What 746 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was heavy, it was raining and getting dark. I needed to push my car off the road with the help of another driver. A Hyannis ambulance was a few cars behind me and the EMT's also assisted with the traffic and moving my vehicle out of the road. I called AAA and had my car towed. I was told in writing by the Kia dealership that the engine needed to be replaced. I was told verbally by Kia that it was a rod knock issue. When I asked how it was diagnosed with rod knock she said the mechanic put something down in the engine and said its rod knock. I requested through Kia corporate that the car be inspected for the WTY039 extended warranty and corporate said they would reach out to the dealer and ask that it be checked. I have not received any further communication from the dealership or Kia corporate. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was an issue because the car stopped so suddenly in heavy traffic. I was not able to slowly decelerate or steer to the side of the road. I felt like a sitting duck. We were extremely lucky that we were not hit from behind at 35 mph resulting in injury to us and to the drivers behind us. Prior to this event there were no warning lights that had come on and no strange noises from the car. They first appeared when it stopped in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11726057

I was driving on the highway when I proceeded to the turn lane to turn left crossing two lanes of traffic and the vehicle just shut down no warning whatsoever no check engine lights no oil lights nothing and it wouldn’t turn back on when trying it but after about 5 times it turned on and I was able to get it off the highway but couldn’t go any further as the vehicle was making a loud noise and the car was shaking

NHTSA ODI 11720469

My vehicle has a slow speed pick up and I’m getting code p0018 and has very rough idling !

NHTSA ODI 11698466

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shifted into park(P), the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while at the drive-thru picking up lunch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 109,200.

NHTSA ODI 11694849

Engine died in the middle of the right of way suddenly and would not restart. Knocking sound ensued when restart was attempted. Within the previous 48 hours, the engine had been topped off with 2 quarts of oil. The dealership it was towed to to assess the issue confirmed they added an additional 3 quarts of oil during the assessment. They confirmed the engine would need to be replaced. Mileage at the time of incident was 68K. Kia corporate confirmed they would not replace the engine since there are 4 owners on the vehicle history, and the warranty expired at 60K miles as a result.

NHTSA ODI 11652193

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000.

NHTSA ODI 11579810

The 4 wheel drive and all wheel. During the first snow I went to use it because I live on the top of a large hill it I had no traction at all I was all over the road and had a terrible time getting out of the way of another car. My Husband had to tow me up the hill into the driveway. It had worked last winter and I had no warning it wasn't working. I took my car to the KIA dealership they confirmed it is the 4 wheel and all wheel drive and I could have it fixed for $2,262.15 and then they would guarantee the parts for the life of the car. Only inspected by the dealership. The warning light did not come on till after I tried to use it during the snow storm. I already know there is a service bulletin on this issue and don't think that it is fair I pay for there issue and they will guarantee it after.

NHTSA ODI 11579452

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

NHTSA ODI 11556605

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.

NHTSA ODI 11538259

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.

NHTSA ODI 11529245

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.

NHTSA ODI 11528411

Transmission failed, unable to shift vehicle gears. Vehicle repaired by Certified Manufacturer's dealer. Unknown if part available for further inspection. No lamps or warnings prior to vehicle failure.

NHTSA ODI 11520036

Hello my name is [XXX] . Approximately [XXX] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [XXX] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was located in Meridian Mississippi. Upon my arrival I was told by Service department manager Monty that my 2015 Kia Sorento had engine and transmission recalls. However since this date I have continued to have issues with the ABS transmission system and engine. I took my car back to Kia dealership in Meridian Mississippi and was told that they were no longer responsible for the recall issues. I paid out over a thousand dollars again on approximately February 9th, 2022 for repair work that should have been covered by warranty... only to have the same issues to reoccur this year. I have grown infuriated with this service department at this Meridian Mississippi Kia dealership!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11516072

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the engine, the vehicle started experiencing several engine failures. The transmission also slipped while in 6th gear. Additionally, the engine was consuming coolant. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11515594

I only had it 2 weeks and I was driving it and it mad a loud noise you couldn’t give it no gas and it shut off so we’re trying to start it. It sounded like a rod rattling in the engine. And I just had a new oil change, and when I reject all it was black as dirt. I don’t understand because I just got the car never made a first car payment yet that was very unsafe. I had to pay for 2 different tows that’s not right I was in New Jersey and I live in Kernersville nc and had to pay someone 900 to get back home

NHTSA ODI 11508254

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while trying to shift the vehicle out of the park(P), the vehicle failed to shift as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that an unknown lamp switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 84,209.

