2006 KIA SORENTO

1 recalls, 382 complaints - 31 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE TH... Read more

Consequence

ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.

139,844 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION

Complaint Statistics

382 total complaints 18 crashes 8 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	67
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	52
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	49
STEERING	33
POWER TRAIN	27
AIR BAGS	18
SERVICE BRAKES	16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	9
SUSPENSION	9

Incident date: Dec 8, 2018

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle would move, but shortly afterwards the vehicle would lose motive power and stall. The contact stated that after restarting the v... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2020

When fueling I am unable to put the fuel hose in all the way and lock in place. I have to hold the fuel hose and pump very slowly. If I pump too fast the fuel will not go in tank. I was told it’s the ball in the fuel tank that is screwed up. I was also told there was a recall but I never received... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle with the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger's side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to illuminate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V130000 (Exterior Lighting) and associated the recall with the failure. The contact contacted an ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2022

The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an unknown person alerted the contact that her vehicle had caught fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. Police and fire department reports were... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 29, 2022

My vehicle was sitting for 4 hours and suddenly caught on fire…drivers side.

Fire

Incident date: Jun 22, 2021

The contact owned a 2006 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 15 - 20 mph, the steering wheel seized and the brakes failed when depressed which caused the vehicle to fall over a 25 ft. cliff and flip 3 times after hitting the ground. All of the air bags failed to deploy. The contact... Read more

Crash Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 2, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND RATTLE BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER STERLING KIA LOCATED AT 125 S. CITY PARKWAY, LAFAYETTE LA 70503 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CRANK BOLT... Read more

Incident date: Sep 10, 2020

REAR END RUSTED TO WERE IT COULD OF CALLED A WRECK THIS IS UNSAFE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE KIA RECALL THESE AT ONCE THERE ARE GOING THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THIS THIS JUST ABOUT CAUSED MY WIFE TO WRECK IT IS THE FEDERAL PLACE TO RECALL THESE AT ONCE

Incident date: Jun 10, 2020

SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM VEHICLE AROUND THE FILLER NECK

Incident date: Feb 8, 2019

THE HEAD LIGHT KEEP BURNING OUT THE RADIO AND THE CLOCK LIGHT KEEP FLICKING AND DRAING THE BATTERY WHILE DRIVING

Incident date: Dec 1, 2019

RECENTLY PURCHASED 2006 KIA SORENTO..RECALL #SC077 THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTEROIR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND FUSES..PLEASE HELP

Incident date: Dec 1, 2019

RECENTLY PURCHASED 2006 KIA SORENTO..RECALL #SC077 THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTEROIR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND FUSES..PLEASE HELP

Incident date: Dec 1, 2019

RECENTLY PURCHASED 2006 KIA SORENTO..RECALL #SC077 THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTEROIR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING I REPLACED ALL BULBS AND FUSES..PLEASE HELP

Incident date: May 1, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE F... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CRANKSHAFT FRACTURED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO COMMUNITY KIA (4221 EAST FWY, BAYTOWN, TX 77521, 832-612-3807). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2019

Incident date: May 10, 2019

HELLO, I PURCHASED A CAR FROM GEORGE TAYLOR AKA MICHEAL BOOKER. WHEN I BROUGHT. THE CAR TO TGE MECHANIC HE SAID THAT THE AXCEL STRUTS AND HUBS WERE GLUED TOGTEHER AND IT WAS MELTING I CALLED MR BOOKER TO LET HIM KNOW TO PLEASE GIVE ME MY MINEY BACK HE REFUSED TO. HE SAID HE WOULD GET IT FIXED IF I P... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2019

Incident date: Jun 12, 2018

THE REAR MOUNT ARM BRACKETS RUSTED IN HALF ON BOTH SIDE OF THE REAR AXLE.CAUSING MYSELF TO ALMOST WRECK.I HAVE HUGE RECORDS FOR MAINTENANCE AND UP KEEP ON THIS VEHICLE THAT WITH ALL THE MONEY I HAD THAT I KEPT THIS VEHICLE WELL TAKING CARE OF AND ONLY VAN BE LEAD TO A DESIGN FLAW THE THE MANUFACTURI... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE BATTERY AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFA... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OFF, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTA... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 22, 2018

TAKARA RECALL I WAS IS A WREAK AND GOT HIT ON THE DRIVER FRONT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND NONE OF MY AIR BAGS WENT OFF. I WAS TURNING ON THE THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH AND THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS GOING ABOUT 60 MPH.

