2024 KIA SORENTO HYBRID — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Purchased this vehicle last year, and less than a week into ownership developed a coolant leak. KIA determined the hybrid radiator leaking due to damage, such as a rock or related impact. While I didn't receive any warnings on the dash, there was noticeable coolant on the ground when parked and smell. I don't believe the level got low enough to trigger a warning or vehicle disabled by the computer. The front lower grille, which allows air to cool the hybrid radiator, creates a significant exposure of the radiator(s) due to manufacturer design. I have heard from an alarming number of Sorento owners that have experienced this problem, and they are installing their own mesh to reduce the size of holes through the grille. This defect in design should be escalated.

While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.

While utilizing cruise control on the PA Turnpike, the check engine light flashed on and the Sorento began to lose speed. The cruise control was attempting to compensate and pushing at 100% power, however the speed continued to decrease. We turned off cruise control and still were unable to increase speed. We were at 100% acceleration but lose 1 MPH every ~10 seconds or so. We pulled over and kept the vehicle running. Opened the hood and saw the engine shaking violently. We turned the car off - waited ~30 seconds and turned it back on. The vehicle operated fine afterwards and since. Dealers are unable to diagnose in a timely manner and are booking 1-3 months out - even further if you need a loaner vehicle.

I was driving on the highway about 60mph, I go to accelerate and merge to the exit lane since that lane funnels another previous merge lane. I press the gas and the gauge stayed frozen at 60mph then a violent loud clunk came from the floor like as if the transmission gear got stuck and then slipped in. After parking at the store the hybrid inverter coolant refill warning came on the dash. I drove back home to get fluid 2 miles from home the vehicle lost all power. The issue is search through the internet I’m seeing many many kia sorentos hybrid or gas with the same inverter issue. And every person posting online says the dealer has the same excuse a rock hit and punctured the small radiator. But the car also had a check engine light on and the dealer never brought that up. I’m a mechanic for 12yrs. Something fishy is going on, thank you.

All dashboard lights turned on and were orange during two separate instances. During both instances I went to brake and nothing happened. Eventually the brake finally engaged. On one of the instances the brakes took ~5 seconds to re-engage while coming to a traffic light stop. There were two pedestrians that I almost hit before they re-engaged.