maintain speed and charge hybrid battery. Decelerated from 65mph to roughly 40 mph within 1 mile of traveling distance, resulting in maneuvering of car over to right hand shoulder to park in the middle of [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX]. Called [XXX] dispatch to request unit to park behind vehicle with emergency lights on to make other drivers aware while tow truck was called. While having the engine on and awaiting tow truck, vehicle dashboard displayed 'Check Hybrid System' warning message and began idling at lower RPMs than usual while gas engine was running. Vehicle towed XXX at 10:40am to local Kia dealership for serving, as vehicle was under full warranty. As of XXX, dealership has yet to conduct diagnostics, noting during drop off of keys that only (1) technician certified to work on BEVs and HEVs was employed full-time by the dealership service department. Dealership has yet to reach out for additional information, option of courtesy vehicle, or to offer assistance with submission of claim for rental car reimbursement to Kia Motors America. Fortunately, I was the only passenger in the car at the time. However, as a seasoned driver who has experienced other significant incidents while driving (e.g., failure of power booster for power steering and power brakes, tire blowout on interstate), navigating four lanes of 65
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 25, 2026UT
While driving in our Kia Sorento 2025 on XXX, completely secluded from any other traffic or road hazards, the sunroof exploded outward. The explosion was very loud and startled my wife, who was driving, almost causing a single-car accident. This is the second time this has happened in our family, and KIA is refusing to acknowledge any issue and won't even return our calls. I'm very worried about this causing a serious accident or even death. Glass shop in [XXX] said they've seen it multiple times but can't fix. Kia Dealer in [XXX] (our home) won't cover it under the "bumper-to-bumper" warranty or recall. Please intervene. If you don't, nothing will change and someone will die eventually. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 11, 2026WA
While driving in a 55mph highway, I lost all accelerative power in my KIA Sorento Hybrid, driving my speed down to 25mph with vehicles behind me and no shoulder to pull onto. When I put my foot on the accelerator, the rmps on the dash would go all the way up 3000-4000 rpms, but there wasn't even a revving sound, and the car would not accelerate. Luckily I had just left my house was able to turn around and drive slowly home with my hazard lights on, the two miles back home. The first moment it happened the car behind me had to break, and luckily did so in time. From looking up the symptoms, it seems it may have been a malfunction with the HPCU. At no time did any diagnostic lights come on to alert of an issue. I shut the car off after returning home, tried to drive up my street, the same thing happened even when I tried to accelerate to 25mph. I am making an appointment to take it to a kia dealership.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 2, 2026MO
The central ccNC infotainment display screen on my 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid intermittently and now permanently failed (blank/black screen). This total display blackout completely disables the backup camera system (FMVSS 111 non-compliance) and critical vehicle setting controls. The issue first began while under the 36,000-mile factory warranty (documented at 12,000-14,000 miles). Despite providing timestamped video proof and taking the vehicle to the dealership for diagnosis (Case #26311712), Kia America has delayed and refused to authorize a goodwill repair/replacement. This issue mirrors official NHTSA safety recall SC361 / 26V046 for 2025 Sorento display defects.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 30, 2026IL
My 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid SX-Prestige has repeated issues with the engine and drive train. On December 30th, 2025 it was diagnosed with a blocked breather hose sensor, causing the check engine light to come on. On July 1, 2026, the car rapidly decelerated while driving on the highway (limp mode), creating an unsafe condition, with an alert to charge the battery. The car also seemed to struggle getting up to speed, and shifted gears less smoothly, and at higher engine RPMs than it had previously. The deceleration behavior was confirmed by the Kia Technician. On July 21st, 2026, the car again rapidly decelerated while driving on the highway (limp mode), creating another unsafe condition, but no alert to charge the battery was received. This time the fuel rail pressure sensor was replaced. The car is now sitting in my driveway, completely dead. I drove it 2 days ago, and nothing appeared amiss. Yesterday morning, the doors would not unlock using either key fob, so I used the physical key to enter the car. It would not start. My husband measured the voltage from the battery terminal (inside the fuse box under the hood) to the bolt on the wheel strut at ~3 Volts. No settings were changed in the car and I verified the headlights remain in "Auto" mode. As it is Sunday, I will contact the Kia dealer tomorrow for directions. Due to the repetitive nature of issues with this car, I would like help from the NHTSA to ensure this is promptly and permanently fixed.