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: May 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN KIA OF MIDDLETOWN (4961 ROUTE 17M, NEW HAMPTON, NY 10958) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 1, 2016

WHEN I AM FILLING MY GAS TANK WITH GAS, THE GAS SPITS BACK OUT AT ME. THE ENGINE IS OFF WHEN I'M FILLING MY GAS TANK AND THE CAR IS STATIONARY.

Incident date: Nov 3, 2017

I WAS DRIVING HEADED TO GET ON THE HI-WAY, HEARD A NOISE AND A WHINE AND THEN MY CAR BEGAN TO RUN BAD. SHAKING AND LIKE NO POWER STEERING OR SOMETHING. AS I WAS TRYING TO STOP AND PULL OVER THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND. I AM BEING TOLD 2 THINGS. BUT THEY ALL COME DOWN TO A BOLT THAT IS SAID TO HAVE C... Read more

Incident date: Nov 3, 2017

Incident date: Feb 23, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE, CHECK ENGINE, AND BATTERY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPEN... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2017

HEAD LIGHTS BLOW OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO AND IT HAPPENS AT ALL TIME DRIVING DAY AND NIGHT WHEN DRIVING AND PARKED

Incident date: Oct 5, 2017

HEAD LIGHTS BLOW OUT EVERY COUPLE MONTHS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO AND IT HAPPENS AT ALL TIME DRIVING DAY AND NIGHT WHEN DRIVING AND PARKED

Incident date: Aug 22, 2017

PARKED THE CAR ONE NIGHT, NEXT MORNING ONLY CLICKS, CLICKING COMING FROM FUSE BOX TOO. NEW BATTERY, BATTERY AND BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON, CAR DIES AFTER SPUTTERING. THIS IS A NEW $5,000 ENGINE WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES DUE TO A CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BREAK RUINING THE ORIGINAL ONE. NOW, IT WON'T CRANK, OBDII R... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2017

Incident date: May 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A PASSING MOTORIST THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 10, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD BANG AND FELT AN IMPACT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER NOTICED A PIECE OF METAL HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2016

CONSTANT STRONG RAW GAS ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE AND NEAR EXTERIOR REAR OF VEHICLE WHILE IGNITION OFF AND AFTER IGNITION ENGAGED. NO EXTERIOR LEAKS PRESENT. POOR GAS MILEAGE.

Incident date: Feb 13, 2017

WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A CLUNK. SOON AFTER MY VEHICLE DEVELOPED A VIBRATION WHILE ACCELERATING/BRAKING. I FIGURED IT WAS SNOW IN THE WHEEL WHEELS CAUSING THE IMBALANCE. AFTER WASHING MY CAR AND ENSURING ALL THE SNOW WAS REMOVED, I STILL FELT VIBRATIONS WHILE BRAKING/ACCELERATING. I FIGURED MAYBE MY B... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2016

AS I SLOWED FROM ABOUT 20MPH TO MAKE A STOP ON APPROACH AT A CROWDED INTERSECTION, MY CAR SUDDENLY BECAME POSSESSED; WHILE I WAS GENTLY BRAKING/DECELERATING, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED TO FULL POWER ON ITS OWN AND LURCHED FORWARD TOWARD THE CARS WAITING AT THE RED LIGHT! I MASHED THE BRAKE PEDAL T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 20, 2016

BOUGHT CAR STARTED HAVING AN OVER HEATING PROBLEM. COMPRESSION TEST CAME BACK WITH COMPLETE PASS NOTHING ABNORMAL. CAR WAS NOT STARTING WITHOUT A JUMP SO BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY FOR IT EVERYTHING SEEMED COMPLETELY FINE. DROVE A TOTAL OF MAYBE TEN MILES TO ACE HARDWARE TO GET SOME SUPPLIES AND CAR STAR... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2016

