Kia Sorento Common Problems

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Kia Sorento frequently report transmission-related issues, with many describing symptoms such as gear shifting hesitation, loss of power, and transmission slipping. Complaints often mention the vehicle failing to accelerate properly, experiencing jerking motions, and struggling to maintain speed, particularly during acceleration. These issues are noted at various mileage points, but several reports highlight occurrences around 45,000 to 60,000 miles. Some owners indicate safety concerns, including instances where the vehicle suddenly loses power or stalls, potentially leading to dangerous situations in traffic. Buyers considering a used 2021 Kia Sorento should be aware of these transmission problems, as they may require costly repairs or replacements.

ENGINE

Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and oil leaks, often linked to a faulty oil pressure sensor. These problems typically manifest as the oil pressure warning light illuminating, noticeable oil loss, and in some cases, significant oil leakage visible on the ground. Complaints suggest these issues commonly appear between 56,000 to 132,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of engine stalling, loss of power, and engine failure, sometimes requiring full engine replacement. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of engine fires, with five incidents involving fire and one injury noted, emphasizing the potential risk to occupants and surrounding traffic.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 5 fire, 1 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report that the 2018 Kia Sorento frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, with some describing usage as high as one quart every 400 miles. Common symptoms include engine knocking, loss of power, and illuminated check engine lights, with several complaints noting that oil or engine warning lights fail to activate even when oil levels are dangerously low. These issues often occur around 85,000 to 115,000 miles, with some engines failing completely, leading to stalling or the vehicle becoming inoperable. Safety implications include sudden engine failure while driving, posing risks of power loss without warning. Prospective buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they may indicate potential for costly repairs or engine replacement.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the infotainment system in the 2019 Kia Sorento, including glitching and restarting while driving, which disrupts the use of hands-free calls and GPS. Many describe these issues occurring primarily during highway driving. Complaints also highlight electrical system malfunctions that result in total power loss, with some incidents leading to crashes or fires, and in one case, a fire originating from the rear of the vehicle after a battery replacement. These problems often appear after several months of ownership, and in some instances, at mileage as low as 15,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from the infotainment issues and the risk of vehicle fires or power loss while driving.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 7 fire, 2 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the vehicle's paint, specifically the Snow White Pearl color, which tends to peel significantly from various parts of the car, including the hood, roof, and doors. Many complaints also highlight problems with excessive oil consumption, where the oil level drops rapidly without warning lights, necessitating frequent checks. Additionally, there are reports of fuel odors and leaks from the fuel pump pressure hose, posing potential safety risks. Some complaints involve serious incidents, including fires, one of which resulted in a total vehicle loss, and a crash caused by paint peeling off and obstructing the driver's view. These issues are reported across varying mileage ranges, with some occurring under 100,000 miles.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 3 fire, 5 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the transmission and powertrain of the 2022 Kia Sorento, notably involving loss of power, failure to accelerate, and gear shifting problems. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle stalling, jerking, or failing to move despite pressing the accelerator, often accompanied by warning lights or error messages. These problems typically emerge at varying mileages, with some noted as early as 25,000 miles and others over 90,000 miles. Safety risks are highlighted by reports of vehicles stalling on highways or intersections, with one incident involving a crash. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the associated safety implications.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and transmission malfunctions. Common symptoms include the oil indicator light illuminating at idle, rapid oil depletion without warning, and engine rattling or stalling, often occurring around 70,000 to 113,000 miles. Transmission problems are described as hesitations, stumbling, and failure to shift properly, with some reports of burnt transmission fluid and the need for transmission replacement. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe loss of power, vehicle stalling, and difficulty accelerating, posing risks of accidents in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may require costly repairs and impact vehicle reliability.

ENGINE

Owners report that the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, often requiring additional oil between changes, with some vehicles consuming up to 2 quarts per 1,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention engine misfires, especially in cylinders, and a decrease in acceleration performance, sometimes accompanied by check engine lights. These issues typically emerge around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with many reports indicating the need for engine replacement. Safety implications include two reports of fires and one crash, as well as instances of vehicles entering limp mode or complete engine failure. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine issues and the associated maintenance challenges.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 2 injury reports