2022 Kia Sorento Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/10/2026

Turned car on and no air blowing from any vents on any setting.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 10/10/2026

2022 Kia Sorento, VIN [XXX], subject to Recall 22V760 (Kia SC250, 8-speed DCT electric oil pump). The recall was performed with a software update only; the transmission and original pump were not replaced. On XXX at 116,273 miles, while driving, the dash displayed “Transmission system error! Check transmission oil immediately” and the vehicle entered limp mode. My scan tool read P193B79 (high-pressure electric oil pump performance) and P0868 (transmission fluid pressure low). The message cleared on its own. I later cleared the codes with my scan tool; P0868 returned and P193B79 has not as of XXX. No fluid leaks. Transmission gear oil was serviced at a Kia dealer about 13,900 miles earlier. Kia’s recall report says this pump defect can cause complete loss of motive power. I believe the software-only remedy left the defective pump in the vehicle and may be inadequate. I am limiting use of the vehicle. Kia America case #XXX. A dealer has not yet diagnosed the vehicle. That is the next step. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/24/2026

Car goes into "limp mode" and functions on only partial power. Warning light reads "Transmission system error! Check transmission oil immediately." Dealership says car shows no codes. My 2022 Kia Sorento SX had a recall because this problem is known. Kia recalled all the 2021 and 22's and fixed the programming to allow for limp mode. This "fix" Kia dealership kept the car and drove it but could not replicate. I took the car back and it happened again. It has happened on July 24th, August 26, September 3, October 7. In between, I've paid for an $800 transmission service and Kia has replaced the "clutch pack for the transmission" (whatever that is). The Car Pros Kia service writers all said that I needed to bring the car back while the warning was on. So when it happened yesterday, 10/7/26, I "limped" it 15 miles with my 4 way flashers on and carefully did NOT turn the car off so that someone could observe the warning. The service writers would not even come out and look at it - AFTER ALL THOSE PREVIOUS DEMANDS THAT I BRING IT IN WITH THE WARNING ON. They just had a flunky drive it to the garage to look at tomorrow. I had a foster child in the car (I am a court appointed special advocate to foster children) on two of these occasions. Since they replaced the clutch pack, my MPG have dropped about 20 - 25%. This is a known problem - Kia campaign SC250. I have tried to only tell you the relevant essentials. If you need more information, please call, text or email.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/24/2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power on the highway due to the failure of the transmission electric oil pump, matching NHTSA Campaign 22V760000. The vehicle previously received only the TCU software update remedy. The software update failed to prevent the underlying physical defect from occurring, and the vehicle is now dangerously disabled. The local dealership is refusing to perform the physical transmission replacement mandated by the recall remedy, falsely claiming the recall is permanently closed because of the prior software patch.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/13/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated after driving 25-30 MPH into a parking lot and parking the vehicle, the message "Transmission System Error Check Transmission" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store, where it was determined that the transmission pump was failing, there was low oil pressure, but no debris found inside the transmission. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where no diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved; a hard transmission reset was performed. Following the repair, the failure recurred, and an unknown vehicle symbol displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was returned to the local dealer with the error message and symbol present. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/09/2026

Se rompio la bomba de aceite electrica de mi auto. La investigación de Kia reveló que la bomba de aceite eléctrica de la transmisión DCT de 8 velocidades puede sufrir una falla interna debido a un defecto de calidad en el proveedor. Un componente de la placa de circuito de la bomba puede desprenderse por una soldadura deficiente.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/10/2023

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost drive power. The vehicle was able to continue driving but at a reduced speed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a second dealer, Shawnee Mission Kia (7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 66202), but the failure was not duplicated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,067.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY — Filed 08/10/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V649000 (Electrical System, Visibility), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer; the recall repair was performed several weeks prior; however, the VIN status was not updated, and the recall remained marked as incomplete. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to update the VIN status to reflect the completed repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 08/12/2026

Vehicle flashes Auto Start Stop icon on the dashboard, which is not commonplace. When this occurs, the vehicle can not accelerate when the accelerator is actuated. The vehicle can not accelerate past 40mph and the RPM is sporadic. This happens randomly and can not be diagnosed by the dealership. Multiple dealerships have tried and none can duplicate this issue. This is a severe safety concern and seems to be common all over multiple forums.

