2025 Kia Sorento Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/01/2026

The transmission is not shifting gears correctly. The engine revs loudly and hesitates for a few seconds before shifting. There were no warning lamps. The vehicle has not been inspected yet. This causes a dangerous situation when driving and accelerating in traffic.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/29/2026

My sunroof exploded.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 06/10/2026

I was stopped at a red light. The light turned green, the vehicle in front of me was easily 4 car lengths ahead at this point into the intersection, I then slowly began to accelerate, my car gave me a false collision warning even though there was no car or hazard in front of me, then I brake checked me (initiated my brakes and slammed on them). This could’ve easily caused the car behind me to hit me and fortunately it didn’t. It did however cause me whiplash, very dangerous. I’ve since turned collision warning off all together

WHEELS — Filed 06/05/2026

I was going to Villa Toscana homestead , and in that road there a big hole and made my tire explode . No light on homestead road to be able to see the big hole.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/12/2026

Today, May 12, 2026 at 12:10pm the panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. I heard some shacking sounds in the car, right as I was picking up speed on the freeway and then heard a bang above my head. Nothing had hit the car. It sounded like a balloon had popped in my ear. When I stopped the car 5mins later, I could see the glass was getting pushed out from the inside and then broke apart in the sunshade. I am my kids were not in the car at the time. It was above their car seats.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/06/2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that an unknown, sticky fluid had spilled through the slits of the mode selector which was a dial that can be selected for driving during different road conditions. Upon start of the vehicle, the 4WD mode selector would intermittently flash on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated the mode selector would remain stuck in eco drive and that the contact could not switch out of the mode selector. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where upon a diagnostic, it was discovered that an unknown, sticky substance had entered the mode selector through the slits in the mode selector. The contact agreed to have the part replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure where they refused to offer any assistance with the vehicle's repair. The vehicle remained in the dealer's possession and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

ENGINE — Filed 01/08/2026

My wife was pulling in spot and car took off at high rate of speed and hit parking pole . Kia corporate after 2 months tells me nothing wrong with vehicle . i found on kia of Manahawkin they have a page on this issue forced acceleration and cause so how they can tell me no it doesn't happen also goggle searches show this a reported issue , and recently friend of my women in Florida her car did the same thing .

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 05/01/2026

I purchased this vehicle from McGrath Kia in [XXX] . The fuel line recall kept me from picking up the car the day of purchase as was indented and stated. This was deception because they knew about the recall even know they waited for me to sign the contract before telling me. This was verified by another sales person at Kia. The current problem is electrical with the 12 volt battery discharging to zero at unusual and times with no particular reason such as lights or anything in the vehicle turned in the on position or running. The service coordinator told me the solution is to un hook the battery terminal when stopped. That is wildly unacceptable to have myself and family risk injury due to Kia's faulty electronics on a newly manufactured vehicle. This added risk of using the kia Sorento makes it unsafe. Multiple visits to the dealership resulted in nothing. They did not want me to bring the car in twice as they don't have a solution. This is becoming more frequent and the McGrath is openly stating I'm over 12 months time for lemon law and ill have to pay to fix my new car. Which has the "lifetime" warranty. Im stuck with a new car that's unsafe to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/05/2026

I am submitting this revised complaint to correct a prior report that was not accurately documented during a phone submission. Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (259 miles at purchase) Within approximately two months of ownership (~3,000 miles), the vehicle began experiencing serious safety-related issues, including intermittent stalling, braking problems, and electrical malfunctions. Symptoms include: •Vehicle stalled and failed to restart, leaving me stranded •Radio/display screen went blank •Heating/climate system became nonfunctional •Vehicle would not shift into neutral •Persistent burning odor inside and outside the vehicle These issues raise concern about a potential fire risk. In May 2025, the vehicle was inspected by two separate dealerships, both of which reported no issues. The condition worsened, resulting in a complete failure requiring towing. A dealership later identified “electrical issues,” but key symptoms were not documented. A second dealership has since stated the vehicle is operating normally; I disagree, as I believe the root cause has not been resolved. Issues began at ~3,000 miles, with major failure at ~22,000 miles. I have contacted Kia and requested a buyback due to repeated failures and safety concerns. This request was denied twice; a goodwill credit was offered but not accepted. This complaint is submitted to report ongoing safety defects involving stalling, braking, electrical failure, and a potential fire risk.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/21/2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the braking system became inoperable and failed to function properly. Additionally, while the vehicle was parked, it failed to start and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electrical system had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.