2015 Kia Sorento complaints

The contact's mother owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed three quarts of oil after driving 367 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle could be experiencing an internal oil leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact to come back after 300 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the front passenger's side seat belt pretensioner failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

I am unable to open the right rear door of my 2015 Kia Sorento from the outside. The child safety lock is engaged and thus I am unable to open that door from the inside. All other doors work correctly. This information has been confirmed by a Kia dealer service department.

The car has 106,000 miles, engine suddenly have knocking sound when started the engine then it will go away with no indicator of any issues. A week later, my wife was driving it and the knocking sound turns very loud and the car went into the limp mode and almost cause her to get into a car accident. We took the car to the Kia dealership and it was determined that the engine has a lower end rod knock due to bearing failure, the long block engine assembly needs to be replaced. I researched it and this is a commonly known issue for Kia's engine that already affected many other Kia owners.

Takes long to switch gears going up hill it’s like a delay I have to sometime switch it into manual to switch gears going uphill and even sometimes on flat ground

Car temp gauge would go up high and go back down. No check engine light when this would happen. Took to mechanic and found out the radiator and the engine head gasket needed to be replaced.

We just got my wife’s Sorento SXL back from our Kia dealership in Kennesaw Georgia Yesterday.we took it in because of a clicking sound in the engine.they kept the car for a diagnostic They said the car had low or no oil,My wife informed the service Rep.that we have all the oil changes and we’ve never ,ever drove the car without oil ! They kept the car another week We found out yesterday what it is.Metal debris in engine,rod bearing wore,oil leaking In engine ! We were told to buy a New Engine! The car has 105,000 miles on it the price on the engine was to be 14,000 dollars we can’t even trade it in because of this a get what the car actually worth ! 3.3 L V-6 Kia engines Also check CarComplaints web.Starting in Jan.2023

Paint peeling rapidly on each side of windshield.

Paint started peeling off

The engine quit/shut down while traveling at 65mph on freeway. We replace engine, now 50,000 miles later we are replacing the connector rod bearings.

Paint peeling/rapid delamination (bubbling) on 2015 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl color) on FRONT PASSENGER PILAR AND CENTER ROOF. Great condition, 109,000 easy miles. Large chunk of paint came off today 10/31. Cost - estimate 10/2023 $5000. Why is this allowed? Obviously Kia has errors in the painting process - too many people with same complaint - seems only for Snow White Pearl. These cars are not worth it.

The low beam headlights are very dim even after replacing bulbs. Have replaced 2 sets in less than a year. Not sure if issues are related but I have seen multiple people have posted about dim headlights on this model

Paint peeling/rapid delamination on 2015 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl color) on both passenger side front and passenger side rear doors. Prior rapid delamination on "A" pillar of both passenger and driver sides and center roof (repaired 2021, out of pocket cost $2000). Rapid delamination began approximately October, 2022, 105,000 miles on vehicle; increasingly becoming worse.

On 8/19/23 driving cross country moving from MN to AZ. Heard a clunk and my engine went into limp mode. Called nearest Kia Dealership and advised not to drive. 8/21/23 had to have car towed 100 miles to Kia Dealership in Cheyenne, WY. Rented car from Avis to get to AZ in time for closing on new home. Car inspected at dealership and confirmed a new engine was necessary. To date, car is still in WY.

Engine is smoking , but is not showing over heating on gauge. just had oil changed on Thursday 9-28-23 by NTB, It has happened 3 times before oil change and once since(today),

The paint is delamanating and flaking cause value to drop daily. A 2015 should not have this issue, Toyota recalled for the same issues. It start with a very small spot and has incresed daily in size and new spots are appearing daily.

The paint on this vehicle is aggressively peeling and I was told by a local Kia dealership to submit a complaint as it is a common problem with the snow white colored Kia Sorrento in this year. There is nothing I can do to stop the paint from continuing to peel, and it has continued to get worse over time.

Without vehicle warning lights, I was driving on a highway and my engine began making loud noises. My safety was put at risk as my car did not indicate any warning there were any vehicle issues and I was on a major highway which could have potentially not only affected my safety but the safety of others.

Engine failed and started knocking on 8/29/2023. Had it towed to dealership where it has been sitting ever since. I am being told that its taking 8+ weeks to get approval on a new engine from KIA due to the defects of their engines. They will not supply a loaner or rental car until (IF) the engine replacement is approved.

Paint is peeling. Snow White pearl

Pearl white paint is peeling off on both sides of windshield and hood. Air bag light stays on.

