10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
18,863 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2017 Kia Sorento electrical problems

electrical problem

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2017 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #33

Oct 152021

Sorento

  • 97,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the exterior of the driver's side mirror housing had melted. The contact stated that shortly after she could no longer lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle using the driver's side power door lock switch and the key fob. The contact was also unable to roll down the windows using the window switches. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had also failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an electrical fire had occurred in the driver's side mirror housing. The independent mechanic disconnected the electrical wiring system of the driver's side mirror housing. The contact stated that she could no longer adjust the driver's side mirror as needed and it could no longer turn in when the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that she was still experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

- Bluffton, SC, USA

problem #32

Feb 202022

Sorento

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and seized without warning. The contact was able to safely guide the vehicle off the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a mechanical defect in the steering assembly and had to be addressed by a dealer. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery and a faulty ball joint replaced. The dealer stated that the failure was not due to the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- New Lebanon, NY, USA

problem #31

Jan 102022

Sorento

  • miles
Left low beam bulb went out. The right side was rendered inoperable. Had no operational low beam, just parking and high beam lights. Safety issue, generated a dangerous and lot of irate drivers in on coming vehicle-??s, with inability to lower the high beams. Once the left low beam bulb was replaced right side became operable full low beam was operating. Don-??t know if this a fluke with this vehicle or engineering problem. Created a high stress situation!

- San Antonio , TX, USA

problem #30

Jan 022022

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was leaving my cousins apartment complex when the vehicle stalled. I attempted to try to start the vehicle again but it would not turn over. All the lights in the vehicle were on and the radio was still playing so it did not appear to be the battery. I attempted to try and start the vehicle again and noticed gray smoke coming from under the hood. I then began to smell something burning, so I exited the vehicle and popped the hood. I then noticed a fire coming from the engine behind the air filter componet. About 10 seconds later I heard a pop and took off running to a safer location and called 911. The fire then began to grow bigger and the whole front of the vehicle was in flames. The fire department responded and put the fire out. There were no warning lights that came on. If I had not exited the vehicle when I did I probably would have been severly burnt as the whole front windshield shattered and the dash was melted and front seats were burnt.

- Shelby, NC, USA

problem #29

Jun 282021

Sorento

  • miles
While driving with the headlights in the "Auto" position, when a turn blinker is used the headlights will randomly turn off for about 10-15 seconds. Not much of an issue during the daytime but certainly a major safety concern at night. This problem can be replicated during the daytime by watch the dash lights switch from "Auto" to "Off" on the driver's dash. Moving the switch from the Auto to On has no effect on the lights. This problem occurs about 30% of the time when using the turn signal.

- Mt Pleasant, SC, USA

problem #28

Jun 142021

Sorento

  • miles
I have complained since 2020 about the noise in the rear area, this started when the right rear light was rewired. I can't pinpoint what triggers the noise to start, sometimes it happens when the SUV is off, and idling and driving but not consistently. I left with an unresolved issue. I went to the dealership today( 05/14/2021) @ 11:00 @ Greenway Kia West 3407 West Colonial Drive Orlando Florida 32808, to complain that my oil is running completely out of the engine and I was told all the fees I will have to pay in order to check this problem, I didn't say I had a leak or noise but disappearing. This is a manufacturers issues, and the warranty should cover. I told them my windshield is bubbling at the top and maybe separating, and still again all I heard was fees, I purchased a Kia Sorrento based on the good warranty and the place I felt very safe. I am very very disappointed in the dealership and my safety is at risk and I hope nothing happens before something happens.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #27

May 182021

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When pressing on the brake pedal, the transmission will not shift out of park. The only way to shift out of park is to depress the transmission shift override. A new brake light switch did not correct the issue. To date, the vehicle has not been repaired, inspected by dealer, manufacturer, police or insurance representative. No warning lamps, message or other symptoms of the problem occurred prior to the failure.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #26

May 032021

Sorento

  • 35,000 miles
When the car's headlight switch is set to 'auto', the head and taillights will turn on and off at random, regardless of lighting conditions. The lights randomly turn on while the car is off and stationary and has resulted in a drained battery on three occasions.. the lights turn on and then back off while in motion during daytime driving (as indicated by the dashboard indicator). When on and while in motion at night, the lights turn off, resulting in zero visibility while driving.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #25

Apr 212021

Sorento

  • 16,000 miles
I had my Kia for 32 days when I was leaving the dealership from picking up the tag from southeastern auto, the check engine light came on all of a sudden. We were going down a very curvy highway running 45 to 50 mph. Mind you, no problem until then. We made 5 miles when it lost power. It wouldnt go over 35mph. We called the dealership and was told to stop and turn it off and back on, as it may be in limp mode. After we did that we were headed back to the dealership when it completely lost all power, then it sounded like grinded up metal and spit it out. Then it shut off and would not crank. We were right on the road, in a curve that was up hill. Where traffic was very flying both directions. It was terrifying waiting for the tow truck the dealership sent. They sent it to their mechanic in wilkesboro, who determined it threw a rod threw the motor. Now it's being towed to a Kia dealership where they are supposed to put a new motor in it for $300bfrom

