This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Panel dash lights intermediately dim, low headlights and back running light bulbs burn out constantly, license plate light bulbs burnt out and melted in casing, passenger air bag indicator light comes on when passenger is seated stating it is off. Powered door locks do not work most of the time - push power lock button or by key and still won't lock, keyless remotes don't work even after replacement of new batteries.
Engine light came on- brought to dealer- told leak in pressure line to power steering. They fixed but still faulty sensor light remains on for check engine- told 230$ to fix faulty sensor on gas/air mixture or my catalytic converter would wear out.
Vehicle's battery, brake, and check engine lights came on while parked at home, opened hood, noticed belt was slipping, and crankshaft pulley was spinning almost free. Contacted mechanic who performed most recent maintenance, he attempted to repair work under assumption was faulty. Problem reoccurred 3 months later, mechanic now convinced he is not the cause of this. Research shows common issue with this make/model. Crankshaft bolt appears to break free of pulley. Will require engine block disassembly to determine if crankshaft has been damaged.
Coming home from work about 2miles away from home, I lost power, my power steering, and electrical and I had to pull over and get towed to my home. Not happy cause Kia knows about this issue!!!!
- Pawling, NY, USA
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I was driving down the road doing 55mph when I heard a loud sound and all of a sudden the break and battery light came on in 2006 Kia Sorento. At that very moment, I realized that I did not have any power steering. Up until this point, my only complaint with my SUV was that I had to constantly replace the bulbs in both the front and back of the car. Also, my dome light stopped working and some of the panel lights as well. Although, that was annoying, I never complained because it did not put me in any serious danger. However the problem with the power steering could have killed me or someone else. I know my vehicle is out of warranty, but these cars should be built to last and not put my life in danger regardless of how long I keep it. Sheesh, if Kia would have told me that once my car gets at a certain age it would put my life in danger I would have had second thoughts about the purchase. I think it is sad that these big companies only care about making money than human mortality.
My Kia Sorento suddenly began dying as I was driving. When it happened, I did not have control of my steering wheel or my brakes. I was fortunate that each time it has happened I have been in a situation where I could pull over to the side of the road. Once I pulled over, put it in neutral or park and it started back up without difficulty. There were no engine lights of any type. I took the car to the Kia dealership in lubbock, tx (gene messer Kia). They were unable to discover any problems with my car. They drove it and could not duplicate the problem, they scanned for codes, nothing showed up. I was without my car for two full days. I left the dealership with an invoice for $143 for cleaning of the throttle and a list of things that need to be repaired soon. The incident happens once or twice a week. My fear is that this is going to happen and I am going to either kill another driver or myself or have a crash into another object. This is very dangerous. Now, the following has nothing to do with the Kia, itself, however, I just lost my husband, moved to lubbock a few months ago, I do not know people here. I am in the middle of job hunting so I never know when I am going to be called for an interview. If I leave my car with gene messer Kia, I am totally without any transportation. I am alone, and need to get this problem taken care of as soon as possible. The dealership tells me they do not let customers have loner cars so my life is just "on hold". I am not in a financial situation to pay out a lot of money. I'm barely making it now until I find a job. I am asking someone to please help me with this situation.
We have repeatedly replaced low beam headlights. Have tried various brands to no avail. Tried replacing one at a time/ both at same time with no luck. Same result in that they burn out within a couple days to a couple months. Shortly after purchasing vehicle, the dome light for the door does not work. Decided to investigate on internet and have found I am not the only person having these issues. Seems to me there is an issue with the electrical system. Only reporting to express my concern to the safety of my family and others who own a Kia. This has been brought to my attention after my wife was pulled over for having only one headlight. The officer was nice and only gave her a courtesy warning. Not sure what will happen the next time. Law enforcement does not allow ignorance as an excuse for the law.
I got this car about a month ago and 3 days after the purchase I could smell the catalytic converter it was extremely strong, then a rumble sound under the car from the exhaust. A day later I was driving to work and the A/C compressor started squealing extremely loud and there was a ticking sound. Took it to the auto dealer I got it from and they said it was the compressor belt, dealer replaced belt and there is still a noise of ticking and a faint screeching noise.. they also said they fixed the exhaust but I am still having issues with the smell. This weekend I was on the highway and I was at 65 mph, there was a loud noise and the engine bogged down and sounded like it died and came back on. I made it home without anymore problems. Today I was driving 40 mph and the engine made a noise and the car bogged again. I was stopped at a light and got up to 40 mph again and the engine did the same thing. This is going to cause serious injuries to somebody. My car is going into the shop Thursday but after reading all the reviews it looks like I just wasted all this money on a piece of junk. Something needs to be done about this before somebody gets killed. I'll contact help me hank as well.
