2009 KIA SORENTO

3 recalls, 79 complaints - 27 TSBs

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence

An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's numb... Read more

228,829 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201... Read more

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead... Read more

Remedy

Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

980,377 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

EQUIPMENT

Defect Description

CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE... Read more

Consequence

WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.

2,398 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: CURT MFG. INC.

Complaint Statistics

79 total complaints 2 crashes 3 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	11
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)	8
POWER TRAIN	8
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	5
ENGINE	4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	4
SEATS	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL	2

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

My wife was driving the vehicle and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Every fault and every light came on including the steering tightened up like there was no power steering. Dealership has had the vehicle for almost a week and haven't heard anything. This is a brand new vehicle. Never have bo... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envista. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the contact felt a hard kick when the vehicle accelerated. The instrument cluster was blank. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently, while attempting t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2023

I was driving with my family home and my vehicle began to move from side to side in a very violent manner. When I stopped and checked my vehicle I saw that the frame where the rear suspension arm is held was completely rusted and broken, the rear tire was about to completely detach from the vehicle ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2023

The 8F35 transmission has started shuddering and jerking around 30-45 MPH. It makes accelerating on roads and highways very dangerous as the vehicle is hard to control. The shuddering and jerking is getting progressively worse. Took the vehicle in for TSB 21-2389 which reportedly addresses the is... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2024

The vehicle suddenly started performing very erratically on highway. After inspection the camshaft and lifters are very damaged and the engine is constantly misfiring. I have performed regular routine maintenance on this vehicle its whole life. There is no reason these parts should be damaged unl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 26, 2023

Did oil change. Valve cover was leaking. Put in manufacturer recommended oil. Engine chatter after oil change. Also did valve cover gaskets at said time of oil change.

Incident date: Apr 26, 2023

Headlight wiring has disintegrated and making headlight short

Incident date: Jun 1, 2022

Currently my ESC OFF warning light is lit on my dash, and while lit my vehicle has trouble accelerating from 0 to 40 mph. The warning light goes on and off at random. I have had the accelerator pedal assembly replacement in 2015 and 2019 due to the same issue. It is NOW happening again in 2022!!!.... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2022

Incident date: Jan 22, 2021

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2021

Incident date: May 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the warning message "ASC-OFF" appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle, she was able to restart the vehicle and parked in the dri... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2021

Incident date: Aug 1, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY KIA LOCATED AT 7849 MALL PKWY, STONECREST, GA 30038, (770) 288-5283, WHERE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. T... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2020

Incident date: Jun 17, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORRENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, 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... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2020

Incident date: Jan 1, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 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.... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2019

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH AND THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON SLOWING THE VEHICLE TO 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND. THIS IS HAPPENING 2-3 TIMES A DAY. VEHICLE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED EVERY TIME. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING INCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. TAKEN TO DEALER NO ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2019

Incident date: Jul 25, 2018

LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER GETTING THIS CAR, IT STARTED HAVING INTERMITTENT NO ACCELERATION! THE FIRST CODES WERE 02 SENSOR BUT IT WAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM, I ONLY DROVE THE CAR 1000 NO IN A YEAR AND I JUST HAD IT REPAIRED I THOUGHT UNDER WARRANTY WITH TRANSMISSION CODES AS WELL AS A.C. WHICH WAS FIXED,... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2018

I'VE ONLY HAD MY KIA SORENTO FOR A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS AND I WAS TRYING TO GO FORWARD WHEN MY CAR JUST STARTED GOING IN REVERSE. I HAD THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT JUST STARTED GOING IN REVERSE. I TRIED TO PUT IT IN PARK AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. SO NOW IT JUST GOING IN REVERSE IN ALL GEARS

Incident date: Jan 21, 2018

2 WEEKS AGO MY DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH ALL LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING BRAKES,AIRBAG,TIRE PRESSURE,ENGINE,SWIRVE CONTROL,DOWN HILL, TACH JUMPED UP AND DOWN AND ALSO SPEEDOMETER, LOSS OF POWER LIKE DRAG ON ENGINE. MADE IT HOME AND SHUT IT OFF AND RESTARTED 3TIMES ALL LIGHTS WENT OFF EXCEPT TIRE AND AIRBAG. DR... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2014

