133 of the
367 complaints about the 2021 KIA Sorento are about the
transmission — 36% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
63,750 miles.
D
133
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Power Train
13198.5%
Automatic Transmission
21.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain across every KIA Sorento year
I own a 2021 Kia Sorento 2.5L Turbo AWD with approximately 150,000 miles. In the evening, while driving home after dinner with my daughter in the vehicle, I was traveling in the area of [XXX] and [XXX] when the vehicle displayed a “STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY” warning. The vehicle unexpectedly slowed down/appeared to brake on its own while I was driving. There was no check-engine light at that time and the warning did not remain on, so I did not initially know what caused the incident. Approximately two weeks later, the vehicle developed delayed shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. RPM increased from about 2,000 to 3,000 before the next gear engaged. Switching from ECO to Comfort mode initially seemed to help, but later that day the problem worsened even in Comfort mode and also began occurring from 2nd to 3rd gear. The check-engine light then came on. O'Reilly Auto Parts scanned the vehicle and reported codes P0868/P086800 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low) and P193B79 (High Pressure Electric Oil Pump Performance). Kia has not yet diagnosed the current problem, and the vehicle is available for inspection. Kia checked my VIN for recalls sometime in 2025 and advised there was no open recall. I am aware of Kia Safety Recall SC250/NHTSA Recall 22V-760 involving the 8-speed DCT electric oil pump on certain 2021-2022 Sorento vehicles. I am concerned because my vehicle experienced the “STOP SAFELY IMMEDIATELY” warning and unexpected slowing and now has worsening transmission symptoms and related diagnostic codes. I am concerned the vehicle could unexpectedly lose drive power while being driven. I request NHTSA review whether my vehicle's condition may be related to the existing safety defect and whether additional vehicles should be investigated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
POWER TRAIN
On XXX im driving my 2021 Kia Sorento sx it stalled while driving in the mist of traffic engine light comes on and I had my car towed contacted Kia of Bowie they are giving me a hassle contacted them because this is a safety issue from the beginning I have mentioned gas smell coming from the oil dipstick now the car has say and the gas has evaperated and they are saying no gas smell contacted corporate and Istill have no results. This is a serious issue and I am being mishandled and treated as if this is not a severe safety hazard and needs to be addressed by Kia I am asking for assistance PLEASE IN SERIOUS SAFETY MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11760268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
POWER TRAIN
Car stalled July 14th car has been at Kia of Bowie and they are stalling g me and dont want to do the sarter recal and are asking me for $550 for a diagnostic that I should not pay for do to this safety recall ive been telling them from the start that there was a very strong gas smell coming from theoil dipstick and they have been avoiding it till yesterday now the gas has evaperated and they are asking g me to pay $550 for the leak down test.
NHTSA complaint #11760301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburndale, FL
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2021 Kia SorentoCurrent Mileage: Over 100,000 miles (Original Owner) Description of Safety Defect & Failed Recall Remedy: Background: This vehicle is equipped with the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and has suffered from severe slipping, jerking, and hesitation since delivery (at 5 miles). In 2023, the vehicle received the software update remedy under Kia Safety Recall SC250 (NHTSA Campaign 22V760) for the defective electric oil pump circuit board. The Failure: The 2023 software patch failed to resolve the underlying physical safety defect. An independent technician recently diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed a permanent, un-clearable fault code for a completely failed electric transmission oil pump—the exact physical component failure targeted by safety recall SC250. This defect causes an immediate risk of a sudden loss of motive power. The Dealership Violation: The vehicle was dropped off at Greenway Kia West Orlando on Monday, August 17, 2026. The dealership held the car for over a week, logging it under a separate fuel pump recall to stall. On August 25, 2026, the dealership formally denied safety recall coverage and issued a $7,000 out-of-pocket quote to replace the transmission, claiming the vehicle is no longer covered because it is past the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Federal Mandate Violation: Under federal law, safety recalls do not have mileage caps. The manufacturer's remedy failed to permanently correct a documented safety hazard, and the dealership is actively attempting to shift a multi-thousand-dollar safety recall replacement cost onto the consumer.
NHTSA complaint #11759535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Galesville, WI
POWER TRAIN
The transmission pump on my transmission just went out randomly last week. The power in my car went into limp mode and the car won't drive properly now. The car was being driven at the time this happened, and my husband had to pull over, as the car wouldn't work. I had this looked at by an auto body shop and they diagnosed it with this, which is to be found that there is a recall on my specific year and model of car for this issue as well. For about a month prior, we had noticed a few "stutters" when driving the car. After I hit 100k miles on the car, it was doing it almost daily.