Without warning, engine stalled while in motion. Electrical system was still functioning and on. Loss of power steering and power brakes. This continued to happen at random times during driving, putting all passengers at risk. Kia dealership looked in to the problem and diagnosed it as a faulty PCM/ECM module and replaced. Rolling engine stall continued and continues to happen at intermittent times. We are now 6 months in to the process of trying to determine the issue. The car has been taken back to Kia dealership for inspection. The problem has been reproduced by another auto repair shop but they are unwilling to work on it since there is no check engine light or corresponding code to work from.

On Thurs 8/24/23 approx.5/5:30 I was driving home on highway 290 and my Kai Sorento 2015 just quit. No warning of any kind it just quit. I had no steering so had to hang on tightly to the wheel. It was rush hour and I was on a highway doing speed limit of 55. How I and anyone behind me was not in a serious serious accident is unbelievable. The car would not start again and has not started since. Had to be towed home. Since it is the weekend I haven't been able to have it towed to a shop. This is a very serious problem to have nothing wrong and no warning at all and your vehicle just quits in the middle of rush hour doing 55mph. I can't believe there is no recall abt this issue. Looking on the internet I am not the only one that has had this very dangerous problem. The vehicle is available for inspection. Posted 8/26/23

Unknow

The paint just above my windshield at the center is bubbled up and stater peeling and is now rusting. It is also peeling on my drivers door just above the window. The paint color is Pearl White

It is abusive to American consumers that Kia Motors America knowingly sold several Kia models from 2011-2019 with the Theta ii engine issues. They have not done enough as a car company to support the needs of customers that are affected by this problem. They are taking 2-3 months to diagnose and repair failed engines at dealerships. Additionally, they are not doing enough to help people when they don't have access to their car. I was forced for 2.5 months to have no car without a loaner vehicle offered to me. I experienced a Kia Sorento 2015 engine failure on 6/1/2023 and was not fully repaired until 8/18/2023. During that entire timeframe, I had to file a BBB report at 60 days to get an update on the diagnosis for my car. When I went to pick up my car on 8/19/2023 at Cochran Robinson Kia, they lost the key to my car and acted like it was no big deal. I am sick and tired of Kia Motors America being allowed to continue selling faulty vehicles in our country. They need to be shut down and charged to the full extent of the law as a car company.

Engine blew

Driving at night on an unlit rural road with the high beam lights engaged, a car was coming in the opposite direction, at which point the headlights were switched to low-beams to not impact the visibility of that driver. The headlights and lighting of the cluster turned completely off for a few moments before the low-beam headlights re-engaged and remained on for the remainder of the trip. The headlights throughout the trip were turned on by having the auto function engaged. This has happened a few times before, but the possibility of having reduced/no vision while driving prompted taking it to a mechanic to be checked out. The issue has not been replicated by a mechanic, and to date has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No warning signs had been present before this and other instances where the lights cut out as headlights are switched from high to low beams or vice versa. The vehicle has also been experiencing a battery drain that has yet to be identified. This has occurred within the last month, and two batteries have been drained within a month.

The engine of this vehicle has always rattled on start-up, but the sound goes away after a few seconds. Oil levels have always been maintained and the oil has been changed on a regular basis at the scheduled mileage intervals. Within the last month, the engine rattle is present when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, at approximately 30-40 mph. The engine rattle is coupled with a revving sound that would indicate that the engine is working hard to accelerate, yet the RPMs remain relatively low for the amount of sound made by the engine. To date this has not posed a safety risk, but I consider it to a potential safety issue if the engine failure problems present in other Kias of similar years are also present in this year and generation of Sorentos with V6 engines such as this vehicle. The engine issue is currently being inspected by a mechanic to see if they can replicate the issue and identify a specific problem. No inspections have been performed to date by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No engine lights or warning signs were present before this started occurring.

The engine was inspected for a possible timing chain rattle/issue and was found to be consuming oil. The oil level was low with no obvious leaks from the engine, meaning that the engine has been burning oil for about 4 months since the last oil change at the very least. The oil consumption could cause engine to wear and fail during operation, causing obvious safety issues for this model, as is the case for other Kia models affected by a class action settlement. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or other individuals. There were no warnings of low oil levels prior to being informed of this oil consumption issue.

