NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Sorento. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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.
I was driving down the road and a loud knocking started and now the car won’t move. I was told that something might be wrong with the computer protecting the engine.
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.
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.
My engine for this 2015 Kia sorento failed on 6/1/2023. This can put others at risk because Kia continues to know that their Theta ii engines can fail and have not done enough to prevent this problem. Additionally, there are not enough kia technicians available to diagnose engine failures in a timely manner. I have been waiting 3 weeks and my car has yet to be diagnosed. Kia should not be allowed to continue selling any models that have the Theta ii engines until they properly support individuals that have been affected by this problem.
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.
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
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.
While on the freeway, the engine started making a loud knocking sound and the car was losing power. No check engine light or other warning lights were illuminated. I exited, parked and later towed the car back to the Kia dealership and they said I needed a block (engine) replacement at a cost of over $10,000. I have performed all routine maintenance on this car at the dealership, so this is unacceptable. Luckily I was able to exit the freeway and was not in an accident because of this failure. My car had approximately 109,000 miles on it.
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.
After review by local body shops, the paint/primer on the body of our Kia has been flaking off. This is s known issue by Kia for multiple years with multiple examples of various Kia vehicles with various color types. This is a concern as over time the raw metal will deteriorate, rust and cause further structural issues. The problem has been reviewed both by the manufacturer as well as multiple independent body shops as mentioned above. There were no warnings on the vehicle. The paint started to show cracks and then continuously started to chip and flake off the vehicle which is continues to do today.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-55 MPH, he heard an abnormal popping sound and the vehicle spontaneously caught on fire. The contact was able to pull off the highway. The contact stated that he could see flames under the hood. The contact called 9-1-1 however, by the time the Emergency Services arrived on the scene, the fire was independently extinguished. The contact stated that the fire started in the engine compartment. The engine was previously replaced at 85,000 miles. The check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated and then disappeared on the vehicle. A Police report was filed. The Fire Department also arrived on the scene. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 155,565.
Engene damage by the problem have in the oil pump. Kia doesn't whant give warranty they say im not firs buyer. But is oficial this car has extende warranty by demant government about replacement fix engine.
Snow white pearl paint has suddenly started peeling on passenger door and around windshield
While driving at night on 2 lane highway at speed limit the engine seized as I pressed acceleration. Had to get to safe spot to pull off while just coasting as other drivers got upset so glad I didn’t get hit from behind. Had to be towed home had mechanic look at it he said engine is needing replaced. Kia knows they have a recall on engines but won’t fix unless something happens that’s dangerous! I was told when I had their knock sensor put on that would just slow the engine down before it became a danger but no that didn’t happen it literally seized at full speed limit. I called Kia said to have it towed in and they would look at it but it will take 4 weeks before they get to it. Also the paint is chipping bad on hood and above windshield on driver side I’m seeing more and more 2015 Kia Sorento with same issue all those in my town are the same spots as mine this should be a recall and repaired by Kia we spend good hard working money to have a nice vehicle and this makes it look like crap. Do better by your customers Kia!
Unknown Paint started chipping little by little and a big chunk just came off.. I'm concerned became new chips are appearing.
Our kia has problems with the camshaft sensor and when we described the issues we were having to our dealer he immediately said it was the camshaft sensor and apparently there are a lot of issues with this model with the sensor. Our car kept on stalling and when my husband was stopped at a red light yesterday the car wouldn't start and was a safety concern for him, luckily he wasn't hit from behind just made a lot of other drivers mad. I believe kia knows about this problem but hasn't acknowledged it yet. When we left it with the dealer he said parts are on backorder but you could drive the car if you want, we feel that is so unsafe and total disregard for his safety. I'm hoping someone could look into this and the total disregard of the dealership for advising us to keep driving this unsafe vehicle until they can repair it for us. The car started having issues a week ago, it wouldn't start, then it was fine until last Saturday night and the engine light came on. So when we were bringing it to the dealership to have a look at it, it stalled again at the red light. We feel this could have been a serious issue had the other vehicles behind is not stopped and hit us while in the car. Also the repair mechanic automatically knew the issue so obviously it's not the first car in there with this problem
Kia doesn't whant fix my kia sorento . Say i m not firt owner. The extended cover that . the Kia engine recall extended warranty? The warranty has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles for engine long block assembly repairs due to connecting rod bearing damage. As previously mentioned, the warranty only kicks in once the knock sensor software update has been completed.Jan 19, 2023 https://www.fixdapp.com › kia-engi... Kia Engine Warranty Extension - FIXD
The car's paint has been peeling off. I purchased the vehicle when it had 49,000 on it in 2020. A few months later i noticed some chipping on the hood and above the front window. I called Kia and they said there was no recall. More and more paint had chipped and today i was at the dealership for service no paint chip on my door and when i got home a big chunk of paint was missing. I did not notice it before leaving the dealership because my door was open for me to sit in. The paint is snow white pearl. The 2014 sorento was recalled for this and the paint on the 2015 is chipping in the same areas. It is evident that something is clearly wrong with this paint. I have seen other kia sorentos in my area with the snow white paint and they also had paint chipping in the same areas. Please help. I love my vehicle but this is making my Kia look horrible.