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP BACK IN 2013.IT HAD 53000 MILES ON IT I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO USE IT DUE TO WHEN THE ISSUES DEVELOPED. WITHIN THREE MONTHS I HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE THEN DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND THE FRONT AND REAR... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2016

Incident date: Jul 1, 2016

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME. I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET NEED A TOW TRUCK SO I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THE DIAGNOSE WAS CRANK SHIFT SENSOR $700.00. ABOUT 3 YRS LATER DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY LOST ALL POWER LIGHT CAME ON GUIDE OF THE FREEWAY I TOOK... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2016

OUR 2006 KIA SORENTO ALL THE SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY IN CITY HIGHWAY, STARTED SOUNDING LIKE IT KEPT TRYING TO TURN OVER AND WE PULLED OVER. WE NOTICED IT STARTED SMELLING HOT BUT WOULDN'T TURN OFF SO MY HUSBAND TRIED TAKING OFF THE BATTERY BUT COULDN'T BECAUSE IT WAS SO HOT IT BURNED HIM... Read more

Incident date: Sep 19, 2016

Incident date: Dec 23, 2015

OVERHEATED ON HIGHWAY WOULDNT RUN NEVEMBER 2015 12/23/2015 $3,687.71 ENGINE REPLACEMENT 03/30/2016-05/23/2016 JEFF SMITH AUTO MULTI PT. INSPECTION REPLACE COILS WIRES PLUGS TIMING CRANK AND CAM SENSORS CLEAN TANK AND REPLACE FUEL PUMP $2,995 AND CAR STILL HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE LOCATION IT SITS A... Read more

Incident date: Dec 23, 2015

Incident date: Apr 15, 2016

MY 2006 KIA SORENTO HAS HAD A FEW PROBLEMS THAT I FEAR MAY BE VERY DANGEROUS. A FEW MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS SPEEDING UP ON ITS OWN. AS I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY ON AN S CURVE THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED. THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT STARTED BACK UP AND I... Read more

Showing 50 of 382 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2006 KIA SORENTO

31 manufacturer communications from 17 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER	2
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	2
350000 EQUIPMENT	2
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	2
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT	1

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

PITSTOP: UNUSUAL FUEL TRIM VALUES AND/OR MISFIRE CODES AFTER INCORRECT ENGINE REPAIR - THIS OUTLINES THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IF AFTER AN ENGINE REPAIR YOU ENCOUNTER A COMPLAINT RELATING TO MIL ON (DTC P)#)X) WITH A MISFIRE DURING ACCELERATI

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

KIA: THERE MAY BE ERRATIC SHIFTING, SHIFT SHOCK, AND A MALFUNCTION LIGHT ON WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. THIS IS CAUSED BY A PROBLEM WITHIN THE TRANSFER MOTOR. *RM

092300 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL FILTER

KIA: FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REMINDER. THE AIR FILTER CAN ACCUMULATE DIRT OVER TIME AND NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. *RM

071110 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

KIA: FUEL TANK AIR FILTER REMINDER. THE AIR FILTER CAN ACCUMULATE DIRT OVER TIME AND NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: INTERMITTENT MIL ON WITH NO FAULT CODE STORED; INFORMATION ABOUT DTC P1330. PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO CERTAIN VEHICLES. IN AFFECTED VEHICLES AN INTERMITTENT SHORT TO GROUND IN A CIRCUIT ONLY INTENDED FOR TESTING PURPOSES MAY C

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: ECM UPGRADE WITH TP SENSOR REPLACEMENT-MIL ON WITH DTC P2135/P0638. INFORMATION RELATED TO ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

KIA: HEAD LIGHT BULB LIFE CONCERN. THERE MAY BE CONCERNS OF SHORT HEADLAMP BULB LIFE IN VEHICLES. A NEW RESISTIVE WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE LOW BEAM BULBS. *PE

