2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid Problems

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.

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.

We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.

First AWD Coupler failed at approximately 25,000 miles. It was replaced and the replacement AWD Coupler is failing at approximately 55,000 miles. As the AWD Coupler fails, when accelerating from a stop and turning, a loud clunking sound is heard from the vehicle and a jerking motion is felt. The symptoms continue to get worse as the AWD Coupler fails. The jerking can cause unsafe turns and acceleration.

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.

We purchased the car around Thanksgiving of last year (2023). A month and a half after purchase, we noticed all the warning lights coming on all at once. When we reported the incident and safety concern with the Kia dealership, they claimed it would be okay and we had nothing to worry about until our service appointment in Mid-March. Today, my wife was driving with my mom in the car and the brakes completely failed while they were driving on a major highway. Fortunately they were able to pull the car into an embankment before going down a large hill into the valley. We had the vehicle towed back to the Kia dealership where they’re running tests and diagnostics to identify the issue. We’ve also opened a case with customer affairs at Kia of America.

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.