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.
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)
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained awaiting diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
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.
The headlights on this vehicle you can’t even tell they are on after dark even after kia of Cape Coral florida tried adjusting them it’s so bad I ended up installing a light bar on there just to be able to drive this after dark if I get in a accident because of this who is liable I just think there should be a repair they should have to do
I was driving down the freeway and my engine seized and I lost power to the engine. My safety was put at risk because I was on a busy freeway and it happened on a bridge and I had nowhere to go. Someone could have rear ended me very easily. My car is available for inspection at the dealer now, who says it needs a complete engine replacement. Prior to the engine failing there were no lights on my dashboard. After the engine failed all the lights were on.
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
It’s burning oil engine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, he heard an abnormal rattling sound before the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then depressed the accelerator pedal with much more force and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that nearly all the engine oil had been consumed. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the Failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin Number: 222 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Engine seized while I was driving
The low beam headlights on the 2015 Kia Sorento has made it very difficult in viewing the road at night. It is hard to visualize objects within short distance. The socket to install the headlight bulbs point more to the ground instead of outwards. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
UNKNOWN My issue is PAINT DELAMINATION. I own a 2015 KIA Sorento, color is PEARL WHITE. I understand that this type of factory paint defect is not uncommon with a 2015 KIA Sorento, especially with the color being pearl white. Here is a description and timeline of my paint delamination: Sept 2022, I noticed a relatively small paint chip (1" x 4" long) on the drivers side pillar. Very unusual but I didn't overthink this paint peeling scar. Feb 2023, on the same pillar, the delamination enlarged to 4" x 10" and I became fully aware of this factory defect. A few weeks later, Feb 2023, I noticed paint had chipped off and peeled off the roof , located directly above the windshield. Now I'm considering a visit to my KIA dealership, in West Covina, to show them my car. I'm totally confused and worried about the paint condition of my car. In late March 2023, I noticed a small paint chip on the passenger side pillar. I touched it gently and the paint delamination in this area did what it does. It easily peeled off with the slightest touch. Now, I'm convinced that I need to discuss this factory defect with KIA. A week later, April 2023, while washing my car the water pressure from my garden hose literally peeled off enormous amounts of paint from the defected areas. In fact, some paint chipping started on the hood. I also noticed paint blisters and bubbles on the side doors. Those blisters will soon peel off with wind or water. I will download pictures of the delamination infested car. This is undoubtedly a factory defect issue. Any car company that values their product and their reputation would own (admit) the obvious facts regarding the paint defect issues and recall the Sorentos (Pearl White). Honor and product integrity is a basic characteristic for a major automobile company like KIA. My Dad is a KIA owner, myself and my grandson are KIA Sorento owners. I trust that my complaint will not fall on deaf ears.
2015 Kia Sorento LX has large pieces of paint chipping off from the driver and passenger side pillars (between front and side windows). It started as a few small areas, but now when it rains large pieces of paint blow off and stick to the drivers side & passenger side window while I'm driving. I've seen many other Kia's with the same Snow White Pearl color which have the same area of paint chipped. Is this an issue which is covered by Kia since it is so common? I have a new spot starting to chip on the passenger side door (added to the attached pics). This started about a year ago with a few small chips, but the pieces that come off now are getting larger. We had a full week of rain last week and I can see many large areas which are ready to come off and will do so next time I drive, esp in the rain. If the hood starts chipping and large paint chips were to blow on my front window during the rain that could be a big issue.
Engine suddenly stalled while driving, causing unsafe conditions as we could not maneuver out of traffic safely. Car has approx 70,000 miles on the engine, and has had all regular oil changes on time. When the engine started to shake the oil/engine light flashed and we pulled over as quickly as possible. When I checked, there was zero oil in the car. We had never seen evidence of an oil leak and the previous oil change was approx 3,500 miles ago. I called Kia and they said my car was not covered by their warranty or recall. I had it towed to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the engine was blown and irreparable.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Paint is peeling.
2015 Kia Sorento - Airbag light came on. Mechanic diagnosed as a faulty clock spring assembly. Checked Carfax for recalls and nothing came up with his error code, however, there IS a recall for 2011-2015 Sorento Airbag Clock Spring Assembly. The same repair, but not coming up for my VIN #. Cost of repair is $$$$ out of pocket.