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

KIA: HEAD LIGHT BULB LIFE CONCERN. THERE MAY BE CONCERNS OF SHORT HEADLAMP BULB LIFE IN VEHICLES. A NEW RESISTIVE WIRE HARNESS HAS BEEN INTRODUCED TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE LOW BEAM BULBS. *PE

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR W/ 3.5L ENGINES. *KB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE VALUE RESET/RELEARN. *KB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION SHIFT HESITATION. *KB

063110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

CRANKSHAFT BOLT TORQUE. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

POSSIBLE ABNORMAL VIBRATION/NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TORQUE AT THE REAR DRIVESHAFT RETAINING BOLTS AT THE TRANSFER CASE. *TT

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

ENHANCED DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR FOR P0446/P2422. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SORENTO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Loss of Motive Power

On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine. W... hen the investigation was opened, ODI had received 13 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) related to reports of loss of motive power. In an information request letter dated November 30, 2023, ODI requested technical information and failure data relating to the alleged defect in the subject MY 2016-2017 Kia Sorento as well as several peer vehicle populations which share the 3.3 L engine. In its February 26, 2024, response to ODI’s information request, Kia provided 2022 customer complaints (including techline and field reports) and 1738 warranty claims representing 2411 unique vehicles within the subject vehicle population. Of the customer complaints provided by Kia, they identified only 53 unique allegations of a loss of motive power resulting from the alleged defect. Kia determined that the remaining reports were minor vehicle drivability or engine performance issues. ODI reviewed the information provided by Kia, along with additional VOQs submitted to NHTSA following the opening of the investigation. When eliminating duplicative reports across the data sources, the total number of allegations of loss of motive power relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles is 77, representing an incident report rate of 59 per 100,000 vehicles. The MY 2016 Kia Sorento exhibited both the highest overall complaint rate and loss of motive power report rate across all subject and peer vehicle populations, representing an incident report rate of 102 per 100,000 vehicles. Across all data sources, there are no allegations of crashes or fires relating to the alleged defect. The one injury incident reflected in the failure summary table above is related to a consumer who was reportedly burned (minor burn requiring medical attention) while attempting to remove the coolant reservoir cap following a loss of motive power event. In their response to ODI, Kia described that if the threads of a head bolt hole in the subject engine becomes damaged, the clamping force between the cylinder head and engine block can decrease in the area of the affected head bolt. Kia’s assessment of the alleged defect is that when the failure occurs, drivers are provided with numerous warning signs prior to a potential loss of motive power event. According to Kia, potential warning signs associated with this failure include coolant leak/consumption or noticeable coolant odor, engine oil leak/consumption, engine temperature gauge rising to “H” (hot), check engine light illuminating, engine cooling fan remaining on following the engine being shut off, HVAC system not functioning properly, unusual engine noise, difficulty starting the vehicle, and smoke/condensation emitting from the engine compartment or exhaust. Through both its review of the information provided by Kia and outreach to consumers, ODI confirmed that there is reasonable detectability present in the vast majority of occurrences of the alleged defect. To mitigate the alleged defect, Kia increased the engagement depth of the head bolt threads for all subject engines, beginning in May 2017. ODI’s analysis of the failure data demonstrates that this corrective action correlates with a much lower incident report rate for engines produced following the change (8 per 100,000 vehicles for the MY 2018-2020 Kia Sorento). In December 2023, Kia launched extended warranty campaign WTY035 covering failures associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicle population through 15 years or 180,000 miles, whichever comes first. Through its investigation, ODI identified the following peer vehicle populations, which were produced prior to the corrective action and exhibit failure rates comparable to the subject vehicles: MY 2014-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2015-2016 Kia Sedona, and MY 2014-2017 Kia Cadenza equipped with the 3.3 L engine. Through discussions with ODI during the investigation, Kia decided to launch extended warranty campaign WTY039 in May 2024, which covers these peer vehicle populations through 15 years or 180,000 miles, whichever comes first. Based on analysis of the failure data indicating a low incident report rate of loss of motive power for the alleged defect, and in consideration of the warning signs which frequently occur from head gasket and/or head bolt failure in the subject engines, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2015

Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with... little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publiRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Headlight Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) based on seventy-four Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting headlight failures on model year (MY) 2011-2013 KIA Sorento vehicles.In its response to ODI's June 25, 2020, information request letter (portions of w... hich were submitted under request for confidentiality), Kia Motor America (Kia) provided design details of the headlight system showing that each headlight circuit is independently powered by the Smart Junction Box (SJB), a power control module. Kia claimed that the design minimizes the chance of both headlights failing simultaneously due to a headlight connector defect, a component located downstream of the SJB. Kia also advised that the SJB contains a safety feature designed to monitor power consumption for each headlight circuit; if excessive current is being demanded by either headlight the SJB will open the circuit (i.e., stop supplying current). Lastly Kia presented testing showing that the maximum headlight connector temperature achieved prior to the SJB opening the circuit was below the autoignition temperature of the plastic material the connector housing is made of, which Kia maintains eliminates the potential for a fire originating from an electrically overheated headlight connector. In its review of all available data, ODI determined that the majority of both VOQ and Kia customer complaints (1,339 reports in total) involved the loss or dimming of a single low beam headlight assembly caused primarily by a poor or overheated connector terminal located at the headlight. In some cases the failures were momentary in nature (i.e., flickering) with the headlights coming back on without driver intervention. A minority of VOQs and Kia complaints (the 196 Other reports) alleged simultaneous (and persistent) loss of both low beam headlights, and in most cases the driver was able to take an action (e.g., toggle the headlight switch, or use the ON rather than the AUTO setting on the headlight switch) to reinstate the low beam headlights. The high beam headlights were not seen to be affected and were available for drivers to use as alternate lighting.ODI did not identify any crashes or injuries, nor any fire incidents caused by a headlight related defect. While some VOQ and Kia reports alleged or indicated a fire occurrence, the incidents were found to involve melting or smells/odors due to thermal overheating of the plastic headlight connector housing, rather than an open flame fire.ODI notes that in April 2019, Kia initiated a 10 years/unlimited mileage warranty extension program to replace the headlight connector for MY 2011-2013 Sorento vehicles.Based on this analysis, a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time, and ODI is closing the investigation. This does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect is not present; the Agency will take further action if warranted by additional information received.The reference (ODI) numbers for the VOQs cited above are included in the downloadable version of this closing resume available at NHTSA.gov.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Panoramic Glass Sunroof Breakage

The investigation focused on spontaneous breakage (fracture) of the panoramic sunroof (sunroof) on MY 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles. The sunroof is constructed of tempered glass (often referred to as ?safety glass?), which, when broken, crumbles into granular chunks rather than splintering into jag... ged shards. The failure summary above shows NHTSA reports identified by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), and reports submitted by Kia from start of production of the subject MY 2011-2013 Kia Sorento through October 8, 2019, the date of ODI's last request for Kia data.Reports of sunroof failures typically occurred while the vehicle was in motion and often described a loud noise when the fracture occurred. If the sunshade is closed when the sunroof fractures, the particles are contained, otherwise the particles can drop into the passenger compartment.Reported injuries generally were minor in nature, such as nicks and cuts that often occurred when complainants were cleaning-up glass particles post-incident. No crash incidents have been identified, and complaints display a declining trend since 2014.During EA14-002, ODI requested and obtained failure data for the subject vehicles, the MY 2014 Sorento (which used a similar sunroof from a different supplier), and other peer Kia products (Optima and Sportage).ODI also requested and obtained failure data for peer vehicles produced by Hyundai, Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen and failure reports through a General Order NHTSA issued to 13 OEMs (including Kia) in April 2016.This produced a significant volume of data upon which ODI bases this closing. NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) also conducted testing on the subject sunroofs in an attempt to better understand potential hazards.In its responses to ODI, Kia states it has continuously monitored sunroof failure allegations throughout this investigation, and that the only consistently identified cause is external impact from foreign objects. Kia notes that the sunroof complies with the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for glazing, and that it has not identified a manufacturing defect or assembly process error despite significant investigative efforts. Kia maintains that the field data supports its conclusion that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety does not exist, citing a comparatively moderate failure rate, low injury risk posed by tempered glass, and the lack of an identified defect mechanism. Kia further notes it has received no reports of crashes due to driver distraction related to roof failure events, nor is NHTSA aware of any such reports.NHTSA's April 2016 General Order requested data on vehicles with panoramic glass sunroofs greater than 0.5 square meters in area. The response identified 97 distinct models produced over 11 model years totaling some 10 million vehicles. Over 4,000 sunroof fractures were reported (none of which alleged a crash due to driver distraction) forming a high to low frequency continuum by model.While the subject vehicles were at the high end of the spectrum, they were not the highest.Through its analysis of the information obtained to date, ODI has not identified sufficient evidence of a safety-related defect in the subject sunroof. This includes the absence of any suggestive trends by region, seasonality, date of production, or vehicle age, together with the minor nature of the alleged injuries and the lack of crash allegations in the subject or any of the peer vehicles. Accordingly, the investigation is closed. ODI will take further actions if warranted by new evidence. The reference numbers for the ODI failure reports cited above, as well as additiRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Panoramic Sunroof Breakage

