Owner-reported complaints naming the driver-assistance system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2023 Kia Sorento submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 27 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 27, in the owner's own words
While driving, the dashboard lit up with warnings about forward collision, lane departure, lane keeping assistance, breaks, speed etc. that keep cycling through with alarm sounds on the dashboard. I have brought my car to the dealership few times and they reprogram the car but the issue keeps coming back randomly. Seems like a loose connection somewhere. I am afraid of driving when it happens.
All of the ADAS you have listed stop working on my car. I will be driving my car, stop at a red light, drive through, or just driving down the road and it starts throwing sensors. It won’t even show the MPH I’m driving and some times the steering wheel locks up, as does the car itself. I can’t shift gears, move the vehicle, or anything until leaving the vehicle alone for a while and coming back to it. I have proof of multiple repairs, call ins to Kia, and even a request for buy back which was denied on the vehicle.
Since fall of 2025, my 2023 KIA Sorento has repeatedly been in the shop for multiple issues. Most notably, a completely wrecked steering column. This issue was fixed after being in the shop for 12 days. Then in December, I started noticing the shift would lock while in park. I would need to open the top plate and stick an item down into the shifter to emergency release in order to drive. Then all of the electrical components began to state they were no longer working. No cameras, no lane assistance, no forward collision warning, etc etc. Beyond that, all automatic locks, windows and my trunk stopped working. I was locked out of my vehicle in January in CT with my son. My vehicle has now been at a KIA dealership for 5 months awaiting the part to fix my car. All of these problems have been confirmed by their technicians. I continue to pay my $600 a month vehicle payment, as well as insurance as KIA consumer refuses to assist in any way and does not have any answer as to when my vehicle will be fixed. I do not have a vehicle that will fit my family due to this issue. I have asked them to buy back my vehicle, as it is clearly a lemon, but they state I have waited too long to request the buy back under lemon law in CT. NEVER did I think it would be acceptable to be unable to fix a customers unsafe vehicle and refuse to to do anything to help for 5 months at this time and no end in sight. I also have videos it says are too large to send.
Vehicle exhibits repeated brake pulsation and vibration under normal braking conditions, affecting braking performance consistency. The issue began at approximately 10,000 miles and has progressively worsened. The vehicle currently has approximately 30,000 miles. The pulsation is felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal during moderate braking from highway speeds and occurs consistently across multiple driving conditions. The condition is significantly more pronounced when using the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control system. During normal operation, the adaptive cruise repeatedly applies the brakes automatically, and this consistently produces increased vibration and uneven braking response. This indicates the issue occurs during normal vehicle operation rather than abnormal use. The repeated pulsation creates inconsistent brake feel and may affect stopping performance, particularly during repeated or sustained braking events. This raises concern regarding braking reliability and stopping consistency, especially in traffic conditions where adaptive cruise control is actively managing following distance. The condition has steadily worsened over time and is present during routine driving. It is not limited to high-speed or heavy braking scenarios. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB CHA126V) exists for this vehicle model addressing front brake disc judder. The symptoms described in the bulletin match the condition experienced in this vehicle. Given the early onset, progressive nature of the issue, and the involvement of system-controlled braking (adaptive cruise), this condition appears to be related to component performance or design rather than normal wear. Kia response .. Dear [XXX] , Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We do not see that bulletin related to this VIN, as such, any repairs recommended would be the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
All lights came on the dashboard including the check engine light and I could not accelerate. I had to pull over and turn car off and on to get it to accelerate. It poses a very serious threat as you can not accelerate at all and can be rearended. Kia has fixed the throttle twice and have told me 2 other times they can not replicate the issue. It clears out by the time I am able to bring it to the dealership. This issues has happened 4 times starting at 9,000 miles and most recently at 21,000 miles.