2015 Kia Sorento with Snow White Pearl Paint is just peeling off of car in various areas. This is a manufacturer defect and should be repainted by Kia or reimbursed for a repaint. Several other complaints regarding this same paint color. I have filed a couple complaints to Kia who states that its out of warranty. The warranty should be extended as this is a defect. Your paint should not just peel off while you are driving down the road.
I went to have the recalled item fixed for the engine failure. However Kia informed me that an issue must be heard before they can fix the issue. Around 3 months went by and I had my oil changed. I went out of town and when I came back my car started to make a tapping noise. I had someone check my oil and it showed I needed over 3 quarts. I took my car back to the oil place and they said they didn't know what happened. Did another oil change and added more oil. The next day my engine was knocking. I took it to kia and they told me I needed to replace the engine. However now they will nor release the car due to an issue with it blowing up. I'm with out a vehicle and about to loose my job due to issues getting back and forth from work.
Lights are very dim, had to put in a brighter lightbulb. All of the sudden today the radio FM/AM Satellite and blue tooth stopped working. 12/22/22 - Driving home the lights stopped working and I was driving in the dark with no lights.
Hi my vehicle is very dangerous and unsafe when driving at night. I can't see at all when I drive at night. The factory headlight bulbs has not burn out but they was so dim. I replaced them with new ones and still could not see. I WANT AND GOT THE BRIGHTESS headlight bulb for my car and still are dim. I clean the headlight and still did not fix the problem. I drive at night with my high beams on and i still can barley see I and thousands of others have the same problem with a kia sorento and ask the dealership for help and nothing hibings nothing was done I'm afraid to drive my car when the sun goes down I cannot see at all I can't even see when I have my bright lights on I looked online and I see there's thousands of people complaining about this issue and nothing has been done. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR at night I am a single parent kia is putting my life my family and others in danger because they don't want to fix the problem but they know they have one but don't care please help me and others kia sorento is a very popular car and the more on the road with dim headlights the more people or at risk
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contacted stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal failed to function as needed and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the electric power steering (EPS) warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the VIN was included in an engine class action lawsuit. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at a storage lot. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
On Thanksgiving day, the vehicle loss POWER while driving on the highway to Anniston Alabama, endangering the lives of myself and my four children. NO WARNING LIGHTS. I was giving it gas and it would not go. I was able to get some good Samaritans to push it off the road into an empty parking lot. It would not restart, it started SMOKING, would not take a jump start. Left it over night, came back the next day, had to jump start it but it was now making a TICKING NOISE. STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS ever came on the day of the incident or after. Had it towed to a Repair Shop and was told the Engine NEEDED REPLACEMENT. Had it towed back to Georgia, had another mechanic look at it and was told it was the engine also. Finally had it towed to Kia Moters in Athens GA, and was unable to get recalls fixed because the engine is bad and was told it's not part of the recall. The car is available to be inspected.Had no warning of failing engine prior to this.
The low beam headlights are VERY dim when driving at night. Very hard to see unless high beams are activated. Even replaced bulbs with LED's. Helped some, but not much.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over immediately. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
My friend was driving my car this am and an unknown driver ran the stop sign on a side street off from Stuyvesant and hit my vehicle my friend proceeded to get out my vehicle to exchange ins with the other driver as she declined my friend tried contacting me numberous times by FaceTime and phone when I finally answered the FaceTime she snapped a picture of the back of her vehicle as she was proceeding to leave I told my friend I will contact the police department to do a report because we have her license plate number and car as well
I was told to submit a claim with you all by others facing the same issue with paint. I have had this car for nearly 3 years and am missing more and more paint every day. It’s missing on the hood as long as driver pillar. Kia told me there’s nothing they can do. I see Kia’s like mine all the time with the same issue.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal flapping noise, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then towed to Monroeville Kia (3721 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
I have had nothing but problems out of this car since I purchased it. I purchased it used from Chevy and within a week I was in a rental car due to issues. Now after only having the car for 3 years still making payments, after having the oil changed within a month the engine showed no oil when I took it back to the shop with complaints of a engine knock. They replaced the oil however within 4 days the car could not be moved. Why is it my car is doing everything in the case action lawsuit yet I don't qualify for the engine replacement. Now they refuse to give me my car back due to this recall, it's been at kia since last November. Without anything being done with it. I have cancer and can't hardly get to my appointments. This is the worst car I could own someone please tell me what to do. Start a new class action law suit. You should have to honor your cars if they are still being paid for from a dealership.
Engine had adequate oil 2 days prior to complete engine failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. In terms of safety, the driver was suddenly stranded on the highway. While driving we experienced loud noises from the engine. Upon inspection, the dip stick showed no oil. We added required oil before starting the engine but soon after starting and driving the engine seized. There were no apparent leaks and no warning lamps. The mechanic confirmed seized engine due to the lack of oil.