PARKING BRAKE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/11/2020

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto Hold feature activated, and the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTCs U0164, U0123, U01B0, and U1131 were retrieved. The independent mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was repaired; however, the warning lights illuminated, and the failure persisted. Additionally, the parking brake warning light was illuminated. In addition, the air conditioning system was leaking refrigerant and intermittently was blowing out hot air. The A/C started blowing colder air minutes later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,900.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/13/2026

The electric oil pump circuit board for the transmission failed, causing motive power loss. The vehicle is currently located at Ourisman Chantilly Kia and is available for inspection. Safety was compromised due to sudden loss of drive power while operating on public roads, creating a severe crash hazard. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by Ourisman Chantilly Kia service department, which retrieved active Diagnostic Trouble Code P1C2D03. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership service department. Prior to failure, check engine/warning lights illuminated and transmission drive symptoms appeared. This vehicle is subject to Recall SC250. A software update was performed under a previous owner, but the physical component failed. Kia is refusing replacement because the recall was marked "closed" after the software patch, leaving a known unaddressed safety defect active on the vehicle.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/19/2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to drive; however, the transmission failed to engage as intended. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The failure was a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 05/31/2024

2022 Kia Sorento failed to increase speed when accelerator was depressed , engine RPMs increased, but no subsequent speed increase. The Amber ISG light was flashing, with no other warning lights. The car was driven to a safe pull out, placed in park, turned off and restarted, no flashing light. The car accelerated satisfactorily afterwards. This has happened several times in the last two years. Both fuel pumps were replaced as well as the battery and computer systems were reset and the problem still intermittently persists. This is a significant safety issue if the car cannot properly accelerate when required to merge into traffic and properly maintain designated speed. Was told that Kia engineering said this maybe a heat related issue, the car is operated mainly the the southwestern US, Phoenix, Az metropolitan area.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 05/27/2026

Idle stop and go system randomly auto disabled on start, unable to enable. Causes vehicle to be unable to accelerate faster than 25mph.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/01/2026

At stop lights trying to excel it stales for a couple of seconds then resumes. Does this on and off all day because I drive for a living. Finally the check engine light is on and now have to replace the whole turbo because it’s failing. I just got the car mid march of 2026. I have kids and scared to drive around and the car fail on me.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/06/2026

I am writing to report a recurring issue with the center navigation and infotainment screen in my 2022 Kia Sorento. The screen periodically goes completely black while I am driving. Occasionally, the display glitches before failing, while at other times, it goes dark without any warning. This is particularly concerning when I am relying on the navigation system for directions. I have previously taken the vehicle to the dealer, but they were unable to replicate the issue and therefore have not yet performed a repair.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/31/2026

The Auto Start-Stop System light came on flashing while driving. Vehicle wouldn’t accelerate while in heavy traffic. Pulled over to the shoulder and turned vehicle off. Attempted to start vehicle again and would not start. Had to get the vehicle towed. Positive battery post is loose and screw is tightened as much as possible.

EQUIPMENT — Filed 03/11/2024

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while using the OEM jack, it became stuck underneath the vehicle. The jack was very flimsy and was bent. The contact sustained injuries to his face, but no medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,998.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/15/2024

The sunroof imploded on its own while driving with no cars around. The implosion was so loud it caused me to swerve to other lanes and caused temporary sound loss. There was no warning and would have been worse if the sunshade wasn't on. Insurance is reviewing