KIA INSTALLED FOUR PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR PADS IN MY 2009 AND A NEW AIR BAG MODULE. WHILE IT WAS ALL COVERED BY WARRANTY WORK, NOW I PAID $133.54 TO HAVE IT CHECKED AGAIN, AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY AN ESTIMATE OF $2535.34 PLUS TAX TO HAVE THE NEW SENSOR INSTALLED. I TALKED TO A MANAGER FOR KIA AND THEY... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2014

Incident date: May 12, 2016

MY 2009 KIA SORENTO,I WAS DRIVING DOWN MAIN ROAD GOING ABOUT 55 WHEN ALL SUDDEN MY POWER DROPPED TO ABOUT 20,LUCKY I WAS NOT ON INTERSTATE ARE PULLING ON TO INTERSTATE,HAD TO HAVE TOWED IN,SAID SOMETHING TO DO WITH GAS PEDAL,WELL THOUGHT WAS FIXED,NOPE,I HAVE HAD CAR FOR A YEAR AND HAS HAPPENED 3 TI... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORENTO. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND THE ESC SENSOR ILLUMINATED. PREVIOUSLY, THE ESC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TURNING A CORNER. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMP... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2010

AIR BAG IS OFF LIGHT COMES ON THE DASH FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE EVEN IF AN ADULT IS IN THE SEAT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER 2 TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THE COMPUTER JUST NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE SECOND TIME THEY SAID WE WERE NOT SITTING IN THE SEAT CORRECTLY. I TOLD HIM I W... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKES DISENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED IN A FORWARD MOTION VOLUNTARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WAS FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER W... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2016

Incident date: Aug 22, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MILEAGE DROPPED FROM 67 MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE PE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2013

Incident date: Jan 15, 2016

MY 2009 KIA SORENTO (87810 MILES) HAS HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 2014. IN SEPT 2014, WHILE WARRANTY WAS VOID DUE TO OVER 60, 000 MILES) I HAD TROUBLE WITH THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATION LIGHTS WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TURNED ON. $1,000+ DOLLARS LATER, DIMMER SWITCH, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND RHEOSTAT ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2016

Incident date: Oct 23, 2015

MY SON WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD IN TOWN WHEN THE CAR HYDROPLANED AT ABOUT 30 MPH AND HE LOST CONTROL. IT SENT HIM SLAMMING INTO A CULVERT, THEN IT BOUNCED OUT OF THE CULVERT AND RAN UP ON A RESIDENTIAL PORCH AND HIT A TREE. THE DRIVERS SIDE TOOK THE MAJORITY OF THE IMPACT. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DE... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Oct 23, 2015

THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT. I TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 6-10 FEET TURNING LEFT IN REVERSE AT MAYBE 1-2 MPH IF THAT MUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT NOR DID IT HIT ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS AIRBAG TO DEPLOY AND THE HORN TO STAY ON. WHEN AIRBAG DEPLOYED, THE STEERING WHE... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Aug 2, 2015

SHORTLY AFTER BUYING SUV IN 2009 WE EXPERIENCED "QUERKY" STUFF LIKE DOORS RELOCKING, DOME LIGHT S COMING ON, BACK HATCH UNLOCKING ALL THIS HAPPENING ON THEIR OWN!! I KEPT TELLING THE DEALERSHIP AT OIL CHANGES! THEY KEPT IGNORING IT ALL! NOV 1, 2009 KIA ELECTRIC SYSTEM SERVICE BULLETIN #282603 ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2015

Incident date: Nov 7, 2014

ALMOST A YEAR AGO, I WAS DRIVING ON THE TURNPIKE WITH A POSTED 65 MPH WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND THE ESC OFF LIGHT LIGHTS UP ON THE DASH. I STARTED LOSING ACCELERATION AND COULDN'T GO ABOVE 40 MPH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CONTACTED THE GARAGE. THEY TOLD ME TO TURN THE CAR OFF AN... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2015

PASSENGER SIDE, FRONT, AIRBAG INDICATOR WORKS ONLY SOME OF THE TIME WITH ADULT PASSENGER.

