NHTSA Complaint #11688125 — 2022 KIA SORENTO

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect in my 2022 Kia Sorento. The vehicle frequently hesitates, stalls, and at times fails to accelerate properly, creating a dangerous situation when driving in traffic, merging, or crossing intersections. This poses a direct safety hazard to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. I brought the vehicle to Mark Kia Service in Scottsdale, AZ. The dealership acknowledged that the transmission issue is a known defect in this model. However, they refused to repair the problem unless they could “replicate” the malfunction during their testing. Because the issue is intermittent, it does not always occur on demand, leaving me without any repair or resolution despite the safety risk. This policy effectively forces consumers to continue driving unsafe vehicles. I have already experienced several close calls where the vehicle’s hesitation and lack of response nearly caused an accident. The defect is widely reported among other owners of the 2022 Sorento, yet Kia and its dealerships are failing to provide adequate remedies under warranty. I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation into Kia’s handling of this matter. The failure to repair a known transmission defect, despite documented safety risks, places drivers and the public in harm’s way. A recall or mandatory corrective action should be considered to ensure consumer safety.