Engine
Filed Aug 17, 2026SC
This report concerns a repeating loss of power in the 2025 Kia Sorrento-Hybrid that forces the engine into "limp-mode". This issue has occurred when traveling at speeds exceeding 55mph on highway as well as when accelerating to merge into traffic. The vehicle does not flash any warning lights on the dashboard and shuts down in the middle of traffic which presents a serious safety issue for oncoming traffic as the vehicle must coast to the side of the road. This has occurred multiple times and twice I have had the vehicle towed to the dealership. Initially a fuel pressure sensor was replaced and the second time the dealership indicated they could not find any relatable cause. Since that time there have been two additional occurances that I have had. I believe the issues are related to either a fuel pressure sensor or a sudden loss of power within the EV system that causes the vehicle to protect itself by enetering into the limp-mode. I have discovered a short term resolution is to disconnect the 12-V battery and let the car sit for 30 minutes to clear the system codes, but sitting on a busy roadway and the loss of power at speed is a serious safety issue. I have spoken to other owners who have experienced similar issues so this appears to be a wider spread issue.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 9, 2026FL
My rear windshield exploded out when back door was closed
Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 202616,386 milesVA
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to avoid other vehicles. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,386.
Engine
Filed Jul 9, 202611,000 milesAZ
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated and failed to exceed 35 MPH before stalling and losing power. Emergency services were contacted and assisted with pushing the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who held the vehicle for two days but had not diagnosed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 7, 2026NJ
Wireless cell phone charging pad causes phone to overheat. I have tried other vehicles (Ford Explorer) and this had no detrimental effect on cell phone. As well as heating the cell phone (Apple iPhone 16) it also doesn’t charge the phone. I have also tried other cell phones (Apple iPhone 16 and 14) and same issues were presented. The safety issue is the inability to charge the cell phone reliably as well as the very hot condition caused to the cell phone. I purchased this vehicle new in July 2025 and I realized the issue almost immediately. I did let my Kia service department know of this and was told at the time that this is very common and that a recall (repair) would likely be available soon. To be best of my knowledge this hasn’t happened. The only reason I am bringing it up now is that my son in law (the Ford Explorer) mentioned that he utilizes his with no problem. Thank you
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 4, 2026MD
I purchased a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid from Dulles Kia. Since I've owned it, I've had the same problem three times — my car randomly goes into limp mode while I'm driving. It doesn't matter what speed I'm going. The car just starts slowing down on its own, won't let me accelerate, and the RPMs start surging up and down. It's terrifying. The first time it happened, it was towed to Fayetteville Kia. They couldn't even recreate the problem. They redownloaded some software and sent me on my way. The second time it happened, it was taken to Herson's Kia in Rockville. This time they were able to recreate it. They told me it was the fuel pump and replaced it under warranty. Now it's happened again — this time while I was on vacation in Ocean City, Maryland. I was stranded with my two dogs, one of which is my service animal. I had to arrange a tow and find a last-minute hotel out of pocket. The car is currently at Pohanka Kia in Salisbury. They first told me it was a fuel injector, then changed their diagnosis to a valve seal issue — and apparently it's a known issue with this type of vehicle. It has now been sitting at the dealership for over a week. This is the third time the same problem has occurred. It has ruined multiple vacations and left me stranded, stressed, and without my car for extended periods. I just want a car that works.
Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2026MO
For an unknown reason when driving on the highway in heavy traffic the engine started to shake violently causing us to immediately pull over and when we opened the hood the engine was shaking violently. This was a dangerous situation because during this time the engine was not very responsive to input. No warning lights came on at all.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 25, 2026NV
Warning lights on while driving. The emergency triangle, collison warning, break warning, both turn signals, and departure warning lights were illuminated. We were concerned of causing damage to the vehicle and pulled over. Dealer knows of issues in CA and AZ with other Sorentos. Dealer said it is due to camera overheating; the camera housing is metal and therefore causes this issue. No known fix and we are apprehesive to drive it. KIA customer care had no information and only said to go to dealer when lights are on so a code can be pulled. I believe the housings need to be replaced if that is the case and if there is a true issue with the vehicle I cannot distignuish between "camera" or mechanical when lights come on.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 17, 2026GA
My 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid, with approximately 20,000 miles, has experienced a sudden loss of power and entered a limp-mode condition twice within two days. During both incidents, the vehicle would not accelerate normally and was unable to maintain expected traffic speed, creating a significant safety hazard. No warning lights, warning messages, or check-engine light appeared before or during either event. After the incidents, no OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes were present. Stopping and starting the vehicle restored normal operation temporarily, but the problem reoccurred. The sudden and unexplained loss of propulsion without any warning or stored fault codes increases the risk of a crash, particularly when merging, passing, or driving in traffic.
Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2026NJ
Around XXX the car was suddenly unable to accelerate properly. When pushing the accelerator, the engine would rev only after a long lag, would rev significantly higher than normal without shifting, and the acceleration response was dramatically less than usual. It felt as if the engine simply had no power, or at times almost as if something were resisting the engine. It made it nearly impossible to accelerate past roughly 40mph and the response in acceleration from the pedal was very unpredictable. A mechanic was able to replicate the issue and it was initially attributed to the high pressure fuel pump. Roughly a week after the pump was replaced in early August 2024, the issue occurred again and was again replicated by the dealer and attributed to the fuel sensor, which was replaced. The issue then re-occurred on June 14, 2026. The car is currently in the shop awaiting diagnosis and repair. At no point during any of these instances did any warning appear on the dashboard or anywhere else in the car. The parts are not available for inspection, it is unclear to me who from Kia or any other organization has examined them beyond the dealership (Kia of Riverdale in Riverdale, NJ). The safety of the car’s occupants and potentially other motorists was put at risk by acceleration performing radically differently than would be anticipated from a properly functioning car. The issue was noted several times, including while pulling out of a parking lot onto a busy road and while attempti
Unknown or Other
Filed May 26, 2026VA
Car will suddenly go into limp mode while driving. Took to dealership and couldn' t find anything wrong. One week later did the same thing. Took back to dealership and haven't heard anything from them yet. It will just go limp and cars coming behind you could crash into you.
Unknown or Other
Filed May 6, 2026VA
In February, on my car that I had had for six months with less than 3500 miles on it, I was driving and got a “driver assist warning“ on my car and I no longer have the ability to apply gas to the car. Thankfully, I was able to pull over safely. I restarted the car and everything was fine. I called the dealership and they said it is probably a bad sensor and I made an appointment to bring in my card that Friday. They said that this was due to probably a dirty sensor due to it being snowing out. The next day I took my car to a car wash to clean it to make sure that there was nothing messing with the sensor. As soon as I exited the car wash, I got the same quote, driver, warning, assist quote, warning on my dashboard and lost the ability to gas my car. I immediately took my car to the dealer where it stayed for 18 days. They said that they replaced the sensor which was causing the issue. I had my car back for a total of 10 days when the same thing happened to me. This time I was driving on a 55 mph road. Luckily, again I was able to pull over safely. I took my car straight to the dealer where they had it for 28 days. They got the corporate Kia mechanics involved. They tried a bunch of things to fix my car, and eventually said that the sensor malfunctioning was due to the oil being too high. This is on a car now with less than 38,000 miles which has never had service on it. My car has been in the shop for a total of 46 days of the last two months. The sensor just going out abrup
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 17, 2026NJ
1/24/26 -- While driving ~25-30mph (~2 miles from start of trip) car produced “Engine Management System error” and within a minute or so “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely” warning and went into electric only mode, limp mode. Turning off the car and turning back on temporarily enabled the gas engine to run. Dealer reviewed fault codes and stated vehicle was now running correctly. ~800 miles and less than 30days later the same problem occurred again. 2/17 – While driving ~30mph (~1mile from start of trip) the car produced a “Engine Management System error”. At this point I was approaching a traffic light and stopped at the red light. Decided to return home and attempted to turn right on red at the light. When I hit the gas to turn, the gas engine did not engage, the car limped forward a few feet in electric mode, and the car started beeping with the “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely” warning. If I had less less space when turning right, or the car would have a moved a few feet farther, I would have been hit in the intersection by an oncoming car. Thankfully I had left a lot of space and my car did not pull that far into the intersection. I turned the car off, when I turned the car on again, the gas engine engaged, and I was able to slowly drive the 1 mile home. Car was then towed to the dealer 2/18 for repair. As of 3/17 dealer still has the vehicle (so do not have a second repair invoice) and waiting on an Customer Care escalation from KIA as dealer recalibrated the Hybrid mod
Power Train
Filed Mar 8, 2026TX
While travelling in the center lane of the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and could not maintain speed. Vehicle could not go faster than approximately 20 miles per hour. Managed to exit highway off ramp by driving approximately 20 miles per hour as there was not a shoulder to exit the lane of traffic in that particular area. The hybrid battery voltage went very low. After exiting highway turned off vehicle and turned back on again, was able to drive normally to the dealership service center. Dealership found code history of fuel rail pressure sensor, cleared code and test drove and stated not able to duplicate concern at this time. 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid mileage is 14250 miles
Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2026MA
The vehicle experiences a sudden and complete loss of power while driving. Specifically, the vehicle loses the ability to accelerate. During these incidents, the battery indicator shows critically low battery levels despite there being sufficient gasoline in the vehicle. The exact component causing the malfunction has not been identified by the dealership, as they report no diagnostic codes are present. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue has occurred multiple times while driving on highways at speeds where surrounding traffic is traveling approximately 55 mph or higher. This has also happened while pulling out into traffic, causing near misses of an accident. When the malfunction occurs, the vehicle rapidly loses acceleration capability and slows down to approximately 20 mph. This creates a dangerous speed differential between my vehicle and surrounding traffic. It becomes extremely difficult to safely maneuver into the breakdown lane due to the inability to accelerate. This situation creates a significant risk of rear-end collision or multi-vehicle accident. The dealership has been unable to reproduce the issue during service visits. However, the vehicle has been brought in multiple times for this same concern. The dealership has stated that no diagnostic trouble codes are stored, and therefore they cannot identify or repair the root cause. I have multiple videos documenting the issue occurring while driving. The vehicle has been inspected multi
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 19, 2026MI
Currently at a Kia dealership for the 3rd time since the end of December. While driving the electric refuses to switch to gas after the battery drains, it is a hybrid. Maxes out at 18 mph and then an alarm goes off for Hybrid System error. First two time check engine light also came on. Have had vehicle towed to Kia dealerships all three times. Never the same thing repaired or replaced but problem stops for a few days to two weeks and then happens again. They vehicle has been examined and the issue has been replicated or examined by the Canton Kia dealership in Canton, MI two times. Currently at Taylor Kia Toledo, OH. This is a safety issue due to the lack of speed and acceleration. So far I have been in relatively low speed areas but what if it happened on the expressway or in heavy traffic. I normally have my kids in the car and now feel that my vehicle is unsafe and I have only had it 11 months.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 11, 2026WA