I purchased a new 2023 Kia Sorento in February 2023 from Ken Garff Kia Avondale. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and mechanical failures that substantially impair safety. In July 2023, the vehicle began displaying flashing lights, dashboard error messages, and system malfunctions while driving, despite no collision or visible damage. The air conditioning system malfunctioned and blew hot air even when turned off. The dealership stated a front sensor was “damaged” and not warranty-covered, despite no visible damage, and verbally indicated that many other customers were experiencing similar issues. Repairs took nearly four months, during which Kia Corporate engineers were involved. The issue persisted despite repairs. In December 2024, the vehicle began displaying repeated transmission system error warnings, often within the first 5–10 minutes of driving, causing significant loss of speed and drivability. After multiple service visits, the vehicle required a full transmission replacement in July/August 2025 under warranty. Despite this repair, the same transmission errors returned in December 2025. More critically, the vehicle then experienced multiple sudden and complete electrical shutdowns without warning, including: Shutting off entirely while stopped at a red light, requiring a jump start All screens going black and the vehicle failing to restart Restarting only after being left parked for several minutes These events occurred without any battery or system warning indicators and created a serious safety risk, including risk of being stranded or disabled in traffic. The issues have been documented with photos, videos, repair records, and written communications. Due to the ongoing and dangerous nature of these failures, I am reporting this as a vehicle safety defect.
Upon starting the vehicle, it flashed several warning lights that were not on the day before. Including popping codes up on the infotainment system and urging me to schedule a service with KIA. Upon looking up the codes it states HVAC issue, when calling to dealership to schedule a service for it (while it is still barely under warranty) they let me know it might not be covered. That’s when I found out there is a recall only for certain VIN #’s for the exact same issue. My car won’t even drive because the electrical system is being affected. Windshield wipers going crazy, lights not working, AC/heat not working, the emergency braking system braking out of nowhere, the lane departure pulling the wheel while driving without cause. I don’t even feel safe driving the vehicle anymore. Kia needs to have a recall on this that alerts the vehicles owners because I had no clue that there was a potential fire hazard due to faulty wiring.
Check engine light on. Rear defrost doesn't work. Auto stop/start not working. Cruise control not working. Vehicle shuts off sometimes at stand still and have to put in neutral or park and push Start button. Engine looses power while driving. Check rear cross traffic, check tire pressure monitoring system, check lane departure warning system, check speed limit system, check lane keeping assist, check forward safety system lights are cycling on the front screen and warning ⚠️ signs pinging. Vehicle has been inspected 3 times at a local KIA DEALERSHIP. 1st in 4/2025, 2nd 6/2025 3rd time 10/2025. Module was replaced and 2 days later same issue so Vehicle will be going back a 4th time. No warnings before issues started. Sometimes it does it for hours and sometimes it's back to normal.
6/22/24-Initial start of dashboard light "miscommunication"-Codes could not be duplicated at Evans Kia dealership 7/11/24-Miscommunication occurs again-Codes pulled for diagnostics 7/22/24-Car brought in for scheduled appointment to dealership to "fix" communication errors: I was told "There was an issue with the system not updating but I should be good to go now" 2/17/25-Communication errors reappear on dash-Car taken back to dealership; Tech line case opened; Dashboard Cluster Replaced; Car given back to customer 3/20/25-Lemon Law Case filed: Determined past mileage window-Given $3000 settlement for my trouble 6/23/25-Miscommunication reappears on dash: Car taken back to dealership; Tech line case opened; Replaced Steering Column Assembly-Car given back to customer Customer files complaint with Kia Customer Affairs 6/30/25-Miscommunication reappears on dash: Car taken back to dealership; Numerous codes read from diagnostic-Tech line case opened-Front windshield camera is ready "overheating"-Tech line advises for the the camera to be replaced; Car not given back to customer and tech authorized to test drive 7/07/25-Customer informed miscommunication reappeared on dash; Tech line contacted and additional repairs pending their advice 7/15/25-Field Tech scheduled to come to Evans Kia dealership 7/24/25 "The safety of both myself and my children has been repeatedly compromised. No representative within Kia's organization has been able to provide assurance that, when all dashboard warning lights illuminate, the vehicle will not experience a complete malfunction. As a result, I no longer feel safe operating the vehicle. In July 2025, I formally requested that Kia Corporate initiate a buyback of the vehicle, rather than returning it to me following another attempted repair."
Even though the dealership reports that safety recall 23V610 / SC280 for the mounting clip replacement was completed on 2/16/24, my rearview camera has just fell out of its housing, hanging by its wires, with the mounting clips laying broken in my driveway. My rearview camera is currently unusable; its taped up so that it is not just swinging by the wires. When I contacted my dealership, they are pretty sure they can get this work covered under the warranty, but they are not sure. And my VIN# is currently not pulling up any "Active Recalls". Either the clips they used to replace the previous clips were also bad, or the dealership didnt actually complete the work as reported.
All safety features disabled, srs light turns on, vehicle shuts off when driving, guage cluster is inop doesn’t show speed.