NHTSA complaint #11757876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesBaton Rouge, LA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift gear as intended, and the RPM was extremely elevated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact pulled over, and the message "Possible Condition with the Transmission Control System Detected - Press SOS for Roadside Assistance" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baton Rouge, LA
POWER TRAIN
On August 15, 2026, while operating my 2021 Kia Sorento, the transmission warning light came on and the vehicle displayed the following warning on the infotainment screen: “A possible condition with your Transmission Control System has been detected. Please press the SOS button on the rear view mirror or roof console for Roadside Assistance.” At the time of the malfunction, my vehicle would not properly switch gears. The transmission appeared to become stuck and would not shift as expected. This created a serious safety concern because I could not rely on the vehicle to change gears or respond normally while driving. The component/system that appears to have malfunctioned is the transmission and/or Transmission Control System/Transmission Control Module (TCM). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem first occurred on August 15, 2026. Prior to this occurrence, I had not received this specific transmission control system warning. When the problem occurred, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle displayed the transmission control system diagnostic message described above. As of the filing of this complaint, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed by a Kia dealership or independent repair facility. I have photographs documenting the warning message that appeared on the vehicle's display. I am concerned about the safety of continuing to operate this vehicle because an unexpected inability of the transmission to shift gears could cause a loss of acceleration, an inability to maintain appropriate speed, or an inability to safely maneuver the vehicle in traffic. I am also requesting that NHTSA review whether this failure is related to any existing recalls, investigations, technical service campaigns, or known transmission/Transmission Control Module issues affecting the 2021 Kia Sorento, including vehicles equipped with the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11757165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeville, DE
POWER TRAIN
My car will randomly go into limp mode and I am unable to accelerate. The auto stop/start light will flash orange on the dashboard. I need to pull over and restart car and it seems to reset. I see there is a recall for a 2021 KIA Sorrento but I don't think it affected my vehicle even though the issue is exactly the same. Recall #22V6000. It happened once a few months ago then didn't reoccur until about two weeks ago and it has happened three times since. It is scary because I am afraid to cross traffic in fear that the car won't move fast enough
NHTSA complaint #11756015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cartersville, GA
POWER TRAIN
"The vehicle has twice suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds (approx. 70 MPH) on the interstate, forcing the driver to coast across active traffic to the shoulder without engine pull. The engine revs freely in 'Drive' but the transmission fails to engage any gears. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes are triggered during or after the failure. The failure resets temporarily only after cycling the ignition key off and on.The vehicle previously had Safety Recall SC250 (8-speed Electric Oil Pump) performed by an authorized dealer, but the software flash completely failed to prevent this catastrophic hydraulic/electronic failure mode or provide the federally mandated dashboard warning countdown. The vehicle is entirely unsafe to drive,
NHTSA complaint #11752940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, GA
POWER TRAIN
Recall 22V-760 was performed, but the remedy failed, the exact same safety code has returned, and the manufacturer is refusing to replace the failed hardware component.
NHTSA complaint #11752489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Accord, NY
POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento, which has suffered a transmission failure. The transmission slips, shifts harshly, hesitates during acceleration, loses power unexpectedly, and has become unsafe to drive. This defect has put my safety and the safety of others at risk. On several occasions the vehicle failed to respond properly when accelerating, including while entering highways and driving in traffic. The hesitation and sudden loss of power created fear and anxiety because I could not trust the vehicle to operate as expected. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a repair facility, and the symptoms are consistent with a transmission torque converter clutch failure. I also contacted Kia and provided the vehicle information. Kia informed me that they would not repair the vehicle because it has exceeded 100,000 miles and that the recall or warranty extension had expired. However, my vehicle is experiencing the same transmission-related symptoms reported by many other Kia owners.I never received any recall notification because I purchased the vehicle from a dealership as the second owner. Had I been properly notified, I would have taken the vehicle in for inspection much earlier or would never have purchased the dangerous vehicle in the first place. It is extremely frustrating and costly to be denied assistance solely because of mileage when the failure appears to be related to a known transmission defect.Before the failure, the check engine light illuminated and then went away even though the issue did not. Prior to that warning, the vehicle had already shown delayed shifting, slipping, hesitation, rough gear changes, and loss of power, which became progressively worse. I reported this to Kia on a previous service visit to Romeo Kia in Lake Katrine, NY and was told they did not find anything wrong. This situation has caused significant emotional stress and anxiety. I am requesting a full review and a fair resolution from kia. Thank
NHTSA complaint #11751825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbine, GA
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of motive power while driving due to a failure of the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission's (DCT) high-pressure electric oil pump causing loss of shifting and dropping to lower gears at a very high rpm and slowing the car almost instantly creating a hazard for a crash with following vehicles. This vehicle was previously serviced under Kia Safety Recall Campaign SC250 (NHTSA ID: 22V-760). However, the initial recall remedy failed to permanently resolve the underlying defect. Despite the recall work being marked as completed, the transmission component has failed again.
