KIA Complaints

Steering MDPS Unit malfunction causing loss of power assisted steering. Visible steering light on dash. Vehicle was inspected at a Kia dealer confirming issue with MDPS unit. Kia shop stated that this was an issue with the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models and most fell under the recall umbrella but this specific 2017 Kia Sorento is not on the VIN checked list for a steering recall for the MDPS Unit failure. Kia stated that the repair would cost out of pocket at $3500 for the same issue others with the same problem Kia is replacing under recall warranty. The MDPS Unit failed while driving causing issues with being able to steer.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact heard a loud banging sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, there was blue smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle with smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the road. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was not determined; however, the contact received an estimate for the repair from the dealer, which quoted a price to rebuild the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to expect a call from the legal team. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Trunk latch won’t latch, Looked into it and other 2018 Kia sorentos gave the same problem. I called to check for a recall as I bought the car less then a year ago and was told nothing. This is a problem I barely used it and it won’t close now. Just pops back open and will start alerting me that it’s open and won’t latch. Meaning the car will keep beeping that it’s open and then will eventually drain the battery due to the alert going off the whole time (it won’t relatch) it took 8 hours for it to latch to close. This is the Manuel trunk.

Break lights, running lights and headlights go out at least every three months at different times. Apparently it’s a common problem with these cars when I go to online forums and I have recently been contacted by a class action attorney that wants to investigate. I have had to replace rear bulb sockets due to corrosion and the bulbs still burn out. We purchased the 2017 car used around 2021 and have probably replaced the headlights alone 6 times and an un countable amount on the running and break lights.

The blank screen software recall has not fixed the screen that goes blank. It is still happening. This was after a dealership visit to address the recalls.

Cruise control doesn't maintain speed, speed decreases. Car shakes under 10 mph and after 40 mph. Engine light starts blinking.

I was driving and my MIL came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an OBD2 scan and it came back with P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency below Threshold (Bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending CATALYTIC CONVERTER inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1.6L engine and not the 2.0L engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all Kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact research and was became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V626000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken back to the residence; the contact stated that an independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that an undisclosed part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that during a routine inspection, the contact became aware that the oil level was low. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that a more comprehensive diagnostic test was needed to confirm the cause of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.