2006 Kia Sorento complaint: Engine, steering, electrical system, exterior lighting, throttle position sensor I am changing the head lights every 4-5 month and I think it needs to be looked at. Was driving 35 mph when the engine light and brake light came on with no warning. And just last week 2/2/2014 the engine stopped and I had no power steering and also no brakes. I was able to coast to a side road and barely got the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to an mechanic, who diagnosed and had to replace a throttle position sensor and a mass air flow meter and air filter and the harmonic balancer. This is crazy these problems and requires extensive and expensive repair to the engine. This indicates to us a manufacturer's design flaw and probable safety issue that should be addressed by Kia worldwide. It's disturbing with how many other complaints I'm reading on this site about the same exact thing! is there any help out there this is too expensive for all these repair. The failure mileage was 73,100.
There has been multiple times of me changing both headlights and taillights. Now my brake lights are out at the same time along with one headlight. The lights are not even 2 weeks old. It really is scary to know that my lights can go out at any time. (which has happened, thankfully not when it was completely dark) and today, I almost got into a wreck because I wasn't aware that my 2 week old tail lights are out. My dash board lights and my dome light flickers and I have to hit the top of the dashboard for them to come back on. This has been going on for about 2 years and I have seen a lot of the same complaints with this make and year. Kia really needs to do something about this.
I purchased this car in new in 2006 I have replace four tail lights and as of today when the head light went out this will be the fifth headlight, I am afraid for my daughter to park in the garage in case it should set the house on fire, there is obviously a short in the electrical system.
The day after we purchased this vehicle I had to change the right brake light, sinse then I've had to change the headlights both at least twice, assorted tail lights each side at least three times, the front dome light will not come on when you open the doors but can be swiched on, now dash lights are going off one at a time some can be wiggled and come on for a few seconds. This has gone from annoying to a safety issue, and I read a lot of people on line with 06 Sorentos have the same problem and have been told by the deeler that it will cost them a lot of money to fix. I feel like all the others this should be Kia's responibility to fix.
Since purchasing my Sorento in 2006 I have replaced all 3 of my head, fog, and brakes lights more than a dozen times. Also the overhead console that displays the temperature, compass, etc has never report accurate reading. There were time in the winter when the temperature outside were 20 degrees however it would display that it was 50 degrees. Then they are times when the passengers seatbelt light stays on even when they is someone seating in it. I have attempted to contact Kia about the above concerns only to have heard back from anyone.
This 2006 Kia Sorento was purchased new (only owner) and has had numerous problems with the interior and exterior electrical system as follows: 1. the power control to both side mirrors no longer functions. 2. the electric door locks will suddenly lock on their own just by opening and closing a door. 3. the front and rear window washers no longer work (safety hazard); dealer wants to charge over $500 to fix without even saying what is exactly wrong. 4. brake lights and headlights burn out or short out far too often, creating severe safety hazards. I have never had to replace lights on a vehicle so often, and I have owned at least 12 different vehicles in my life. 5. seat belt straps no longer retract properly and places a lot of tension on your lap/waist when used. There have been thousands of complaints on this very same model for the same reasons. The federal government should better protect its citizens from poor quality and dangerous flaws in such vehicles. There should have been a forced recall for the entire electrical system on this model. I am filing formal complaint with the U.S. congress as well. There should be a federal investigation of Kia/Hyundai because I have seen hundreds of the same issues and complaints on their car models as well, including both Kia and Hyundai models which are by the same manufacturer. This is totally ridiculous that you do nothing about this, yet it is costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and even risking their lives.
2006 Sorento ex was bought in 2009, with 56,000 miles. Currently has 103,000 miles and is a constant electrical battle. Have replaced numerous headlights and tail lights. The interior dome light only works when manually switched "on, " and the "A/C" setting control dial only lights up after you fiddle with it. The driver's seat motor has partially died so that the seat reclines back but will not go straight up again. The front two window motors seem to be on their last legs. The front passenger door lock actuator mechanism died last year and would make an awful, loud buzzing sound whenever the door lock button would be pressed. The interior dash lights are starting to intermittently go out. It's quite scary to be driving along at night and everything on the panel goes black. Have replaced battery once since buying it when it died with absolutely no warning.
Headlights both sides will go out on regular basis without warning -dash lights go out on regular basis-A/C unit will short out causing burn smell -window switches and tail lights will stop working on regular basis I have found many complaints about these problems.
My 2006 Kia Sorento has 96000 miles on it and it seems that the head light or electrical system has a short in it. The head light will go off but you if you tap the head light assembly it will come back on as if there is a short in the electrical system. Also, the dome light will come on if you turn it to the on position but if you put it on the door position it does not come on when the door is open. Again that would be a failure in the electrical system. The Kia will not start after replacing a headlight bulb. I know that sounds like they are not related but the head light went out so I replaced it and then I wouldn't start right after changing the light.
All my lights both internal & external are burning out every few months. And I've had to replace my battery times also. My headlights are replaced every 4-5 months now, first starting out every year has now dropped to months. The battery lasts from 10-13 months before having to be replaced. Now parking & brake lights are burning out at a rate of about every 6 months. Called my local Kia service rep and he says my dash and console would have to be ripped out to repair, and of course it is no longer covered under warranty.also my interior lights on dash, console and inside on the header no longer work. Have checked all fuses and can find nothing unusual.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Newark, TX, USA