NHTSA complaint #11751596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millbrook, AL
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle suddenly lost power when in drive or reverse but will idle fine in park or neutral.
NHTSA complaint #11750122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
POWER TRAIN
Car losing power
NHTSA complaint #11746909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesNorwood, MA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive, the vehicle jerked and unexpectedly accelerated while driving 55 MPH and was dragging. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by the dealer for a transmission failure, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pflugerville, TX
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is suffering from a chronic, cascading powertrain and fuel management defect that has resulted in a critical safety hazard: sudden engine stalling. Over the last 17,000 miles, the vehicle has experienced three severe engine/emissions failures that the manufacturer has been unable to permanently resolve. At approximately 30,000 miles (on 29-Jun-2025), the engine suffered a severe Cylinder 3 misfire (Code P0303). At approximately 39,000 miles (on 02-Jan-2026), the unresolved fuel issue caused a failure of the Catalytic Converter (Code P0420) and an Evaporative Emission System leak (Code P0456). At 47,000 miles (Current Event), the fuel delivery system failed completely. The engine began running excessively rich (Code P2178), causing the engine idle to drop dangerously low (Code P0506). This defect caused the vehicle to suddenly stall out, resulting in a complete loss of motive power and leaving me stranded. Because the manufacturer's authorized repair facilities have only addressed the symptoms rather than the root cause of the fuel system failure, the vehicle repeatedly loses power and stalls without warning. This poses a severe safety risk to myself and other motorists, especially when operating the vehicle in traffic or at highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11743204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, FL
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle lost power and accelerated quickly yet unpredictably, and the check engine light came on. A local shop told me it was "an old code" for the transmission and that if it does that again to take it to dealer. It occurred again. Kia dealer states this vehicle has a recall and has been repaired twice, but that they will not repair it again. This is such an unsafe issue they will not allow me to drive the vehicle. I will have to pay almost $7,000 to replace the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11740972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesGilbert, AZ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving rotating noise coming from and louder when accelerating. The was taken to local mechanic transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to the be replaced. A transmission software update was performed but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously service under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11737857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,577 milesBailey City, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 KIA Sorento. The contact stated while driving the vehicle on a hill he states the vehicle stutters very hard and moves back and forth with hesitation to accelerate. The vehicle was seen by a dealer 3 months before and was made aware of a transmission failure starting, the contact moved to an area that has much more hills and is now experiencing hard transmission failure symptoms. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage 136,577.
