NHTSA Complaint #11638639 — 2015 KIA SORENTO

September 2024, the engine cooling fan began staying on after shutting off the vehicle, and October 2024, we began to hear unusual engine noises and a bubbling sound from behind the dashboard. November 2024, we began to see intermittent poor performance with the HVAC system, and then on [XXX], the temperature gauge climbed to H. We called Matthews Kia of Greece, 4321 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14626, and brought the vehicle in on 11/15/2024. Matthews Kia had the vehicle from 11/15 to 11/29/2024. They reported performing a coolant pressure test and block test but found no signs of a coolant leak. They opened a tech line case under warranty extension WTY039, and they were told to release the vehicle. Matthews Kia informed us that the coolant reservoir appeared to have “an odor of alcohol” and some contamination, so we paid for a coolant flush at 140,438 miles (previous coolant flush was completed at 127,057 miles). We drove the vehicle for two more weeks. During that time, the check engine light turned on, and the temperature gauge would rise to H and then slowly descend back to standard operating position. We returned the vehicle to Matthews Kia on 12/13/2024, with 141,266 miles. They reported not being able to identify the source of overheating, and they indicated that the vehicle did not meet qualifications for the extended warranty under TSB #254. Matthews Kia suggested replacing the thermostat. This was replaced, and motor oil and coolant were topped off on 1/3/2025 with 141,280 miles. Within ten miles of leaving Matthews Kia on 1/3/2025, the check engine light came back on. During the following week, HVAC system also stopped blowing hot air and would frequently only blow cold air. The temperature gauge began rising to the H mark repeatedly on short trips (7-10 miles). We spoke with Matthews Kia on 1/16/2025, and returned the vehicle to them for further evaluation. The service dept at the dealer said they have no explanation and cannot diagnose the problem. FORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA