2004 Kia Sorento: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 10, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 126,000 miles · CO

Three times this week I have been traveling 35 miles an hour or less and the car has just turned off. The first time I was in a parking lot and had to push it into a stall (cracking my tail light while doing that quickly to get out of the way.) the second time was turning a corner and it died. The third time I was just entering the freeway on-ramp when it died. It gives no warning other than silence and a last gasp of gas going through. All three times I was able to stop the car, put it in park and restart it. It has been harder and harder to get it started after that. I took it into the mechanic and he cleaned the fuel filter, but it hasn't stopped the problem totally.

Filed Sep 2, 2015 · Engine · 190,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the fan and air conditioner. The battery indicator was illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. This was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the neighbor assisted her with the failure by check under the engine. It was discovered that the air conditioner belt fractured, was on top of the engine block, and the pulley was loose. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

Filed Jul 27, 2015 · Engine · 177,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost all electrical power. The vehicle stalled and all the warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and after opening the hood of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the drive belts fractured. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the crank shaft pulley was loose and the crank shaft bolt had fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000. Updated 9/21/15 *ln.....updated 10/01/15

Filed May 13, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 124,094 miles · NC

In this instance, the car failed to start. However, there were several more incidents concerning the same issues. In those instances, the car would suddenly lose power, stall out and if able to be restarted, could be driven with a lag in the engine a short distance before all the dash lights would turn on and the car would lose power steering. In two instances, the power steering was suddenly lost when making a left turn with a break across oncoming traffic.

Filed Jan 3, 2015 · Engine · PA

I was driving down the highway when the car started stalling the it picked up. Little ways down the highway the car felt like it was dragging then the belt broke I pulled it over. When reach the shop the mechanic said the crank shaft pulley broke apart.

Filed Apr 4, 2012 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NV

Summary: I was driving along the interstate at aprox. 65 MPH. I heard a ticking noise and looked at the dash. No warning lights my friend asked if the car felt like it was losing speed and it was I immediatly pulled over. Moving to the emergency lane the engine stalled. None of the guages indicated anything wrong , and even after the engine failed the engine check light does not light up, none of the safety indicators light up. The vehicle has 75,000 miles only 13,000 of which I am responsible for. I am not covered under the warranty because I am not the original owner which is ridicualous in itself because the warranty should cover mileage as it states not owners. However, this problem occurred because of the fluid leaking out of the water reservoir/or possibly a failed water pump that kia knows will fail. If kia was aware of this problem and did not issue a recall, knowing that this could cause serious engine problems or death, why are they not responsible for this motor? The repairs are going to cost more than 5000 dollars this should not be tolerated. If you spend any money on a vehicle, change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles follow all safety recalls, you should expect more than 75,000 miles out of it. Kia should be held accountable! I have contacted a lawyer in this matter I believe that kia knows its vehicles are faulty and are waiting for the cost of lawsuits against them to increase to be more than the cost of a recall for this problem, before they do anything to rectify the issues.

Filed Sep 28, 2011 · Engine · 47,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. While driving approximately 35 MPH the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the crank shaft pulley had to be replaced. After the vehicle was repaired the failure continued to occur. The failure occurred three different times. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 47,500.

Filed Jun 30, 2011 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CA

Crankshaft pulley bolt - this is a recalled part that was replaced in 2008. Snapped off while driving. Thankfully not on the freeway when it happened. Replacement is just as faulty as original. Many multiple kia owners have reported this problem some have had this same occurrence happen a third time. Obviously, replacement bolt is not working either and cannot survive the stress that is needed to operate safely. This is a costly and timely repair to replace a bolt that should last more than 2 1/2 years. Needs to be recalled and replaced with a better quality bolt. Called kia and they will not repair, state out of 1 1/2 year warranty. 1st year of car ownership, car stalled while turning left with oncoming traffic approaching due to three faulty starter coils. Kia needs to be held responsible for their less than reliable vehicles. Poor quality parts. Electrical system also faulty, headlights and brake lights consistently go out.

Filed Jan 2, 2011 · Engine · 155,000 miles · MO

I was driving along the interstate at aprox. 70 MPH. I heard a ticking noise and looked at the dash. No warning lights. I rolled the window up, could not hear the noise any longer and continued down the road. I rolled the window back down, the ticking got louder, all lights on the dash light up, engine stalls, and as I'm moving to the emergency lane, the temp. Gauge moves to the red. The vehicle has 155,000 miles on it so the warranty is up. However, this problem occurred because of the fluid leaking out of the water reservoir. If kia was aware of this problem and did not issue a recall, knowing that this could cause serious engine problems, why are they not responsible for this motor? The repairs are going to cost more than 5000 dollars and that is if I can find a replacement motor from a secondary dealer. I have considered trying to find a used motor but I am now hearing that this particular motor has had a problem with the #6 cylinder wall failing, and I do not want to sink that kind of money into this vehicle without the assurance that I will not have to go through this again in 6 months. Has anyone else heard of this? Are there any class action suits against kia? This should not be tolerated. If you spend 28,000 dollars on a vehicle, change the oil every 3 to 5 thousand miles, you should expect more than 155,000 miles out of it. Kia should be held accountable!

Filed Oct 12, 2010 · Engine · 66,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. The contact was driving approximately 55 MPH when the engine completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the crank bolt was sheared and the engine hermetic balancer completely detached from the vehicle. The technician advised that the failure was very unusual. The dealer replaced the crank bolt and the owner was responsible for the additional repair expenses. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, there were certain areas the vehicle exterior paint sustained excessive chipping after the defective surface was touched up with paint. Also, the engine overheated and the temperature gauge failed to function correctly, even though the thermostat was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2008 · Airbags, Body · 50,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal road conditions, the engine stalled unexpectedly and restarted after several attempts. The check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the manifold gasket failed. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. On six separate occasions, the vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer for identical failures, but there were no resolutions. The contact was responsible for the repair expense because the warranty expired. The authorized dealer replaced the crankshaft, crankshaft sensor, timing belt, and drive belt. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 66,000. Updated 12/23/08 the air bag illuminated and would not go out, even when someone was seated in. The headlight was blown, the rear hatch would not stay up. The dealer had to order hood struts. Updated 12/23/08.

Filed Jul 25, 2008 · Engine · 61,000 miles · TX

I purchased a 2004 kia sorento in july 2004, had a few problems such as brakes wearing out too soon and things like that but the dealership was great to make the repairs at no cost. On may 13, 2008 while sitting out a stop sign in my neighborhood the engine began making a very loud banging noise and then stalled. The check engine light came on and my immediate fear was the engine had blown. I knew the oil and preventive maintenance service work had just performed and now the serento had 61k miles on it. I had a wrecker truck tow the serento to the bayway kia dealership (houston) which is where I had service work done before. The nice service manager named "joe' had the engine inspected and found the engine failed because of a item falling off the fuel injector into a cylinder, thus blowing the engine. "joe" advised the engine repair (replacement) would be covered under warranty because of a known defect. Now it has been 3 months, still no repair, bayway kia is now owned by a different company, thus "joe" is no longer there, and the kia dealership keep stalling on the repair. They only have one certified mechanic who has been snowed under with work. This entire week the certified mechanic is on vacation and twenty-five (25) cars in the repair shop waiting on him... Hummm.... They basically refused to allow me taking it to another dealership because they have the engine taken apart and ordered the replacement parts. What good is a 100k warranty if they keep the vehicle for months and months, while I still pay the finance company?