NHTSA complaint #11737858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
POWER TRAIN
COMPONENT: 2.5L T-GDI engine failed completely at 102,971 miles, requiring full replacement (~$8,000). Vehicle available for inspection at [XXX] Kia, [XXX] . SAFETY RISK: Engine lost power during normal operation. Sudden, uncontrolled loss of engine power creates a direct collision risk at highway speeds for the driver, passengers, and surrounding vehicles. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Mark Kia performed a borescope inspection on April 10, 2026 confirming cylinder wall scoring, oil-fouled pistons, and worn honing patterns across multiple cylinders. Findings are consistent with Kia TSB ENG235 (January 2022), which documents a defective PCV check valve on 2021–2022 Sorento 2.5T engines allowing oil to contaminate combustion chambers. Vehicle was serviced exclusively at Mark Kia for all 17 visits since 2021. TSB ENG235 does not appear in any service record. PRIOR SYMPTOMS: No warning lamps or messages before failure. A certified 36-point inspection one week prior showed zero cautions. Spark plugs replaced at 74,534 miles (Jan 2025) were found fouled at ~102,000 miles, only 28,000 miles later — indicating silent, progressive oil contamination. The defect is undetectable by the driver until catastrophic failure. Kia America has not responded to two formal written dispute requests (Case #XXX, April–May 2026). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel injectors were replaced, and the transmission oil pump was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the failure recurred after driving 6,000 miles. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the transmission oil pump was replaced under warranty; however, the failure worsened. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to another dealer for a second opinion. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #11733941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, TX
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Sorento and the repeated lack of resolution from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased and serviced. I have taken my vehicle to the dealership multiple times to address ongoing and serious safety concerns. Despite having active warranties on the transmission and powertrain, I have continually been told that there is nothing they can do, and my concerns have not been properly addressed. The vehicle is experiencing persistent issues, including: The transmission jerking and jarring when shifting gears The dashboard and center display screen intermittently go completely black while driving These issues do not occur constantly, but they happen frequently enough to pose a significant safety risk. I regularly have my grandchildren in the vehicle, and their safety, as well as my own, is my highest priority. Each time I have contacted the dealership to report these problems, I have been met with excuses and resistance to even scheduling an appointment. Due to the lack of cooperation, I felt I had no choice but to drop off my vehicle on April 13, 2026, without an appointment in order to have it addressed. I am extremely disappointed in the level of service and treatment I have received. As a loyal customer—this being my third vehicle purchased from the same dealership—I have never experienced this type of disregard. I also feel that I have not been treated fairly and, at times, have been dismissed in a way that is concerning and unacceptable. I am requesting the following: A full and thorough diagnostic of my vehicle, specifically addressing the transmission and electrical issues Proper repair under warranty Clear communication regarding findings and next steps Immediate attention to these safety concerns I purchased this vehicle with the expectation of reliability and safety. At this time, I do not feel safe driving it, and I am requesting that Kia take this matter seriously
NHTSA complaint #11731071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Clarita, CA
POWER TRAIN
The system that failed is the high-pressure fuel pump and the intake fuel pump. The fuel system pressure is too low, and the cold start fuel pressure is too high. This is defective because I purchased the car used in November 2023. The car is a safety risk as it stalled immediately yesterday while I was driving with my children and it began smelling like gas fumes from exhaust. The vehicle has been diagnosed by a certified mechanic at Mike and Nick's Tires and Services in Canyon Country, California No warning lights or messages appeared prior to the failure. The engine light came on as soon as the car began to stall and shake/lose power.
NHTSA complaint #11730855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yeadon, PA
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power and entered a 'fail-safe' mode with check engine light, warning chimes and service vehicle warning message. A diagnostic scan revealed fault codes P1C2D03 (High Pressure Electric Oil Pump Motor Position Sensor), P193B79 (High Pressure Electric Oil Pump Performance), and P086800 (Transmission Fluid Pressure Low). These three specific codes are cited in Kia Recall SC250 (NHTSA 22V760) and associated technical bulletins as evidence of an internal electric oil pump failure requiring full transmission replacement. The safety of occupants was compromised by the sudden loss of motive power on the interstate. I presented these codes to Value Kia 6915 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153 and dropped my car off on 4/7/2026. The dealer stated the safety recall was 'closed' and that the vehicle was 'out of warranty' due to its 95,000 miles and second-owner status. They would only agree to perform a diagnostic at my personal cost. The vehicle has been at the dealership for two days without an inspection report being provided to me. I have contacted Kia Corporate Consumer Assistance (Awaiting Response) and am filing this report because the vehicle is exhibiting the exact safety defect and 'triple-threat' fault codes of SC250 but is being denied a free safety remedy by the authorized dealer due to mileage and second ownership. As of 4/9/2026, the vehicle has been at the dealership for 2 days. Despite signing an authorization for a $190 diagnostic fee, the dealership has been completely silent and has not provided a status update or the diagnostic report. I am being left without transportation while the dealer fails to address a documented safety defect.
