What 788 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

Above the windshield on the driver's side, paint is progressively peeling away with regular operation of my pearl-white 2017 Kia Sorento. What began as a very small and barely noticeable chip in the paint has progressed to a large paint-less spot. On the hood and surrounding areas, paint chips are appearing as well. According to the auto body repair shop I received an estimate from, this is referred to as "delamination" and is a result of poor quality paint or craftsmanship in the manufacturing process. The auto body shop said this is a recurring issue in WHITE Kia Sorentos specifically. Many other owners of white Kia Sorentos have reported this same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11655450

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the instrument panel of the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento. My car - 2017 Kia Sorento. In approx. 2021, I noticed a small 2 cm crack resembling a razor blade cut on my instrument panel (Part Number: 84710-C5000WK, also 84710-C6000WK and 84710-C6001WK). At the time, I did not find this defect alarming as it was minor and located far from the airbag area. However, over time, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The small crack has now developed into three substantial cracks measuring between 6 to 8 inches, with some of them encroaching upon the airbag area. I am increasingly concerned that these cracks may impact the airbag deployment mechanism and potentially result in fragments from the panel flying out during a collision, an issue that has been documented in other vehicle brands in the past. After conducting some research, I found that this problem appears to be common among the Kia Sorento models manufactured between 2016 and 2020. Numerous sources online indicate that these dashboard cracks pose a safety hazard. I have made attempts to address this issue directly with Kia. However, I was informed that the initial inspection fee is $150, and the estimated cost for part replacement and installation is approximately $3,959. This amount is quite significant. I urge your organization to investigate this matter further and consider providing a remedy for affected customers. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

NHTSA ODI 11653730

I was t boned while driving aprox 25 30 non of my air bags deployed and to bolts holding the door had the head shear off while bolts were still stuck in door frame

NHTSA ODI 11568787

The vehicle is in immacutlate condition and when I went to wash it yesterday I noticed what appear to be a spot. When I sprayed with water the paint peeled off and I noted that it is dowing this on other spots on the bumper. I take excellent care of this car and to see paint peeling off when the car has not even done 100,000 miles is very disappointing. Only to find that Kia has had compaints and it is documented that many customers have had issues with the snow white pearl paint peeling. Why has Kia not offered to rectify the situation. the vehicle is available for inspection but it is my understanding that Kia only warranty's the paint for one year. I have sent photos to indicate how well the car has been mainatined as well as the peeling paint. The system will not allow me to upload files it skips to personal info. Photos available

NHTSA ODI 11561716

The paint on the hood of this vehicle rapidly flew off the hood while traveling on I95 creating a significant safety hazard in a moving vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11535137

Paint delamination on hood.

NHTSA ODI 11488763

Paint is peeling on hood

NHTSA ODI 11463729

The rear door handle fell off as I went to open it. This is also the side that my 5-year-old daughter sits on. If there were an accident and the door handle just fell off, it could be devestating.

NHTSA ODI 11432126

Can not open the liftgate either from the liftgate button or the emergency release lever in the liftgate. Emergency escape from rear is not possible. Broken at present. Problem started July 2021. Problem verbally confirmed with independent service manager. No prior indicator of issue.

NHTSA ODI 11429094

AUTOMATIC REAR LIFTGATE CLOSED ON MY HAND AND DID NOT RELEASE. SENSORS DID NOT ACTIVATE. CAR WAS PARKED ON A DESERTED RESIDENTIAL STREET, ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING.I COULD NOT REACH HATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR. FORTUNATELY, I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME. I HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL SERVICES AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. HAND INJURY WILL RESULT IN LIFELONG DISCOMFORT. KIA WAS NOTIFIED AS WAS MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS ADVISED TO GET A SAFETY CHECK AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC I AM ISOLATING AND AVOIDING EXPOSURES.

NHTSA ODI 11403353

WHITE SMOKE IN EXHAUST AND LOUD GRIND WHEN COLD START. PAINT IS PEELING IN THE BACK

NHTSA ODI 11397934

THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK DOOR HANDLE JUST FELL OFF.

NHTSA ODI 11373832

STEERING IS STICKY, FORCING DRIVER TO ROTATE STEERING WHEEL IN AN EXAGGERATED WAY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. DOOR HANDLE COVER ON PASSENGER REAR SIDE BROKE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11373726

MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO IMPACT; I SAW NOTHING, WITNESSES BEHIND ME SAY NOTHING HIT ME, I WASN'T UNDER AN OVERPASS, I WASN'T FOLLOWING ANYONE CLOSELY. DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 75MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11300709

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE IS SHOWN BELOW IN THE UPLOADED IMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI 11243358

I OWN A 2017 KIA SORENTO AND EXPERIENCED AN EXPLODING SUNROOF WHILE DRIVING NO MORE THAN 20 MPH ON 1/4/19. I WAS TURNING RIGHT FROM A SIDE ROAD ONTO A LARGER MAIN ROAD AND JUST STARTING TO ACCELERATE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I THOUGH MY CAR BACKFIRED. AS I LOOKED TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE CAR, I SAW PIECES OF GLASS ON THE BACK SEAT AND REALIZED THAT MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED UPWARDS THERE ARE LARGE PIECES OF GLASS ANGLED UPWARD, WITH STRESS FRACTURES ALL ALONG THE EDGES.

NHTSA ODI 11171045

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF AN AUTO BODY SHOP OVER THE WEEKEND, THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MELTED CENTER CONSOLE AND BURNT DRIVER SIDE SEAT WERE DISCOVERED BY AN AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED WIRING FAILURES WITH WINDOW, TRUNK AND CONSOLE. UPDATED 8/22/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. *JS

NHTSA ODI 11033119