Incident date: May 12, 2015

ESC OFF SENSOR AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN STARTING VEHICLE OR WHEN IN MOTION/DRIVING. ESC OFF ILLUMINATES FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH TO 70 MPH LIGHT APPEARS AND QUICKLY LOOSES LACK OF THROTTLE ACCELERATION POWR. I'VE HAD THIS HAPPEN (10 PLUS TI... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2015

Incident date: Nov 19, 2012

I SUDDENLY LOST POWER OR CONTROL TO THE GAS. I COASTED THE CAR TO MY WORK A FEW MILES AWAY IN OSSEO, WI. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A NEARBY GARAGE, THE LOFT SERVICE CENTER IN OSSEO, WI. THEY HOOKED IT UP TO A COMPUTER AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. 10/7/14 THE SAME THING HAPPENED. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2014

FIRST NOTICED IN THE SEPT. TIME PERIOD THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVEN AFTER MY WIFE SAT DOWN, AND EVEN IF SHE TRIED SHIFTING AROUND TO ACTIVATE THE SEAT SENSOR. MY WIFE WEIGHS MORE THAN 120 LBS. ABOUT 10% OF THE TIME THE SYSTEM SENSES HER PRESENCE FROM HER FIRST SITT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2012

THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES SHIFT HARD. WHEN IT DOES THIS AND I PUT IT INTO DRIVE, THE TACH WILL GO UP AND THE ENGINE REVS, BUT THE CAR MOVES AT A SNAILS PACE. EVEN IF THE PEDAL IS TO THE FLOOR. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT THAT POINT AS I COULD NOT SAFELY MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN TO CROSS TRAFFIC. I WOULD LIK... Read more

Showing 50 of 79 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA SORENTO

27 manufacturer communications from 16 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	4
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	4
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	2
350000 EQUIPMENT	2
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS	1
105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE	1
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)	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

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLI

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

KIA: DUE TO DESIGN OF DRAIN HOLES IN VALLEY OF LAMBDA V6 ENGINES, A MISDIAGNOSE OF A POSSIBLE OIL LEAK SOURCE IN REAR MAIN SEAL OR OIL PAN, WHEN ACTUAL LEAKS COMING FROM ENGINE VALLEY,OIL FILTER HOUSING, OIL PRESSURE SWITCH, AND/OR GASKET

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ON SOME VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE IDLE IRREGULARITY WITH BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED/DEPRESSED. *PE

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ON SOME VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE IDLE IRREGULARITY WITH BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED/DEPRESSED. *PE

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

KIA MOTORS: SOME VEHICLES WITH A 3.8L ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A BUMPING SYMPTOM DURING ENGAGEMENT OF THE DAMPER CLUTCH (TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK UP CLUTCH), AND A BUCKING SYMPTOM WHEN THE DAMPER CLUTCH IS FULLY ENGAGED. *PE UPDATED 8/16/10.

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: INFORMATION RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) UPGRADE FOR CERTAIN MODELS. VEHICLES WITH 3.3L ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE A BUMPING SYMPTOM DURING ENGAGEMENT OF THE DAMPER CLUTCH (TORQUE CONVERTER LOCK UP CLUTCH), AND A BUCKI

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

KIA: LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY LABEL REQUIREMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110. PROVIDING INFORMATION FOR THE NEW REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY (LCC) WHEN CERTAIN ACCESSORIES ARE ADDED TO A COMPLETED VEHICLE PRI0

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA MOTORS: RELATING TO OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) USED IN CONSTANT VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (CVVT). IF AT ANY TIME OCV IS SUSPECTED AS A CAUSE OF ROUGH IDLING, POOR ACCELERTION, CAMSHAFT TIMING MISALIGNMENT RELATED TROUBLE CODES, MISFIRE RELATED

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

KIA: ON SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.7L ENGINES, THE ECM SOFTWARE AND TP SENSOR UPGRADE MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM RELATED DTC P2135 OR P0638 OR P2A00 OR P2A03.

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 (current)	3	79
2008	3	319	View
2007	4	224	View
2006	1	382	View
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

2009 KIA SORENTO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2009 KIA SORENTO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SORENTO

KIA SORENTO - All Years Overview

KIA SORENTO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models