Vehicles instrument cluster goes black at times ( speedometer, tach and all exterior lights and turn signals are inoperative during this time) I took it to the dealership and they said they couldn’t duplicate the problem
Vehicle gear slipping acceleration loss with difficulty in proper control of the vehicle. Vehicle has a consistent noise that comes from the accelerator as if something was loose and vibrating. The wheels don’t seem to be moving at the same time and feels like the cars slightly moves side to side as if something in the structure of the vehicle has como off loose with sounds/ rattle coming from the passenger side and back. The vehicle has have wheels aligned and checked more than 6 times with continuous problems and no real solution from the dealers. The dealer has stated everything is fine and to go back if a light sensor turns on. They have said every excuse possible, from telling me that I don’t know to drive the vehicle to having the cops called on me to be removed from the premises . To the dealership telling me they will not check the vehicle. I have gone to 5 different dealership and they refuse to acknowledge my concern with the vehicle. I went ahead and place the vehicle on a lemon law and settled with Kia stating they would validate the warranty. The problem is the dealership have told me that they have to do lots of paperwork and they have to replicate the problem, but have me drive the vehicle instead of them . They stated they only drive the vehicle for about five minutes. The service advisor at time have requested authorization from me inorder for them to drive the car. When asked for a mechanic to do the testing, Ive been told they are may no be available and are working on other vehicles.I have stated the vehicle starts presenting the problem after it has been driven for a while. Again the dealership dismisses all of my claims. The vehicle doesn’t feel safe to drive and I fear a collision may happen putting my life and others at risk.
Was driving up a hill when the 'Auto-Off' light started flashing on the driver display. Car would not accelerate above 20mph. At the top of the hill, I switched gears to neutral and the car began operating as expected; however, the same behavior occurred again at the next hill. Pulled over and restarted the car. Car worked as expected after restart. This is dangerous. I was taking my daughter to school in morning rush hour traffic. We live in a very hilly area and I'm terrified to drive the car. I dropped it off at the dealership almost 2 weeks ago and they have yet to identify the issue. I do see similar complaints on this site so I'm hoping that you are investigating.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was driving and the car completely shut down- I could not use my brakes or accelerate. I had to pull along the road in ongoing traffic to coast to a stop. I lost all control. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic and the cars behind me had to slow down immediately, I could not speed up or even brake to come to a stop. Others around me as well as myself were in danger. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? They reviewed and said they scanned it and did a drive test and could not find the cause. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, It was seen at the Kia dealer I bought it from. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? As soon as the vehicle lost power there was a warning sign on the dash that showed "limit" with a half circle emblem.
I had just entered the highway and reached highway speed of 70 mph. Without any warning, the engine died, all of the dashboard lights came on, and I was unable to accelerate. Thankfully I was in the right-hand lane and there was an exit ramp a short distance ahead. The car decelerated as it had no power, and cars behind me were honking. I was able to exit the highway and coast into a parking lot just off the frontage road. Had I not been able to get off the highway, the vehicle would have been stalled in fast-moving traffic, and a pile-up could have easily occurred. I turned the car off using the push button start/stop, waited several minutes, and restarted the car. The check engine light was on and the car diagnostics system reported an issue with the "engine management system." Upon clicking the details link, the diagnostics system further stated "A possible condition with your Engine Control System has been detected. A full system check is recommended to be done soon. Please contact your local dealership to schedule an appointment." I took the car to a local Kia dealership, and they stated they could not recreate the problem. They reported they "inspected the vehicle for DTC's and found code PO65312 in history." They cleared the code and reported, in writing, that "no issues found during test drive, vehicle currently operating properly, no further action taken" and gave the car back to me without fixing anything. They stated it may need to be diagnosed for longer ext diag time. The vehicle is available for inspection, and I would appreciate any help I can get as I got no help at the dealership.
When attempting to start the car, the engine will not start and every alert system and dashboard light turns on. The car is undriveable when it does this. It takes 5-10 minutes of turning the car on and off before it stops and is drivable again. It does not happen every time and seems to be random. This has happened 5 times. An additional 6th time this same issue happened while I was driving - all of the dashboard lights went on, and every alert / warning turned on (forward collision, lane warning, etc). The steering wheel also became stiff and extremely difficult to turn. I have been attempting to work with 2 different Kia service departments and their corporate escalations department without luck. They are unable to replicate the issue and are planning to give the car back to us. After seeing so many similar or same issues reported on various forums I am filing a NHTSA claim. (One forum example here: [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The blind spot assist warning came on, with no other cars around, and then the engine seized. This Sorento is a 2023 and only had 29000 miles. The engine is now destroyed and kia is not upholding the warranty.