NHTSA complaint #11730169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
POWER TRAIN
I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sorento SX that experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 76,000 miles. The vehicle developed loss of power, hesitation, and erratic shifting at low speeds (0–30 mph), creating a potentially dangerous condition when attempting to accelerate into traffic or cross intersections. A Kia dealership diagnosed the issue as TCM code P193B79 and determined that the failure involved an internal high-pressure oil pump within the transmission, requiring full transmission replacement. This failure occurred despite proper maintenance and completion of Kia’s SC250 software update, which appears to address transmission-related drivability concerns. My maintenance records confirm compliance with manufacturer recommendations. The symptoms and failure mode closely align with the type of transmission issues addressed in Kia service campaigns and recalls (including SCN-520), yet Kia has refused to provide coverage or reimbursement, stating that my specific diagnostic code does not exactly match the recall criteria. As a result, I was forced to pay approximately $5,300 out of pocket for a full transmission replacement on a vehicle with relatively low mileage. This raises serious concerns that: * The underlying transmission issue may extend beyond the narrow criteria defined in the recall * Software updates may not fully address an underlying mechanical defect * Consumers may be experiencing similar failures without coverage Additionally, the loss of power and hesitation at low speeds presents a clear safety risk, particularly in normal driving conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether transmission failures in the 2021 Kia Sorento are broader than currently recognized and whether affected consumers should receive expanded coverage or reimbursement.
NHTSA complaint #11730260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Bay, FL
POWER TRAIN
There was a recall for my type of vehicle regarding the transmission. We have tried calling and dealing with Kia about it but they keep saying that our vehicle is not on the list for the recall, we have had the car since the release and are the only owners. The transmission has been showing the same symptoms that the other vehicles were and have had either the pump replaced or the transmission itself replaced. Kia keeps insisting that we repair it on our own and if it does make the list for recalling then we could submit for a possible refund. We have been complaining about this for over 4 years and still no resolution. We are hopeful that your department can help with this.
NHTSA complaint #11729442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hebron, IN
POWER TRAIN
Car began going into limp mode not accelerating. Brought it in to be told it was the transmission which in my car some of them had recalls for the exact same things but mine was not included in this recall
NHTSA complaint #11728705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hope Mills, NC
POWER TRAIN
My check engine light came on and went to dealer ship jn Oct of 2025 they stated the Egr needed to be replaced and would cost 1300 to repair but inform me they didn't have the piece to replace at that time to reschedule app. Also reservoir coolant light keeps coming on . I called several times to Lumberton Kia at one time they stated that they didn't have but 1 mechanic that worked on hybrids and he was behind. I finally have a appointmentthis weekto see what is exactlygoing on with my suv cause now i have a hesitation when pressing the gas and my transmission jerks.
NHTSA complaint #11727620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lawton, OK
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle completely shut off while I was driving with my children in the car. The dealership replaced the battery but never identified the root cause. Since then my car has been experiencing RPM surging while in Park — the engine revs up and down repeatedly on its own. The vehicle also feels sluggish and does not want to accelerate properly while driving. Additionally since taking ownership of the vehicle my window has squealed every time it rains and I roll down the window. The dealership has replaced the seals, lubricated and cleaned the window multiple times and the problem persists. The defective window seal also caused a gash in my window tint requiring replacement. I have taken my car to my Kia dealership multiple times and they have been unable to fully resolve these issues. My car is currently at the dealership right now and they still cannot find the problem. I contacted Kia Corporate on March 20, 2026 and opened a formal case. These defects have put my children in danger and I am requesting a formal federal investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11725815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
POWER TRAIN
This has been occurring intermittently since my 2021 Kia Sorento reached approx. 15k miles and now has 26,600 miles. There are no lights or indicators on the dash letting me know anything is wrong. When the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or stopped in heavy traffic, the vehicle will start idling high and shaking and the engine will seize up. I am not able to steer, the brakes lock up, I cannot accelerate, all functionality is lost. The only thing I can do is put the vehicle in park (in heavy traffic) and shut the car off and wait a minute and turn it back on and it seems to reset itself. This is EXTREMELY dangerous for myself and my passengers (some of which are children) and can cause a serious accident. At no point should I ever need to be concerned with my vehicle seizing up in the middle of the road and having to park and restart my car. This has happened on several occasions already. I have taken my car to 2 separate Kia dealerships to address this problem I have been experiencing. The first dealership failed to attempt to duplicate the problem and instead informed me the firmware update the performed from a previous recall should remedy the problem. It did not. Then I recently took it to another Kia dealer in another state and explained the situation. I specifically asked them to take the vehicle for a test drive and they argued with me that my battery was low and needed to be replaced and it would not be covered under the warranty. I have been driving this vehicle for a while and it has been having this issue around 15k miles so I know it is not the battery. They totally disregarded the safely of myself and my family and only focused on making money for themselves. This is a serious safety issue with this vehicle and has continuously been swept under the rug by Kia. Even the customer service is rude and I have reported this to them and asked for an escalation to their consumer affairs dept and have received no response.
NHTSA complaint #11725971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.