2004 Kia Sorento: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Aug 17, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 92,400 miles · MI

I was driving approximately 35-40 MPH and my car suddenly lost power with all the dash lights briefly coming on (battery, oil, etc.). Fortunately I was close to a side street and was able to make a hard turn and coast to the curb. I waited a minute and was able to restart the vehicle. I drove home and there was one more incident when the car started to lose power (lights dimmed) however I pushed on the gas and it powered up again. I have had the lights dim and the car seemingly lose power several times. Just prior to this the car typically hesitates when you are going full speed and then the dimming occurs. I've had my car idle at stop signs and at train crossings and have not experienced any power loss. It always seems to happen while driving 35-40 MPH or more. I've had it happen while driving 60-70 MPH on the highway. I had a diagnostic run on the car at the dealership with no concerning results. I've had a mechanic I trust check the alternator, the spark plugs, flush the coolant, put in fuel cleaner, etc. And he cannot locate the problem.

Filed May 10, 2010 · Engine · 80,000 miles · ME

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) we have a 2004 kia sorento automobile that had an issue with the crankshaft bolt in sept. 2009. The repair cost over $1000.00. We later found out that there was some kind of "repair campaign" (sc072) for the same issue. When we contacted kia customer service for repair reimbursement we were told our vehicle was manufactured 11 days after the vehicles involved in the recall. Kia offered no grace period and told us there was nothing they could do. On saturday, 5/8/10, the same bolt broke again which renders the vehicle undriveable. If this bolt were to break while the vehicle was operating at highway speed the consequences would be catastrophic. The vehicle has been towed back to bill dodge kia in westbrook, me. Again for repair, and has been documented as kia case # [xxx] . The case was opened by contacting kia customer service (albert) at 800‑333‑4542, ext. 45060. The kia regional manager for this part of the u.s. Is gary airoldi and kia would not provide any additional contact information for mr. Airoldi. I can't help but wonder if the state of maine shouldn't lead the way in forcing kia motors into a national recall and repair effort for all of their vehicles impacted by this defect and reimburse those who have incurred out of pocket expenses and/or injuries as a result. Our desire is to have the vehicle repaired at no cost (considering the previous repair campaign) and to recoup the $1030.30 spent on the previous repair. Thank you very much for reviewing our inquiry and we appreciate any assistance you can offer. Please don't hesitate to also contact me at work at [xxx] . [xxx]

Filed Sep 12, 2007 · Engine · 60,537 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia sorento. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle began to sputter and hesitate and then it completely shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the dealer. The dealer stated that the coolant compartment had a leak and was dripping coolant into the engine compartment, which caused it to hesitate. She called the kia corporate office and was informed that her vehicle was out of warranty and the repair would not be free. The current and failure mileages were 60,537.

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · MI

The vehicle has a hesitation on acceleration. It vibrates while on the expressway. The check engine light comes on intermittently while traveling at high speeds. Most recently, the transfer case seized up and the front wheels locked up while I was turning and I almost crashed. It is now in the shop getting the transfer case replaced and I'm told there are even more problems with the transmission. Please advise me on what to do so the company can possibly buy this vehicle back from me.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · MI

Since buying my sorento in february 2004, I have noticed that the car sometimes has to "think" before going into gear and there is no predictability as to when this will happen. In example I was in the center lane merging into traffic when the car just would not get going it hesitates and then drops into gear. I have taken the car in and the service manager said that he has had several complaints like mine but there is nothing he could do to help. He said that it seems to be the combination of the engine and transmission and that since it seems to be just a characteristic of the car, there would be nothing that kia would do. I am concerned that this vehicle can cause an accident under normal driving conditions. Since it is a 6 cylinder, I would believe that it should get up and go when you need it. I always need to be aware that I cannot rely on the car to get in gear quickly. This is unsatisfactory, and I have never had a vehicle react in such a way.