1. I'm not sure what component or system malfunctioned. The dealership has said something different every time it's had to be taken in. The first time they said it could have been the dip stick. The second time they said they didn't know but did an update to the car's system. Last week, was the third time we've had to take it in and they said they are doing an oil change and replacing the air intake hose assy, GDI fuel pump, High pressure fuel pump, valve cover assy, oil filter and oil but didn't say if this would fix the issue. 2. We have loss confidence in this car's safety and reliability and the dealership's ability to repair it. It's been in the shop multiple times and continues to fail. The issue with the vehicle is that when we got a warning the power to the car shuts off. It doesn't allow you to do anything with the gas pedal no matter what speed you are going. We have experienced this multiple times on city streets and the highway. The potential for an accident is very high when the car does this. 3. We have taken it to the dealership and they don't know what's wrong with it. I created a case with Kia and have not heard back from a case manager at all. 4. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership and no one else. They have contacted Kia corporate for solutions via messaging but this is the third time the car has just loss power while we are driving. 5. There were some warning signs like check hybrid batter system on the dashboard. The kia Access app allow
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 20262,300 milesCA
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the residence and was later towed to the local dealer. While at the dealer, the cause of the failure was not determined, and the failure had self-corrected. The vehicle was retrieved; however, approximately 1,500 miles late,r the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,300.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 6, 2026CA
I was driving onto a busy intersection from a parking lot. When I went to pull into traffic, the truck wouldnt go, it lost power and we coasted into oncoming traffic , I coasted right , and the dash flashed limited mode max speed 20 mph in yellow lights. The peddle was on the floor at that point. We had kids in the car and it was going 17 mpr in 55 mph cars on us swerving around us. I coasted at 17 mpr downgrade 2 miles before I could get a place to pull over. I turned it off and sat for a while. Turned it back on and it had power again. We made it to the house, I towed it to KIA next day, they claim no codes went off and nothing wrong with it. Cars that lose power entering freeways without warning tells me there is something seriously wrong. No problem prior. I leased it new. It has 5000 miles. Its been at kia since mid-december 2025. I contacted corporate and they said it doesn't trigger their warranty and they are done with it. I was told to bring it back when it happens again. I wont risk my life or others with this unrepaired truck. I worry for my family and others. We could of been killed.
Engine
Filed Feb 4, 2026OR
Incident #1: Car suddenly and without warning had complete loss of power, with gas engine shutting off and only using battery power. Car was traveling at 45mph in morning traffic. Pedal was pushed to the floor, but car would only go a maximum of 20mph. Warning dash lights then appeared saying "Hybrid Malfunction/Pull Over Immediately/Turn off car". I was able to pull off road and turn off car and then turn back on. Car ran normally the 2 miles back home. Incident #2: 2 days later, while driving my kids to school the car again, suddenly and without warning had complete loss of power, with gas engine shutting off and only using battery power. Again, warning dash lights: "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely!". I did so and car ran normally back to my house (distance approx: 2.5 miles). I immediately called KIA of Beaverton and they said to have it towed right away. Once at dealer, they were unable to diagnose any issues and said that no codes showed up, but also said that the car "deleted codes". Car was in shop for 2 days and determined "car operates as designed." I picked up the car. Incident #3: 7 days later, with kids in the car, again car had complete power loss with no warning. Warning lights again told of "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely!" Pulled over (in heavy Friday rush hour traffic) and turned off car. Turned on again, but this time car drove for less than a quarter mile before complete power loss happened again with all warning lights. This time we took video of the ca
Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2026WA
Was driving home from work, and suddenly all the indicator lights came on on the dash, (check engine, warring lights, indicator that the battery was critically low, etc etc.) the car notified me to safely pull off the road. I pulled off the road in limp mode, the engine would not engage when pedal was pressed, and then lost power. I was stuck in the middle of the lane on a side road in park. I turned the car off, then turned it back on and let it idle for a bit thinking it may be the battery (which is new). After several minutes drove it home and have not had any other issues. I researched this issue on the internet and there were reported similar problems exactly like this. Note. I put it on a reader at home and it did not show any codes.