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/24/2023

I backed a boat trailer into the lake to load a boat. I had the car in Park and had the engine running and the driver side door open about half way. After about 2 minutes I was standing behind the vehicle cranking the boat onto the trailer. The car came out of park without notice and no one in the vehicle. It went into reverse and was driving into the lake. I was nearly runover by the vehicle but got to the side. The open driver side door caught the dock and slowed the vehicle down enough for me to get in the vehicle and step on the brake. I was able to drive the vehicle out but water was over the rear tire. The driver side door is a complete loss. If the door did not catch the dock to slow it down I could have been trapped under the vehicle and drowned or the car fully submerged in the lake. Dealer was contacted. Insurance claim filed.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 07/14/2023

The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light, she lost consciousness. The contact crashed into another vehicle as the air bags deployed and the front driver side tire had separated from the vehicle. The other driver sustained injuries; however, their whereabouts were unknown. An employee from a nearby dental office removed the contact from the vehicle and placed her inside the office. When the contact regained consciousness, the dental employee informed her that a strong unknown odor had emitted from the vehicle which prompted her to remove the contact from the vehicle. The contact believed that this odor caused her to lose consciousness which resulted in the accident. The contact sustained an injured left eye and bruises to her forehead. The contact later sought medical attention at a hospital where she was treated for her injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The dealer and the manufacturer were both notified of the failure but neither have offered any assistance. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 3,200. The VIN was not available.

VISIBILITY/WIPER,VISIBILITY — Filed 04/22/2023

While driving a vehicle on the highway, the sunroof exploded violently. The large, moving piece of the panoramic sunroof appears to have broken outwards. Large pieces of glass and smaller pieces landed in the front and middle of the cabin, including on the driver. Small chunks of glass landed on and cut the driver of the vehicle. A loud sound occurred. This was very startling, the glass was very dangerous, and we were lucky that no one was in the middle seats where the glass primarily fell. This occurred in a temperate (high 60s or low 70s F) climate and with no prior damage to the glass. No sign of an impact from anything on the glass. The sunroof cover was pulled back while the glass was in the closed position. The vehicle is at the dealer and we are reaching out to the manufacturer.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/09/2023

I went to take my husband coffee put my car in park got out to get my son out of the back passenger side seat of the car and when I got to the back passenger side seat, I try to unlock the door the door was locked so I went back around to get back to the driver seat to unlock the door and before I could get all the way back to the driver side door I heard a loud click and my car jolted forward and crashed into my husband’s truck with my two year old in the backseat. I notified Kia. They towed it to the nearest dealership. It’s been there for a week, but they’re refusing to do anything or provide me with a loaner vehicle at this time. I’ve been working with a representative and his Only concern seems to be getting pictures of the damage that was done to the front of the vehicle when in reality, they really need to be looking at the computer in my car to see what actually happened. Although it caused damage to both my vehicle and my husband’s vehicle, I am grateful that my husband’s vehicle was there to stop my car because It could have been so much worse!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/16/2022

Last Tuesday, August 16, I parked in the driveway at around 8 PM. After about 2 hours I heard car alarm. I looked out window and saw flames engulfing rear of vehicle. Called 911. Firefighters extinguished flames. Fire crew stated fire was likely electrical and started near tow hitch receptacle. Tow hitch was installed by Kia dealer weeks after I bought car; they told me it was an OEM hitch. I'd never used the hitch until the day of the fire. That afternoon I bought a Kuuat bicycle rack with lights. Bike store installed the rack and plugged it into the hitch receptacle. I did errands for several hours with nothing appearing amiss. Then parked, and fire started hours later. No injuries and no other damage. Looks like total loss, but State Farm hasn't confirmed yet.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 08/09/2022

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that their vehicle was parked in their driveway with the vehicle off and unattended, an hour later the vehicle rolled away and crashed into a neighbor’s fence. The vehicle came to a stop in the neighbor's ditch. No warning lights were illuminated. There was damage to the neighbor's fence as a result of the crash. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they rejected to diagnose the vehicle until the cosmetic repairs were completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact mentioned that in order to prevent another roll away when parking he utilizes rocks under the tires and activates the emergency brakes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.