2008 Kia Sorento engine complaints

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Engine · 12,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia sorrento. While the contact was driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, followed by a complete loss of engine power. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The engine restarted and the vehicle resumed operation. The vehicle was in the process of being diagnosed by an authorized dealer at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed May 6, 2009 · Engine · 4,500 miles · KS

I bought my 2008 kia sorento 11/11/2008. In march 2009, I started to notice a compression type noise and it occurs every 3-5 seconds. The kia dealership has had this vehicle several times, but can't figure out the issue. This is an ongoing and still current issue. It's very inconvenient to take my vehicle to the dealership every other week just to hear that they can't figure out the issue. The kia dealership can not tell me if it a safety issue. If the dealership service tech's can't figure out the problem, then how do I know if my family is safe in this vehicle?

Filed Dec 10, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 4,000 miles · NM · fire

My 22 yr son. Was driving a kia sorento, at highway speed on 11/27/08 on I-10 w in houston, tx, just east of loop 610. The vehicle was a rental from enterprise rental car and had ca. 4000 miles on the odometer. My son reports hearing a loud boom from the engine compartment and immediately noticed smoke coming from the dashboard vents. He immediately pulled the vehicle over to the median shoulder and exited the vehicle, noticing dark smoke coming from the hood, then flames. He promptly called 911. The operator said she had his vehicle fire on the overhead highway camera. My son is a culinary student and rapidly retrieved his valuable knife roll from the rear seat floorboard, but was unable to get anything else from the vehicle because of the heat and smoke. He says the fd arrived within 5 mins and doused the engine fire. There was extensive fire damage to the front passenger compartment and less so to the rear passenger compartment. My son is smart, quick and agile. Thus, he suffered no physical injury, but was quite distraught. He will do well. I am an emergency physician with 20 yrs of experience. I have very serious concerns regarding this apparent catastrophic failure that rapidly resulted in an engine and vehicle fire. It is apparent that a definitely adverse outcome, including serious injury and/or death could result if the occupants were elderly or a family with children in proper restraints, booster or infant seats. Additionally, my son reacted rapidly and immediately pulled over. Another tragic scenario could occur if there were a narrow or no shoulder. Thank you for your review and action.