- Dobson, NC, USA

problem #24

Mar 202021

Sorento

  • 35,600 miles
The flashing check engine light came on my 2017 Kia Sorento, the car went into limp mode, and would not drive over 20 mph. I was driving on an interstate at the time, and it was extremely dangerous to cross two highway lanes at 20 mph trying to pull over to the shoulder. The car was towed to burns auto shop. They pulled up code P1326 and said this was a known Kia issue and a Kia dealer should fix it for free. My car has 35,000 miles and is still under the 10 year/100,000 miles Kia warranty. The car was towed to fred beans Kia dealer in langhorne, pa, who refused to check it for 10 days. Kia refused to pay for a rental car (even retroactively) until the mechanic checked it - a huge inconvenience to my family of 6 who had to use 1 car for 2 weeks. When fred beans finally checked the car, they claimed to not be able to see the code. They conceded that what happened is a known Kia issue and could happen again at any time. It's terrifying to know my car could at any time slow down to 20 mph on the highway. Despite Kia's claims that the car could drive up to 55 mph with the code on, my speed plummeted to 20 mph within seconds and would not go up despite pressing the gas pedal for several minutes. Kia said my car's VIN was not among those affected by the recall. Yet, since the P1326 issue did happen to my car, my VIN should be included. Despite knowing of the issue, Kia and its dealers refuse to take my family's safety seriously. They both suggest I keep driving 'until it happens again'. after reading online reviews, it's clear Kia and its dealers routinely try to avoid fixing problems covered by warranty. Kia claims they have no control over their authorized dealers. Yet, it's Kia's responsibility to pay for issues covered under warranty. I'd like Kia to fix the known code P1326 problem, so I can enjoy full use of my car without expecting it to malfunction at any moment

- Newtown, PA, USA

problem #23

Feb 172021

Sorento

  • 59,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On February 17, 2021 a vehicle pulled out in front of me on a highway causing me to slam the brakes so hard to avoid hitting the vehicle. After the vehicle proceeded across the road when I tried to continue forward my Sorento had very little power no matter how much I tried to give the vehicle gas. As I drove Sorento home it had very little power. I could barley get vehicle to go the 5 plus miles to my house traveling at least than 25 miles per hour. Possibly less than that and as I tried to drive up the hill to my house I barely got there. The vehicle did not have power to go up hill. Afterwards the vehicle would not start and stay on.. I had it towed to Kia dealership where is has been for a week.

- Midlothian, VA, USA

problem #22

Dec 012020

Sorento

  • 39,744 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The contact jump started the vehicle and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replace the battery however, the failure persisted. The contact had the vehicle towed to local dealer bill bryan Kia (9039 us-441, leesburg, fl 34788) and was advised to not to leave the key in the vehicle to prevent future failures. The vehicle was returned however, the failure persisted. After five days, the contact had the vehicle towed back to the same dealer to be repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,744.

- Leeburg, FL, USA

problem #21

Jan 152021

Sorento

  • 72,000 miles
Power steering went out. Radio turns on and off going down the road. Headlights turn off and on by themself. Battery is now dead. Car will not run. Transmission light came on all in one day..I've had this vehicle for 4 to 5 months

- Gastonia, NC, USA

problem #20

Jan 152021

Sorento

  • 74,000 miles
If lights are in automatic they will shut off in the pitch black and you have to turn them on with the switch. This could cause a major accident

- Newport, TN, USA

problem #19

Dec 192020

Sorento

  • 0 miles
Headlights initially were just flickering on occasion now headlights are turning off while driving. Sometimes they go back on and sometimes they don't. warning ⚠️ comes on and dash display also indicates a headlamp issue. Sometimes turning them on and off helps.been gradually getting worse. Now all lights will not turn on including brights. Horn also not working. Has happened multiple times at night on busy city streets.

- Windermere, FL, USA

problem #18

Jan 102020

Sorento

  • 45,000 miles
I own a 2017 Kia Sorento with 45,000 miles on it. I have taken my car in several times due to the check engine light coming on and engine noises. We were sent home every time and told our car was good to go. I was driving on the freeway when my car suddenly lost power and went limp, almost causing an accident. We are now being told we need a new engine due to sludge. They are stating it was caused by lack of maintenance and refusing to honor the warranty. We get regular oil changes and the last being by the dealership themselves just weeks prior. But because we did 2 changes through my husbands company, they won't accept our proof of maintenance. My make, model and year has a current recall on their engines but because mine is a 3.3L and not 2.0 or 2.4, it's not covered. This is ludicrous.

- Layton, UT, USA

problem #17

Sep 202020

Sorento

  • 62,000 miles
While dying on highway at 65 miles per hour, the vehicle jerked violently and without warning I saw everything on the dashboard begin to shut down. I was able to get over to the shoulder. Everything checked out and I began to drive again as if nothing were wrong. A week later it happened again. This time I barely limped home. Vehicle has 62K miles.

- Westport, CT, USA

problem #16

Aug 232020

Sorento

  • 75,335 miles
While in the auto position at random times all my exterior light will turn off. I drive a lot for my job. The last time my lights turned out was last night on the freeway in a rural area complete black out. I quickly turned the switch to the off position and then back to auto. This has happened few time with in the last few weeks. A few months after I purchased the car, I noticed the turn signal would switch to the opposite direction after I completed my turn. The turn signal switch would be in the neutral position when this occurred. This also happens intermittently, while driving city or highway. I can not turn it off. I have to wait until it stops on its own, which luckily has just been the same length of time as a lane change.

- Dos Palos, CA, USA

problem #15

Feb 072020

Sorento

  • 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlamps failed to remain illuminated with the headlamp switch in the auto position. The turn signals were also inoperable. The contact stated that headlight suggested message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the headlamps operated as designed with the headlamp switch in the on position. The vehicle was taken to greenway Kia West located at (8701 E colonial dr, orlando, fl 32817) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the multi-function switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

- Orlando, Fl 32825, FL, USA

problem #14

Mar 062020

Sorento

  • 63,000 miles
I was driving my 2017 Kia Sorento on the interstate in stop and go traffic. While stopped, the engine started shaking and car lost power. I was able to pull over to the shoulder. I had the vehicle towed to the repair shop. I was told that my wiring harness had melted together and needed to be replaced. This may have lead to a fire if not caught in time.

- Prairieville, LA, USA

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