The Kia Sorento is one of the biggest mid-size SUVs on the market. Besides, it comes with lots of exceptional standard features and it has a comfortable interior. However, like any other car, the Kia Sorento also comes with several problems. But what are the common problems with Kia Sorento?
Common problems with the Kia Sorento are engine failure, loss of power, faulty door handles, jerking with changing gear, headlights burnout, bad crankshaft pulley bolt, and noisy air conditioner. Note that some issues are only found on particular Kia Sorento model years.
What are the common problems with Kia Sorento?
Engine failure
Engine failure is one of the major problems that Kia Sorento users come across. Engine failure is common in 2011, 2016, and 2017 Kia Sorento model years. This problem is normally caused by a failed head gasket.
The engine fails because the failed head gasket allows the water from the cooling system to mix with the engine’s oil. As a result, it shows up in the radiator, and the water will turn into a greasy mess. Even though this issue can be fixed, it is pretty costly.
Faulty door handles
Some car problems can be disheartening and can happen when you least expect them. One such issue is a faulty door handle. If your door handles jam or refuses to open from the outside, you may be frustrated, especially if you’re in a hurry. This problem is very common in the 2011 Kia Sorento models.
Unfortunately, Kia has never recalled the affected cars and the child locks made the problem worse. Nonetheless, this issue is simple to fix as your mechanic can replace the faulty door lock system to fix the problem.
Jerking while changing gear
Several Kia Sorento users have reported experiencing their cars jerking forward as they change gears. Unfortunately, Kia dealers have linked this issue to a system reset, which does not always work. If you want to fix this problem, you will have a professional mechanic replace the transmission box.
Noisy air conditioner
Most Kia Sorento model years made between 2002 and 2009 had AC compressors with faulty clutches. Therefore, if the clutch burns out or seizes, then the AC compressor won’t function. One of the common signs of a bad AC clutch is a high-pitched squeal when you start it up.
Besides, if the faulty clutch seizes, the belt that drives it will normally break, and more issues may even come up. So, if you’re having A/C issues, it is important to fix them in time as they can be costly and laborious to fix.
Bad crankshaft pulley bolt
This issue affected the first-generation Kia Sorento models. Mostly, it affected Kia Sorento models made between 2003 and 2006. The affected cars had bad crankshaft pulley bolts. Note that the bad bolts are the ones that hold the pulley in place.
Note that the car’s pulley and belt systems keep the power steering, alternator, air conditioner, and other vital systems working. So, if the pulley is compromised, all the systems that it supports won’t function as needed. Ensure to have this problem is fixed in time to avoid damaging other parts.
Loss of power
Loss of power is also another issue that Kia Sorento users have reported experiencing in the past. Users have reported losing power when accelerating and others noted black smoke coming from the exhaust. This is an indication that the intercooler hoses in your Kia Sorento are bad and have to be replaced.
Headlights burnout
Another common problem that Kia Sorento users should be worried about is headlights burning out earlier than expected. This problem was rampant in the 2002 to 2009 model years. Many users complained that the light assembly indicated signs of burning.
Unfortunately, Kia never issued a recall for this problem. So, if you notice that your headlights are not working properly or are burning out, you should have them replaced. Note that headlights are pretty costly.
FAQ
Is the Kia Sorento reliable?
Kia as a brand is very reliable. However, the Kia Sorento is not as reliable as it comes with a slightly above-average reliability score. According to J.D. Power, the Kia Sorento obtained a score of 77 out of 100.
Is it expensive to maintain the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento is way cheaper to maintain than most of its competitors. The owner of the Kia Sorento will have to pay around $7,953 to maintain their car for 10 years. This is slightly lower at $1,180 compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, the owner should also be ready to deal with a major repair during this period.
What is the most reliable Kia Sorento model year?
Kia has been producing the Kia Sorento since 2002. However, not all models are reliable or unreliable. Some model years have been more reliable than others. If you want the most reliable Kia Sorento model years, consider getting used 2020, 2021, and 2017 model years. These cars come with fewer issues and are cheap to maintain.
How long does the Kia Sorento last?
Kia makes some of the most reliable cars on the market. So, with proper maintenance and repair, the Kia Sorento should last for more than 200,000 miles. Some users have reported clocking over 300,000 miles. But if you want your car to last this long, you should also exercise good driving habits.
Will a Kia Sorento hold its value?
Yes, the Kia Sorento holds its value better than most of its rivals. For instance, the Kia Sorento will only depreciate by 40% after 5 years. This means that the car will have an excellent resale value of $24,281 after 5 years. Aside from holding its value, the Kia Sorento is cheap to maintain and it’s quite affordable to insure.
Final thoughts
The Kia Sorento not only looks sleek and modern, but it is also reliable, fuel-efficient, and comes with a refined interior. But like any other car, the Kia Sorento also comes with issues that interested buyers should know about. This will help them to maintain the car well and prevent the issues before they happen.
All in all, the Kia Sorento is a nice family car with a peppy turbocharged engine. With good care and maintenance, this car will last for a long while.