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2026MN
While driving, have had the engine of my 25 Sorento Hybrid stop working. An emergency notice comes on the screen (see photo) stating to pull over safely. The hybrid system error message has come on 4-5 times in the last month. The vehicle will not drive more than 15-20 miles per hour and has virtually no acceleration making it very dangerous to drive in or around high speed/traffic areas. Took it to a local Kia dealership where I was told nothing was wrong and their only guess was that it was related to the battery and cold weather. The same messaged/incident has happened 2x since bringing it into the dealership. With the most recent being 1/22/26. Problem first arose on 1/9/26. There are dozens of reports of this in online threads over the past few months with Kia hybrid engines
Engine
Filed Jan 7, 2026MN
My wife first drove the vehicle and started noticing intense fumes entering the cabin which required rolling down the windows. There were no alerts from the car at this time or engine lights. We checked to see if the exhaust got plugged and it was not. I later drove the car that same day and it would not accelerate when I tried to right turn onto a main road. The check engine light then popped on and loud alerting from the vehicle cause me to have to pull over and shut the vehicle off. We had it towed by the dealer and the last thing we heard was that gas and oil had leaked together and it would take 5 days to get the part to fix it.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 5, 2026WI
Will be driving when it switches to EV mode it will have no power and go into limp mode. Can't go over 30 mph. This is now the second time this has happened. Dealership tried to say it was because of temperature. Come on.
Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2025NC
Beginning at approximately 750 miles on a brand-new 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, the vehicle experienced a flashing Check Engine Light accompanied by severe shaking while driving, rough idling, loss of power, and loud engine/exhaust noise. The vehicle became difficult and unsafe to operate due to the vibration and reduced drivability. These symptoms appeared suddenly on November 22, less than three weeks after purchase. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on November 24. Their technician retrieved diagnostic codes P0300 (Random Misfire) and P0304 (Cylinder #4 Misfire) and identified a failed ignition coil on Cylinder #4. The coil was replaced, and the dealership reported the issue resolved. However, less than 24 hours later, with the vehicle still under 800 miles, the exact same symptoms reoccurred: heavy shaking while driving, vibration while idling, loss of power, and unstable engine operation. This indicates the underlying issue may be more serious than a single coil failure. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is currently back in their possession for further inspection. A loaner vehicle was issued because the vehicle was not safe to drive. The sudden shaking, engine misfire, and loss of power created a significant safety risk, especially if this failure were to occur at highway speeds or while turning across traffic. Given the extremely low mileage and recurrence immediately after repair, this may indicate a broader defect
Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 2025MI
Safety Concern – 2025 Kia Sorento Prestige Hybrid (VIN [XXX] ) Around October 13, 2025, my leased 2025 Kia Sorento Prestige Hybrid experienced a sudden and severe loss of power while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where the High Power Control Unit (HPCU), part number 36601-3DPG3, was replaced. No clear explanation of the root cause was provided. Less than a month later, on November 6, the same failure occurred again—this time in heavy highway traffic—creating a serious safety risk and increasing the chance of a collision. The vehicle is primarily driven by my wife, who regularly uses highways to transport our son. The recurring and unpredictable nature of this issue has made us feel unsafe and anxious. We are deeply concerned that another failure could lead to a serious accident or fatality. We respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this matter as a potential safety defect. Without a clear understanding of the cause, we are documenting these incidents to encourage action. It is critical that Kia resolves this issue to protect families and maintain trust in its brand. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lane Departure › Assist
Filed Aug 22, 2025CA
Myself and many other 2025 Kia Sorrento hybrid owners have complaints of the lane keep assist system, causing the vehicle to wobble back-and-forth within the lane. Causing dizziness to drivers. Sometimes wobbling so much that it could cause an accident. Here is the link to the Reddit forum where other owners have complained of the same issue: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power Train
Filed Aug 19, 2025CA
Dad, driving back with Daughter, noticed a brief and unusual delay between shifts, but was able to make it home fine. A few minutes later, Mom left for picking up Son after school. On the way there, she noticed sluggish acceleration, louder engine sounds/effort on acceleration and mild slopes, and there was a lag in acceleration response. After powering off the vehicle and sit in idle to recharge battery, restarted trip home and was unable to get acceleration response up the hills, doing only 20 MPH. Engine was struggling and not getting any acceleration response. No check engine lights were generated as usual. Dad called Service Manager at Kia Temecula and he said to call Kia Roadside Assistance to come tow the car to them. He also said that likely we'll be out of pocket to do any car rentals until they have a car to loan to us.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2025NH
Driving on highway car would suddenly lose power.it has happened 7 times. 4 times the car told you to get off road pull to sideband leave engine running to have battery recharge.after doing this sometimes it would allow you to continue.not always sometimes would continue to have no power. car has been to 2 dealerships nothing resolved yet. they tell me to wait.