August 11,2023 My 2015 Kia Sorento engine light came on, it started bogging down, and rattling noise came from the engine, when plugged in it was diagnosed as the exhaust crank shaft position timing-over-advanced (Bank 1) Code P0014. I had a hard time keeping the engine running it kept wanting to stall out while driving down the road to safely make it home. I'm lucky to have made it home and not stranded out on the highway. I'm told know the engine has failed. I will need rods replaced; I've had all my recalls done but yet this still has happened to me. I thought 1 of the recalls was for this very reason yet it still happened, how is this possible. As I've read through other people's issues, I'm also at 85,000 miles and had no warning that my engine would be shot. If you have a Kia 2015 Sorento sell it or trade it in now, especially if your mileage is hitting 80,000 mileages.

Right rear passenger door handle. It is made of plastic and crumbled in my hand as i attempted to open the door to remove my 3 yr old great grandson. I had the child safety lock engaged, so when I tried to crawl across back seat to open that door from the inside I was unable to. I undid car seat buckles and pulled him across back seat, out opposite door. This occurred Mid June 2023. I ordered new handle, had installed by neighbor end of June 2023 and the new one has now started to come apart August 2 2023. I didn't have inspected as a neighbor shared she's had to replace her handles 3 times, it seems to be a common issue. Concerned for safety, have to keep child safety lock on for great grandson and if he or anyone needing to make emergency/quick exit unable to so. I don't want anyone to get trapped in car in our extreme Phoenix heat. My opposite rear door is not fully functionable as the window requlator has broken and the window is inoperable and I don't want to disassemble till the new one is available/affordable so I wouldn't be without the airbag plug attached.

Driving 45mph on busy street and engine stopped working- locked up. No codes, no warning lights, etc… Coasted to an advanced auto parts store, hooked up scanner- no codes. My Mechanic and Kia both said there is oil in the engine, but it’s locked up. No help from Kia on this issue even though there are similar issues/complaints on this engine problem.

Snow white pearl paint is chipping on the front end. Started on driver side front quarter panel now its on hood and front bumper. This is so irritating!!!! I can't even wash my car without something chipping!!! The cost to repaint those areas is around $5500.00. Kia really needs to get this issue fixed. They are about to loose a cash paying customer if not.

RE: Kia Engine Failure I have a 2015 Kia Sorento that has approximately 86,600 miles. My engine failed on July 5, 2023. I did receive the Recall No. 18V907000 and tried to contact Kia numerous times when I received the notice to get my software updated; however, I was unable to speak with anybody from the service department and had left numerous messages to no avail. Shortly after the recall, I had a heart attack and needed time to recuperate. Then Covid hit, my doctor advised me to quit my part-time job and stay quarantined due to my high risk of contacting Covid due to being a diabetic, having a recent heart attack and other medical ailments. I have been disabled for 12 years and have other medical issues that I'm dealing with. Recently on July 4, 2023, when I was driving my car, my engine started making a knocking sound. It made a loud noise and felt like it was stuck in gear. I took it into my mechanic the next day who confirmed that my engine was going out. The check engine light never went on. The next day when I drove it to the market, the car completely went out. I have been trying to get in touch with Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach, CA. and Kia of Irvine, as well as contacting a lot of phone numbers regarding the Kia lawsuit, but nobody answers the calls or returns your messages. You can be on hold for hours. I had an appointment this morning to get recall updates on my car, which I scheduled several weeks ago before my engine failure. I called the service departme

The paint peeling on my PEARL WHITE Kia sorento

My engine went into limp mode on the road wile my daughter was in traffic. After she was finally able to get the car to the side of the road. I had the Sorrento towed to my local mechanic. The mechanic informed me the engine had an internal engine failure.The car had 125,000 miles I have always done my oil changes at 5000 miles with synthetic oil. Spoke with Kia they said I would have to a Kia Dealership mechanic diagnostic. The Kia dealership said the engine had an internal engine failure. They said it is some type internal failure but have not said what is failed.

I own a 2015 Kia Sorento that the peeling is rapidly peeling off ( or what the body shops call Delamination ) . My paint began peeling in a tiny spot I thought was a chip from a rock but rapidly began peeling all over .

The car completely stalled out. Engine Light on.

After hearing a knocking or rubbing sound when turning left or right, I made an appointment to have my 2015 Kia Sorento checked and also to have it inspected. The auto repair shop was in the middle of road-testing the vehicle when it suddenly began running poorly and the SES light turned on. The vehicle started to misfire and was unable to accelerate past 30 - 35 MPH. Upon inspection the car was found to be very low on oil, although there had been no prior alert nor was it time for the routine oil change. Vehicle also shut down unexpectedly on road, putting driver and other vehicles in danger.

