Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento Models:
Kia Sorento Problems
Head Light Bulbs May Burn Out Prematurely
One or both head light bulbs may burn out prematurely requiring replacement. There have also been reports of other bulbs burning out often as well.
Noise or Vibration When AC Compressor is On
A defective AC compressor clutch assembly can cause excessive noise or vibration when the air conditioning is on. Improved parts are available. Replacing the faulty clutch assembly does not necessitate replacement of the complete AC compressor or evacuation and recharging of the air conditioning system.
Engine Misfire Due to Faulty Ignition Coil
An engine misfire may develop due to a failed ignition coil. Our technicians tell us one coil is used for each cylinder. If one fails, often times another is not far behind. It may be worth considering replacing all the coils if a failure is encountered.
Airbag Warning Light May Illuminate Erroneously
The airbag warning light may illuminate erroneously. This can be caused by and internal defect in the control module. Replacement of the airbag control module with a revised part may be necessary to correct this concern.
Revised Crankshaft Pulley Bolt
In order to correct a problem that results in difficulty starting, engine vibration, or a rattling sound from the engine compartment, Kia released an updated crankshaft pulley bolt.
Kia Sorento Recalls (Recent)
Front Passenger Airbag May Be Inadvertently Turned Off
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front passenger airbag may be incorrectly turned off when an adult is in the front passenger seat. The front passenger airbag is designed to be turned off when the front seat is unoccupied or is occupied by a child, but the occupant classification system (OCS) may not correctly classify an adult passenger and command the airbag off when it should be on. If the passenger side airbag is off when an adult passenger is in the front passenger seat, there is an increased risk of personal injury. Dealers will update the programming of the OCS control module to correct this concern. The KIA recall number is SC076A.
Learn more »Transmission Intermediate Shaft May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The right intermediate drive shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to misalignment with the transmission right side output gear. As the splines on the intermediate shaft wear, a whirring and/or whining noise may develop and eventually result in damage to the automatic transmission output gear. Severe wear of the splines could result in a loss of drive force to the wheels, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the right side output gear and intermediate shaft and replace worn parts as necessary. Alignment of the intermediate shaft will also be inspected and corrected if needed. This recall is expected to begin during May 2011. The Kia recall number is SC089.
Learn more »Brake Light Switch May Fail
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The stop lamp switch may fail, affecting many vehicle systems including the brake lights, transmission shift interlock, electronic stability control, and the cruise control. Failure of any of these systems could increase risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch to correct these issues. This recall is to begin on June 17, 2009. The Kia recall number is SC077.
Learn more »
The Vehicle May Have a Fuel Leak
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The fuel line near the fuel tank may leak due to an interference fit with the vehicle floor pan. Dealers will replace a section of the fuel line to correct the issue. The recall began on October 5, 2005. The Kia recall number is SC-052.
Learn more »Kia Sorento Questions and Answers
When fueling the tank the gas spits out immediately with enough force to splash on you and the vehiclel. It takes at least 5 minutes to fill 5 gallons. What's up with this?
What is a Transmission control Unit and how can I repair this when it malfunctions?
My dealer wanted $370 for o2 sensor replacement - said sensor part was $250. Looks like a DIY.
I looked for part[s] and I find a 15cm 4 wire for about $30. I also find 3 [?] different ones [lo...
I need to know which belt to purchase. My parking brake and battery icons are showing on my dash,and i can barely turn the steering wheel.
i checked the reading on the low side and it was 130 and blowing warm air..what would cause this
Kia Sorento Stories
there is a big prolem in the head lights and interior lights on this car i really think kia should recall these cars and fix the problem i have a 2003 sorento i love the car but i too have to change the headlights often and my interior libhts come on for no reason this is defently a production problem i would love to get a 2012 sorento but if this is what happens and kia dont want to take responablity then it wont be the car i drive when this one dies. im haveing major electrical problems now and i do believe they should fix it the engine is good i had to replace crankshaft sencor and it to is electrical RECALL
Just bought a new 2012 Kia Sorento (6 cyl engine) and I love it except: I have a whistle noise coming from the drivers side mirror. Also, it was BAD out of alignment when I drove it off the lot. Picked it up on Friday and was back in shop first thing Monday morning. Did not get problems fixed. It is back in shop as I write this for same issues.
The best SUV's we have even owned, we have an 04 and an 05 and have had to do nothing but regular maintenance. Mine, the 04 has 76K and the original spark plugs and still gets 20-22 MPG.
The 05 in still like new and has only 27K on it, if we ever do trade. it'll be for more Sorrento's.
2005 Sorento 2.5L Diesel. Bought 2H @ 20,000km to tow 2.8tonne boat. Does the job superbly. Makes a U-turn with boat trailer attached in very small space. Great. Dealer replaced steering rack early on, and centre diff. No charge. Now done 50,000km & AC has died. Completely. No lights on. No fan even. All fuses seem OK.
Not happy. Seat belt light came on recently. Now off again.
On a trip to Chicago my drive axle went out...had it fixed while I was there & same thing happened again on the way home. had the car towed to a dealer(not a Kia Dealer.. wasn't one close enough)..service Mgr. said problem was because of lack of tread between front tires & rear...warranty company agreed. Garage in IN told me to have dealer take car out of four-wheel drive & put in two- wheel..did that. Drove it back to IN to be repaired AGAIN..garage repaired...said car was missing the heat shield??? Because of that missing it melted the bushings...they made no mention of the tire issue??? I'm not quite sure what to think!