2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

During normal operation the vehicle will randomly decelerate (no brake lights). This has happened on the highway and on city streets. I repeat on the highway this vehicle will go from 75mph to 40mph with no lights or warnings. The issue happened with my wife and child in the car and I was able to replicate the issue. I refuse to put my family in the car at this point. The Dealership says they cannot replicate the issue but is also lying about driving it diagnostically. The issue is video documented on two occasions. Since vehicle is under warranty it was brought to the dealership both times and have had zero resolution. During its last visit I was without the car for a month. I Contacted KIA corporate who denied a buy back. This vehicle will undoubtedly kill or injure my family or more if driven. I have been responsible and not done so to protect the public. But I need the car. Car is available for inspection at anytime. Videos available upon request.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 95,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a light or making a left or right turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that seconds later, the vehicle responded, and the vehicle hesitated and moved forward independently. The contact stated that during the failure, there was a vibration coming from the rear passenger’s side wheel, and the vehicle lost motive power while driving. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The battery and all four tires were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures had occurred several times over the past two years. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · TX

The back camera has fallen out and it appears the clips are broken off that was holding camera inside of car.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · MD

On [XXX] at [XXX], while driving northbound on [XXX] in Montgomery County, MD, just before Exit [XXX] (about 10-15 minutes after leaving home), the engine overheat warning came on. My child was in the vehicle with me. I pulled over to the shoulder briefly. Thinking it might be a temporary error, I resumed driving, but the same overheat warning came back almost immediately, so I pulled into a nearby restaurant parking lot and stopped the vehicle. I checked under the hood and found the coolant reservoir nearly empty. Because the vehicle was not safe to drive, I had it towed that evening to King Kia (Gaithersburg, MD). Next day on Monday morning, the dealer diagnosed that the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS) had failed internally, causing coolant to leak into the exhaust system, and recommended replacing the EHRS at a cost of $1,475.55. The vehicle has approximately 61,000 miles, just past the 60,000-mile basic warranty, so the dealer stated it is not covered. This failure caused sudden engine overheating while driving on a highway with a child on board, creating a serious risk of engine damage, stalling, and a crash. Kia Customer Care case number: [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Body · OR

The sub roof exploded while on the freeway and all the glass shattered like rain onto the fabric underneath. We pulled over on the side of the freeway and are waiting for a tow. We didn't see any large objects fall or fly towards the car. It sounded like a huge explosion then left a big whole.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Electrical · 25,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH on several occasions, the vehicle stalled after the battery became drained. The vehicle was able to restart each time after waiting for the battery to recharge. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers on three occasions. During the first two visits, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. On the third visit, the failure was duplicated, but the dealer was unable to provide a cause for the failure. During a visit to the dealer, the vehicle stalled while a mechanic was driving it, and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

While driving hybrid battery depletes and car stops accelerating. With pedal to the floor, it may get to 60 MPH, other times 15 MPH. Car doesn't sound great while this is happening. 3/4 times an error showed up stating "Check Hybrid System-Stop Safely". The 4th time the error didn't appear , but was driving on hilly road where battery charged when it was going down a hill. The problem occurred on back roads and Highways. It is VERY unsafe when you suddenly can't accelerate. The car was towed to a kia dealer twice. 1st time I was told it was "bad gas." $1,500 later, it happened again. The 3rd time I had it again towed to a Kia Dealer. 6 weeks later, I was told they couldn't find anything wrong, and Kia released the car. 1 week later, it happened again on the Highway. Dates of occurrence: November 17, 2025 November 25, 2025 December 11, 2025 February 9, 2026 (car was at the dealer from Dec 11-January 29th)

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

While driving on September 15, 2025, the vehicle displayed a loud beeping and the warning message “Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely.” The vehicle restarted about an hour later, but the combustion engine ran very rough. The Kia dealer inspected it but reported no stored error codes. On September 23, 2025, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving. It appeared to operate only on electric at low speed, then died completely in the roadway. The vehicle would not power down until the start/stop button was held. It required a tow back to the dealer. Prior to the first incident, a faint electrical smoldering odor was present. The vehicle remains at the Kia dealer for evaluation. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle experienced sudden loss of motive power and stalling in traffic, which put both myself and others at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Visibility · MO

On passenger side interior between glove box and dashboard, there is a textured, metallic trim plate that during a sunny mid day, casts a reflection on the passenger side window over the top of the where the passenger side rear view mirror is.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CT

Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving. Engine does not turn on, vehicle will run on battery until battery is dead, then putting the vehicle in park once stopped. Vehicle will not accelerate normally since the engine does not turn on. Only goes 10-20 mph. Lights on the dash come on, prompting to keep car on to charge the battery. No code is found when the vehicle is scanned. Dealerships can't seem to diagnose the issue. This is a safety concern when driving on busy roads or state highways at higher speeds.