2023 Kia Sorento Visibility Problems

The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 Kia Sorento intermittently fails to close. When commanded to close, the glass travels most of the way, then stops or reverses before reaching the fully closed position. It frequently takes many repeated attempts. In some cases the panel will not seat at all until the vehicle is driven over rough pavement, and the resulting vibration allows it to complete closure. The malfunction is accompanied by a loud grinding or scraping noise from the roof assembly during travel. This condition has been present since I purchased the vehicle new. The sunroof has seen very limited use. Safety risk: the glass panel cannot be reliably secured. An open or unseated panoramic panel at highway speed presents a risk of water intrusion, wind loading on an unsecured glass panel, and loss of roof structure integrity. Repeatedly operating the switch and monitoring the panel while driving is a significant distraction from the driving task, and driving specifically to induce vibration in order to force closure is itself an unsafe workaround. Dealer history: I have reported this to a Kia dealership on multiple occasions. I was told there is no defect and that the cause is debris, which is inconsistent with a vehicle purchased new with minimal sunroof use. On one visit the dealer cleaned the assembly as a goodwill gesture. This did not correct the noise or the closure failure. The vehicle was returned to me as repaired while the noise and the failure to close were both still present. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin BOD125 (Rev 1, 02/27/2017) describing a slow-to-close condition and abnormal closing noise on the prior-generation Sorento (UMa), remedied by cleaning and lubricating the rear guide rails and replacing the rear tilt levers. My vehicle exhibits the same failure mode described in that bulletin. The component is available for inspection on request. No warning lamps or messages preceded or accompanied the failure.

NHTSA ID

11751824

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

While traveling on a freeway, the front sliding portion of our sunroof exploded outward and upward. Sunroof was closed at the time with no impact present to cause the event. A very expensive repair for something that is clearly a defect of some sort. KIA was contacted and not willing to warranty or help cover.

NHTSA ID

11750795

Incident

Jul 9, 2026

I am submitting a vehicle safety and certification concern regarding a 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid that was marketed and offered for sale as a Kia Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle by Shawnee Mission Kia, 7951 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission, KS 66202. On [XXX], during an in-person inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase, I observed conditions inconsistent with expected Certified Pre-Owned inspection and preparation standards, including inverter coolant below the minimum level, engine oil materially above the normal operating range, and deteriorated windshield wiper condition. A third-party witness was present during the inspection. Because the vehicle was being represented as Certified Pre-Owned, I requested the vehicle’s CPO inspection checklist and supporting inspection documentation from dealership personnel. The requested documentation was not provided despite multiple follow-up requests. Subsequent written communications from dealership management acknowledged failures in dealership standards and handling related to the matter. After a formal complaint was submitted to the dealership’s corporate parent, the dealership’s General Manager responded in writing that an internal review had been initiated concerning CPO preparation and documentation practices. The requested inspection and service documentation were still not produced. The dealership later confirmed in writing that the vehicle “has since sold.” I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle was represented to consumers as Certified Pre-Owned despite observed maintenance and inspection concerns affecting vehicle condition and safety-related systems, while supporting certification documentation was not produced upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11739280

Incident

Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH, after making a left turn, the sunroof shattered with the sunroof cover closed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected, but the contact was unaware that the sunroof had exploded. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact’s husband became aware that the sunroof had shattered. The contact had not sustained any injuries. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof had exploded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID

11721357

Incident

Feb 7, 2026

Mileage

39,000 mi

While driving on the interstate at 70 mph the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded. There was no debris or road hazards that caused it.

NHTSA ID

11720822

Incident

Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the HVAC system, there was an abnormal burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the blower motor relay had short circuited and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact performed a repair based on guidance from the mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the failure with the blower motor relay reoccurred. The contact recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V649000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The contact related the failures to the recall. The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11702926

Incident

Jun 21, 2025

Mileage

48,000 mi

Front panel of panoramic sunroof shattered while driving on Interstate 90 at approx 65mpg. Sunroof was fully closed. Exploded on its own with no outside influence. Conditions were clear and dry. Sounded like a gun shot and glass was flying everywhere. Fortunately shade was closed with no glass entering passenger compartment. Could have resulted in injuries or accident if glass entered the driving inside area.

NHTSA ID

11675809

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11665716

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

On the morning of July 14, 2024 I noticed a crack on the driver side on the window. The crack appeared on the bottom of the window and travel upwards where it ended. This morning July 15, 2024, the crack spread across towards the passenger side of the vehicle. Nothing hit the window for it to develop a crack as my car was parked in the driveway and there were no markings on the window. I do put on the window sun visor to keep the excessive heat out of the car.

NHTSA ID

11602343

Incident

Jul 14, 2024

Issue occurred and came to like during the past winter snow storm. The hood of the SUV does not allow and blocks the wiper blade arm from being lifted in order to clean ice off the wiper blade nor can the wiper arm be lifted to clear ice and snow under the wiper arm to allow proper operation. This design flaw does not allow safe and clear sight function of the windshield wipers.

NHTSA ID

11567472

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

Sunroof on the vehicle blew out out of nowhere. No prior cracks or damage.

NHTSA ID

11528594

Incident

Jun 23, 2023