Going on vacation with elderly disabled mother and family. Exited off highway stopped and car just shut off with lots of traffic behind me and coming. After several attempts to start vehicle it started and was really loud. Pulled out and coasted to a place I could safely pull over. Checked the oil, belts, and for leaks and no check engine light or other warnings. With no other real options, I drove with flashers on and coasted to our hotel with minimal power and the engine compartment sounding like it was coming apart. Grinding popping and knocking. Still no check engine light. Once stopped at the hotel, the car cut off in the parking lot and had a weird fumes/burning smell. With it being a holiday I had to find a shop and wait until they were back open to see if they would take my car. There were no KIA dealerships in my area. I called and had the vehicle towed to the shop. They say it needs a new engine. The car is still out of state which is going to cost hundreds just to get the car back home and not to mention the 8000-10000 in engine repair. Also we were lucky it didn't catch fire with the fumes/burning smell or be involved in a wreck due to the car just shutting off with no warnings at all.

Unknown

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brakes and the steering wheel seized inadvertently, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she attempted to roll up the windows, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light, ABS warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a Triple A certified mechanic, where the battery and the alternator were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sunroof failed to open or close unless the sunroof switch was depressed several times. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Car turned off while stopped at red light. Would not restart. Had to be towed. Diagnostic report engine seized. Confirmed by Rick Case Kia service center. There was no warning or or warning lights. We were stopped due to a red light, but if no red light, car would have stopped while driving in rush hour traffic on a busy road. Even stopped, could have been rear-ended.

Steering wheel locks up while driving almost causing collisions with other vehicles. This has been a major issue in the sorento, especially since the horn doesn’t work either. Everything in the steering wheel doesn’t function.

As I was driving my grandchildren I heard a banging sound in the engine. I checked for warning lights, and none were showing. I drove the car to a reputable mechanic who after listening to the sound told me that driving the car was not safe. I had the car towed to the KIA Service Department in Anderson, SC. to have a KIA mechanic assess the engine. My biggest concern is that NO warning lights came on. I shudder to think what might have happened if I had been in the middle lane of an Interstate with my grandchildren when the engine failed. KIA said the engine is not under warranty; which is true. However, with the warning lights NOT coming on I believe replacement of an engine should be considered. We have been loyal KIA patrons but at this point I am not comfortable purchasing another KIA. Currently the dealership says it will 8 -9 week before the engine could be replaced. According to the mechanic we spoke to they only replace two engines a day which means we are without a car and having to rent one on our own.

The contact's stepson owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his stepson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the vehicle was not covered under warranty nor recall. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The drive train or engine suddenly locked up while driving down the road at 35mph causing the vehicle to violently decelerate and the wheels to lose traction and skid. The failure only lasted maybe a second before car resumed driving as usual. I was not accelerating or breaking at the time and had been driving as normal for 10min prior. The vehicle only has 86,000 miles and all service was completed as scheduled. Prior to the incident, there had been some engine knocking when starting up and a few days earlier, the check engine light had come on. We immediately contacted the dealership when the engine light activated and made an appointment to have it checked out. We were advised that as long as the check engine light was not blinking, we could safely use the vehicle for short trips. Prior to the above incident, we had made two trips with the engine light activated, both under 5mi. We dropped the car at the dealership on Monday for evaluation the first available time slot they had. Today we were advised that we needed a new engine and were fully responsible for the costs. The issue has not been diagnosed as they claim they have to tear down the engine to determine the cause, a cost we are responsible for and cannot afford. Our 7 year old son was in the car at the time and our safety was certainly put at risk. We were fortunate this happened in town and not at highway speeds where I could have lost control of the vehicle or been rear ended by another driver.

I had an oil change and then went on a road trip, The trip consisted of two days driving and 1300 miles driven. the engine sounded different so I checked the oil and it did not register on the dipstick. Since then I have been checking the oil once a week and have noticed is will be low. The oil can be a quart to a quart and a half low after just 500 miles.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be restarted and was undriveable. The contact stated she was almost rear-ended twice before Police arrived on the scene to help. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that upon speaking with the dealer, she was advised to have the vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be disassembled to determine if the failure was due to a manufacturing failure. The contact was informed that if the failure was not due to a manufacturing failure, there would be an out-of-pocket cost for repair and reassembly. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Purchased it 7 months ago, haven't put many miles on it and the motor is completely bad, sitting at a kia shop. It broke down on me in the middle of the road and wouldn't shift into gear.