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.
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.
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.
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.
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 »Electrical Fire in Front or Rear Door
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front and/or rear doors have special wiring to control certain lighting functions. Electrical connections in these wire harnesses are soldered to help ensure a solid connection. These vehicles are being recalled because the solder joints in these lighting harnesses may not have been manufactured to the proper specification and when the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short circuit may occur that can result in an electrical fire. Dealers will replace the necessary parts to address this concern.
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 »
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 Reviews
Have a 2007 Kia Sorento, shortly after the 5 tear 60000 mile warrenty was up the rear Differential went out, Kia wont honer the 10 yr 100000 mile power train warrenty because I;m the second owner.
After going round and round with Kia and the local Dealer Courtesy Kia altoona, CROOKS I bought a new diff. online from an honest dealer in Kansas, had it shipped, had a local mechanic install it and was still 30% under what the local dealer wanted for the PART.
Now I have a chain rattle noise in the engine, and developing a knock, every mechanic that has looked at it says UNLOAD it. No one locally even wants to work on it and after the Diff. issues with Coutesy Kia, and their outrageous price to even look at it, I guess its time to dump it befor the transmition goes.
***Hot MAMA***
When I am driving the interior of my car is getting really hot The heating and a/c element are both turned off and the fan as well. I don't smell or see smoke while driving. There are not warning light displaying on the dash. Is it possible for something under the hood to be blowing the hot air into the interior of the car?
I do get regular maintance done and the dealership has not noted any problems in this area.
Bought my '05 EX new on 1/2/2006. Currently, it has 97K miles on the odometer.....One thing I've noticed in a majority of these ratings is electrical issues. I only have a few to report on. Like many of you mentioned, light bulb scenarios. One of headlights seems to have a "vapor lock" problem. There's no certain time of year, etc. But, it'll get condensation for a month, few months. Another words, it's sporadic. When I was going through the varying light bulb issues. All of them seem to go, especially in the 1st few years I of owning it. Ironically, the headlight mentioned prior wasn't any more or less burning out bulbs, condensation or not. The only ones never replaced are the fog lights. However, I only use them during adverse weather situations. So, they don't get the hour usage the other ones do....The other item was bizarre from time of incident until being repaired and corrected. About 2 years in have the Sorento, it would discharge the battery at any given time. On the 3rd visit to the dealership. I was told there was a "notice" about the Sorento model. It was under full warranty (luckily) when it was repaired. I saw on the repair invoice it would have been almost $1000 to fix it. They did fix it, but the way I was even told about this "notice", I thought was a sh*tty deal. Basically, unless you report/repair it 3 or more times, you wouldn't even know about it. There's no doubt something like that should have been a "recall" scenario. But, it was like it was a "Kia dealership or Kia America wasn't going to utter a word, until you brought it in so many times". However, it was fully repaired, and no trouble since.
I bought this 2008 Kia Sorento new and never had any problems with it. However; the check engine light recently came on. I had a friend put a computer on it and it showed that the oxygen sensors were bad. I took it to a local Kia repair shop and they had the car for 8 days. They told me that the oxygen sensors were ok. My problem was the fuel line which they said was breaking down because of the ethenol in the gas and replaced the fuel line. This was under warranty. The check engine light came back on as soon as I drove out of the Kia dealer. I took it back and they couldn't find anything wrong. This time they told me I was buying bad gas and they put an additive in the gas. As soon as I drove out of the shop, you guessed it, the check engine light came back on. I've been using this same gas for 18 years and never had this problem before. I don't know what to do next. If anyone out there has any suggestions please e-mail me.
I've owned my 2005 sorento 3.5L for 5 years, and only until this past week I've had zero issues with it. the emissions system check engine light came on...after checking it I got the trouble code P0441. Turns out it was a faulty purge solenoid....easy fix. i have 200,000km on the motor, and its still going strong. it just goes to show you that if you actually take care of your vehicle, and do your scheduled maintenance....it wont break down. i love my Kia Sorento and will never buy any other 4x4 ever again. i have put that vehicle through some pretty hair raising situations ie: half submerged in water, and mud, extreme angled up hill climbs, rocks, ruts, snow etc. and it NEVER got stuck, or couldn't make it up the hill. the only thing that i don't care for is the odd brake light bulb that burns out from time to time. minor issue.