NHTSA ODI 11490170

Airbag lights remain on regardless of what’s in the passenger seat. Engine smells like burning metal when driven longer than 15minutes. Ticking noises when the steering wheel is turned. Acceleration issues Vehicle lags when initially starting after being off for hours. Mechanics have looked at them KIA dealership WONT assist.

NHTSA ODI 11480113

My vehicle was stuck in park. I noted that module 2 fuse was blown. I replaced the fuse and smelled smoke. I took my Sorento in to the local KIA dealership for diagnosis. It was determined by a technician that the headlight level sensor and harness pigtail were both significantly melted. It was suggested by the tech to remove the level sensor and that has created a safety issue with the headlights pointing significantly low. The level sensor or headlight leveling system and harness connection are a potential fire hazard and if the component fails, this creates an additional unsafe driving condition with the headlights aiming low.

NHTSA ODI 11455888

Upon accelerating causes a lot of exhaust smoke and bogs down so I can’t get out of the way and others behind me cannot see a thing. Two Kia dealerships refused assistance. The first after I called 12/3 to report that my vehicle issue made additional hazard involving a semi (thank goodness no one wreaked) and it was still smoking and smelled as if something was burning. The other telling me it would be six months at least. The warning dashboard lights did not trigger during or after incidents. The only light that came on ever was the oil light the prior weekend. I had the oil changed, filters replaced as well as the headlights for the third time. Around 44k miles when issues started and escalated quickly. Other problems reported to Arapaho Kia a few years ago consisted of back passenger door not latching. Someone flagged me down on the highway as I had my daughter in her car seat on that side. No warning lights triggered, dealership unable to duplicate issue. Steering control keys controlling opposite functions or not working intermittently. Was told steering control harness needed replacement. Think that was at 18k miles but not sure. Did not have replaced at that time as it mainly affected radio functions hands free calling did stop working. I usually didn’t make calls in the car anyway. I was left with no other choice but to trade the vehicle in before something really bad happened or it self destructed leaving me without out a car still paying on. I could not be without a car for six months as Peak Kia quoted timeframe. Untimely fixing of recall on vehicle likely manifesting these other issues and causing additional damage to vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11443507

UNKNOWN. Excessive shaking, engine light started to blink and car shut off.

NHTSA ODI 11439304

Car jerks into 1st gear when stopping at a light and accelerating. Car gets stuck in 4th gear and will not accelerate until it reaches 4th gear speeds. Very dangerous to be trying to get up to highway speeds and car not wanting to accelerate beyond 10-20mph. Car is not safe to drive. Took to a Kia dealership and they said they couldn't replicate. I told them to drive the car more and they were able to replicate, however no check engine light has appeared so Kia dealership is telling me they can't do anything. They told me to keep driving it and bring it in if it gets worse. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle anywhere. Car has 67,000 miles on it and I am the second owner since 10,000 miles. I have done all maintenance that is required/needed all at the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11431162

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated from the time the vehicle was purchased, it would make an abnormal popping sound when started and while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times and the dealer diagnosed that the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced, and advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the warranty had expired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Streetsboro (835 Classic Dr, Streetsboro, OH 44241) who diagnosed that the transmission and the steering wheel had failed. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the dealer informed the contact that they were not aware of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN did not exist. A case was opened and closed. The approximate failure mileage was 300. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11429561

I NOTICED MY 2015 KIA SORRENTO WAS IDLING VERY HARD. THIS STOPPED MOMENTARILY AND THEN BEGAN AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THE VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE AND I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. UPON INSPECTING THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK BUT LITTLE TO NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ROUTINELY OIL CHANGED AND MAINTAINED.

NHTSA ODI 11403146

THE CAR SEIZES, AND JERKS, LIKE A MISSFIRE. IT SCARES ME.

NHTSA ODI 11366242

CAR LOST ACCELERATION POWER HEARD LOUD SOUND AND CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY TRANSMISSION WAS CHANGED DUE TO A FAULTY TRANSMISSION AT DEALERSHIP COST, AND NOW TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED WHILE MERGING ONTO THE I-210 WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT HIGHWAY AND PARK IT. WILL HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP ASAP HOPING THEY WILL REPAIR DRIVETRAIN OR REPLACE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11361928