CarComplaints.com Notes: Kia really changed the design of the Sorento in the 2011 model year. Instead of a truck-like body-on-frame more capable of offroad adventures, the newest Sorento is a unibody construction and is much more crossover than sport utility. The changes brought a whole slew of problems, including a frustrating problem where the door that won’t open. Is it too late to go back?
7.2
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$200
Average Mileage:
114,700 miles
Total Complaints:
10 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replaced the socket connector (4 reports)
replace bulb (3 reports)
not sure (1 reports)
replace the headlight assembly (1 reports)
replace the standard auto light harness (1 reports)
Noticed my Driver's side headlight was out, so I purchased a new one and put it in. Two days later it went out again, so I purchased another one and put it in. Three days later I noticed it was out again, so I bought another one and put it in and it went out within two days. Did some google research and complaints I've seen are about shorts in the wiring. Don't have that kind of money, so I'm driving without that headlight currently.
Lights keep burning out and need to be replaced. The wiring is messed up and a kit is needed to repair the problem. My lights go dim and it is dangerous to drive. The cost from what I'm told is 500.00 to 700.00. Electrical problems have been noted from earlier on with this car.
Headlights burn out frequently. Dealer says "bulb only problem". Replaced bulb numerous times, goes out unexpectedly, problem for night driving obviously.
I have replaced the low beam headlights the first time, then noticed they also were not on a few days later SO I looked a little closer. Then I noticed that the socket on my Sorento was also melted just as everyone here is saying. I replaced the sockets with ones from the local auto store and that worked for a few months. Then the drivers side went out again due to being melted. I replaced the socket again. This week the passenger is out again, also melted!! This is what brought me here to find out if I was the only one having issues. It appears that this is wide spread! I am reading some are talking about ceramic sockets but I don't see them anywhere. This really sucks that KIA will not fix this if its this big of a problem. I would not buy another KIA vehicle at this point.
- Trae S.,
The Colony, TX, US
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I thought the problem with the headlights burning out prematurely was singular to my vehicle, after your site and some others, I see it's affected many hundreds of Kia sorento owners. The electrical connecter to the headlamp looks like it has over heated and caused the original bulb to burn out and now I'm concerned its the cause of my 2 month old sylvania bulb to burn out as well. I'd like to change the connect clip out if I can find one.
Update from May 6, 2017: Update on the Kia light burnout problem. After doing some net research I found that this burnout problem was a shared phenomena with some others. I replaced the "stock" wiring harness to the light with a beefier type of harness that could handle a higher current and dissipate heat better. This fixed the problem for me. In my research I found some other Sorento owners who had installed halogen lights and experienced premature burnout. Their solution was the use of a ceramic headlight harness. This type is useful when there is a heat build up from the power draw of the halogen bulbs. I got one of those as a backup for my standard lights just in case.
Both low beam headlights blew at same time 4 months ago, replaced both. This morning, passenger side low beam stopped working. Will replace tonight when I get home.
right headlight and fog light went out. Replaced bulbs. Week later both are out again. Took it to dealership. They quoted $530 for headlight assembly plus $49 for labor. Have found assembly for $200 up. BUT it does not have the harness.
This is the SECOND time the socket on the passenger side low beam headlight has melted! I had the socket replaced by my trusted mechanic the first time it melted and now, about 2 years later, it is fried again! The driver's side socket melted once and is still functioning with the replaced the socket. However, I fear it will be melting soon and I will be without low beam headlights! With a 6-year old car and nearly 150,000 miles, I cannot justify sinking the money in to have the problem thoroughly diagnosed. My mechanic seems to believe it is a voltage issue and has referred me to an electrical specialist. From reading the other posts, this is obviously not just an issue that is idiosyncratic to my car. Given the significant chance of fire from the melted wiring, why has Kia not recalled this dangerous and hazardous condition? Seems to me to be a design defect that could result in dire consequences! Am I better off contacting my lawyer or the electrical specialist?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Noticed my Driver's side headlight was out, so I purchased a new one and put it in. Two days later it went out again, so I purchased another one and put it in. Three days later I noticed it was out again, so I bought another one and put it in and it went out within two days. Did some google research and complaints I've seen are about shorts in the wiring. Don't have that kind of money, so I'm driving without that headlight currently.
- Danielle B., Little Rock, AR, US