On October 21, 2013 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE13-035 in order to further examine claims that the sunroof would spontaneously break on 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles.The majority of these claims occurred while the vehicle was in motion.Glass shattering while driving may distr... act the driver, and the resulting glass particles which enter the passenger compartment may injure occupants.To date, ODI has received a total of 26 reports of sunroof breakage on the subject vehicles. Of those, 24 occurred while the vehicle was in motion.There were also four (4) injury incident reports for minor cuts/scratches. Kia submitted a total of 123 field incidents related to sunroof breakage in response to ODI's information request. Of this number, ODI identified 78 unique vehicle identification numbers (VINs), with 9 matching ODI complaint vehicles.Sixty of the submitted reports occurred while the vehicle was in motion.Fourteen (14) of the submitted reports alleged minor cuts/scratches from falling glass.Kia also submitted a total of 101 warranty and goodwill claims for sunroof replacement, of which 86 unique VINs were identified.Kia stated in its response that their field inspections identified only one potential cause for the sunroof breakage - external impacts from rocks or other foreign objects encountered while the vehicle was in motion.In the other instances, no evidence of a defect was found, however, Kia's inspection results were inconclusive as to a cause for the breakage.Kia advises that the Sorento sunroofs also have a greater surface area than many other vehicles, potentially making them more susceptible to road debris strikes.While ODI recognizes that the Sorento may be more at risk due to its larger impact area, the rate of ODI reported incidents is concerning.Thus, the investigation has been upgraded toan Engineering Analysis (EA14-002) to further analyze the scope, frequency, and consequence of these failures.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10345933, 10410440, 10432904, 10453957, 10466987, 10478778, 10492886, 10502219, 10508983, 10514388, 10531972, 10534883, 10553341, 10555931, 10556212, 10562460, 10562516, 10563779, 10564555, 10567351, 10568629, 10572959, 10575487, 10583122, 10583626, 10584650Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Fuel Spill During Refueling

Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the gro... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2007

Air Bag Occupant Classification System

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

AIR BAG OCS

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETI... Read more

KIA SORENTO - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SORENTO across all model years (2003, 2026).

79 Total Recalls

14,060 Total Complaints

8 Investigations

576 Reported Crashes

486 Reported Fires

14 Reported Deaths

KIA SORENTO - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	8	View
2025	3	128	View
2024	2	57	View
2023	3	208	View
2022	6	290	View
2021	4	367	View
2020	1	191	View
2019	2	632	View
2018	3	340	View
2017	4	1,041	View
2016	8	1,635	View
2015	3	964	View
2014	6	1,379	View
2013	5	1,298	View
2012	5	1,208	View
2011	8	2,077	View
2010	2	3	View
2009	3	79	View
2008	3	319	View
2007	4	224	View
2006 (current)	1	382
2005	0	457	View
2004	0	341	View
2003	1	421	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2006 KIA SORENTO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2006 KIA SORENTO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SORENTO

KIA SORENTO - All Years Overview

KIA SORENTO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models