Power Train
Filed Aug 4, 2025CA
While driving my 2025 Kia Sorento SX Hybrid on a normal hot day, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power. I had briefly exited the freeway to pick up my children and left the vehicle running. After re-entering the freeway, the car failed to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal to the floor. It felt stuck in first gear, with the engine revving but no response. The hybrid battery showed nearly empty, and the car would not switch properly between electric and gas modes. A warning appeared instructing me to “park the car and leave the engine on to charge the battery,” which I did. After idling for several minutes, I slowly drove—with hazards on and speed under 25 mph—to the nearest Kia dealer 1.5 miles away. This incident could have been catastrophic if it occurred while merging into traffic. The dealer has been unable to replicate the issue and is offering no fix. This was a sudden hybrid system failure with no warning lights or prior symptoms. It severely affected drivability and put my family at risk. After researching, I found that multiple other owners of 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrids have reported similar power loss incidents since May 2025, especially during warm weather. This is a serious safety issue. A car that unexpectedly loses propulsion—especially while merging or accelerating—can cause a major crash. I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect in the hybrid system and issue guidance or a recall before someone is injured or killed.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 30, 20252,000 milesSC
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The message "Check Fluids. Fluids Are Low" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart but failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that an inverter coolant component had sustained a hole from a pebble or a bug, causing the coolant leak. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,000.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 18, 2025WA
Upon collision with another vehicle, there was no deployment of any airbags. The vehicle is available for inspection. I was in a head on collision and due to the severity and deployment of the other vehicles airbags, I believe that mine should have as well. The vehicle is currently in the process of being inspected by insurance. A police report was filed for the incident. There was no prior indication of this malfunction.
Power Train
Filed Jul 17, 2025CA
When accelerating, like when turning from a driveway onto a main road, or from a stop on an incline, there is a significant delay in acceleration, as if the transmission is not moving to a higher gear, or like a turbo lag. This vehicle does not have a turbo but the effect seems similar. This could potentially cause an accident when the driver expects the car to behave as it normally would on a flat straight surface.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 7, 2025CT
On June 5, 2025, I was driving my 2025 Kia Sorento. I proceeded to get onto the highway from an on ramp. At that moment, the engine stalled. The car would not accelerate. I could not go faster than 20-25 mph. This was a huge safety risk to me, to my passengers, and to others on the highway. Eventually I exited the highway and drove home very slowly, since the car would not accelerate beyond 20-25 mph. I was pressing the gas pedal as far down as it would go. I even tried turning off the car and restarting it. The check engine light was on. The car was towed to a Kia dealer. The Kia mechanics noted that the fault log in the car's computer system noted that the stalling/failure to accelerate event did occur, but that they were unable to reproduce it, even after several attempts driving it around in various conditions. The Kia mechanics told me there was nothing they could do or fix, since they were unable to reproduce the stalling event. Then just yesterday, on July 6, 2025, the Sorento stalled again while it was being driven on the highway. I am having it towed tomorrow to the same Kia dealership to have the same mechanics look at it again. At this point, this is an extreme safety issue for anyone driving the car, in the car while it is being driven, or on the highway when the car is on the highway. Imagine if the car stalls again and another car behind us traveling at a high speed slams into us. We could potentially suffer mortal or grave physical injury.