While driving on 3 separate occasions the AEB engaged causing vehicle to stop completely in the middle of the roadway with nobody in front or on the side and Im not too sure if anyone was behind. Vehicle was going 50mph on two occasions and 35mph on the third occasion. Took to dealership was told there is nothing they could do about it unless the vehicle is giving off code(s). Called the dealership again when incident occurred told me the same thing, finally when the third time it happened I contacted KIA Corporate made a case and now waiting for a call back. Very concerning safety issue that needs to be recalled
Made several attempts to fix squeaking and rattling in steering column when lane keep assist is engaged. Dealership vehicle was purchased from notified me " we cannot replicate the problem", after driving my vehicle 59 miles. I sent multiple of the issue via email and text message. Finally, the service manager agreed to let her shop foreman do a ride along. At this time, Demontrond Kia acknowledged there was an issue. Demontrond Kia diagnosis was " Found vapor lines vibrating on brake lines causing the noise from steering wheel." Kia technicians re-routed vapor lines from brake line and test drove the vehicle another 89 miles. Two days later the same exact issue was still present. At this time, the Service manager has yet to respond back to me. I sent a request for an appointment to take care of the reverse camera recall through the kia access app twice after emailing the Service manager. I still have not heard a response.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2023 Kia Sorento, purchased in February 2023 from Ken Garff Kia Avondale. In July 2023, I began experiencing alarming issues, including flashing lights, dashboard error messages, and malfunctions, despite the vehicle being unused for several days with no visible damage. The air conditioning system malfunctioned, blowing hot air even when turned off. Upon inspection at the dealership, I was told the front sensor was damaged, with a repair estimate of $1700. However, no visible damage was evident, and I believe this issue should be warranty-covered due to its electronic nature. The dealership noted that 35 others faced similar problems, raising concerns of a manufacturing issue. Despite persistent efforts and a replacement part installed nearly two weeks later, the problem persists. I've incurred nearly $500 in rental car expenses, as the situation remains unresolved, even with involvement from Kia Corporate engineers. My aim in reporting this issue is to ensure consumer safety and seek a prompt resolution, as I continue to make $1k monthly payments for an unused Sorento. I respectfully request your assistance and prompt investigation into this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
There are two user profiles on the main infotainment system for this vehicle and there are two seat position memory buttons on the door. I am the main driver of the vehicle and have input my seat position into seat memory button #1 on my door making sure my profile on the infotainment is up and the position is confirmed. The system will randomly delete my position and the seat will move to what appears to be the factory setting. I am 5’ 2” so the seat moves lower and so far back I cannot reach the gas nor break pedals. As this has happened what seems like at least 100 times, I mention the problem to the dealer in early August 2023, they had not heard of a similar problem and they ran a diagnostic and all was fine. On Saturday, Sept 9, 2023, I was in the driver seat and put the vehicle into drive. A few seconds later my husband changed the infotainment system from his profile to my profile and the seat went to the factory setting while the vehicle was in drive and I could not reach the gas nor the break pedals. Luckily I had not pressed the gas yet and we were on a flat side street and the vehicle did not move but we were in a residential neighborhood. The second problem has happened around five times with the latest incident on Friday, September 8th. I was on the interstate traveling at 75 mph with light traffic I came up on a few vehicles and noticed the blindspot detectors on both sides of the vehicle did not work while passing the other vehicles. I have also had this happen in heavy traffic with speeds in the 30-50 mph range.
I was driving down the highway on cruise control going 67 on a 65. The car started revving up and then proceeded to go faster. I turned off the cruise control but its continued to speed up. I stomped on the brake 4 or 5 times with no effect. I rammed into the back of a bus at 110 mph.
My blind spot and forward collision warnings kept going off with any vehicles in front me or in my blind spot. I was on the road by myself and they constantly would go off over and over and nothing covering the sensors.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes spontaneously engaged. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated there was no other vehicles nearby when the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the sunroof was deactivated due to the software being disconnected spontaneously. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and informed the contact that the manufacturer needed to be contacted to check the logs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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