Power Train
Filed Jun 23, 2025WI
I pulled out of my subdivision and immediately received an error check engine light warning and initially didn't think much of it. As I pressed the accelerator I noticed there was no engine power at all just electric (this is a Sorento Hybrid SX Prestige) so I immediately pulled over and turned the car off for two minutes. Upon turning it back on the engine did rengage so i decided to proceed. About a mile further the same check engine error occurred with the engine not responsive at all and only electric power available so I made a u-turn and proceed back to my house. Prior to arriving at my house another warning error appeared warning me the electric battery was dangerously low and to stop the vehicle immediately. I believe the error was a Hybrid system error with code P112000. Once again I turned the vehicle off and waited 2 minutes with the engine reengaging. I had the car towed to the dealer where it sat for 3 weeks. Their response was they couldn't reproduce the error so had no idea how to proceed to fix the issue. That is unacceptable to me since Kia programmed the car in the first place they should be very aware. I have had two cases open with Kia where they are refusing a solution and my request to buy back the vehicle. I have had another case with KBB Auto and they likewise refer to the WI state lemon law. I have clearly communicted to them that I don't feel safe driving this vehicle any longer and they need to take action for all consumers but that is falling flat.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 10, 2025TX
Battery does not stay charged. I purchased the vehicle on 24AUG24. On 08FEB25, I began having trouble with the 12V battery. The battery died and Kia Roadside was called to jumpstart. The local Kia dealership replaced the 12V and tested the system. Everything checked out ok. I picked up the car on 10FEB25. On 03MAR25, I called Kia Roadside to jumpstart the dead 12V battery, again, and took the vehicle back to the same local Kia dealership. The dealer has been unable to correct the problem even with the help of Kia Corp.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 3, 2025CA
There have been 2 incidents. First, I was going down a steep incline and used my paddles to down shift and up shift. When I entered the flat area the car lost power 25mph to 38 mph. I was unable to go any faster. This continued until I shut off car. Then it went back to normal. A few days later driving on flat streets it lost power again in the same way. I returned home shut off car and it started up as usual again. I took it to dealer and it has been with them 4 days. They were unaware of any other complaints and cannot locate the problem. I have to take grandkids to school and activities a few times a week. This is very dangerous especially on the freeway. Found similar problems on Internet.
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2025IN
Incident #1 ([XXX]) - while driving on [XXX} at 70 MPH in Sarasota I experienced and complete loss of engine power. The car coasted from 70 MPH down to 35 MPH until the EV kicked in. I was very fortunate as were the other driers not be involved in a serious accident. I reported this situation to Kia NA and was assigned this case number [XXX] Kia had the car from [XXX] until [XXX]. They told me the problem was a defective fuel rail pressure sensor . The assured us the car was fixed Incident #2 ([XXX]) [XXX] days later with four passengers in the car we experienced the exact same problem while driving on [XXX], a complete loss if engine power. Kia has the car now and assigned a case number of [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 2025MD
The front and rear passenger side windows of my 2025 Kia Sorento intermittently fail to operate. When attempting to roll them down, all that can be heard is a clicking sound, and the windows do not move. This issue occurs randomly and without warning. The malfunction poses a safety concern, as functioning windows are necessary for proper ventilation, emergency egress, and communication with others outside the vehicle, including law enforcement or toll booth operators. The issue was first reported to Kia of Bowie on December 9, 2024. However, the dealership stated they could not recreate the problem and, therefore, could not make repairs, citing that Kia would not reimburse them unless they could verify the defect. I was advised to record a video of the issue should it occur again. The problem has persisted multiple times, but due to being the driver, capturing a video was difficult. I was recently able to record the malfunction, showing both windows failing to operate with only the clicking sound audible. On February 17, 2025, I returned to the dealership with a scheduled appointment to address this issue. After waiting 2.5 hours, I was informed that they again could not recreate the issue and that my video evidence was not considered sufficient for a repair. Despite following the dealership's instructions, no resolution has been provided. Additionally, my Kia Connect system is not functioning properly, and the radio sound intermittently cuts in and out. These electrical issu
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 26, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.