2013 Kia Sorento: loss of power steering

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Engine · NY

On 11/20/2023 I was entering the freeway when the engine on my Kia completely quit. No lights, no sputtering, no indication at all of an issue. Obviously I lost power steering. I was able to get to the side of the road and try to restart the engine. Would not restart. I had the car towed to my mechanic and called Kia customer service later. I was advised to have it towed to a Kia dealership (fee would be reimbursed), get it diagnosed (fee would be reimbursed), and that the engine would be replaced. The diagnosis was no compression in cylinder 4 and that this is not covered under warranty. I was offered an engine for $6000. Called customer service back and was told they would research the case. Two months later I am told they will not be replacing the engine. I am out a tow fee, diagnostic fee, and have a lawn ornament that I owe $4000 on. This is absolutely a safety issue and Kia needs to be held accountable. To go immediately from power steering to none, engine turning to stalled is not safe! I feel lucky as I was not traveling fast, not trying to merge or pass. I am disgusted that this is not a safety concern and that Kia continues to deny any fault.

Filed Nov 6, 2023 · Engine · TX

1) Engine suddenly stopped; seized; couldn't control steering wheel was very hard to steer off road; 2)safety of passengers and children in school zone; 3) safety 3 passengers ages 67, 93, 13 because of sudden stop; reduced speed at its own pace and vehicles behind, traffic; steering was difficult because of locked engine; 4) had to push off busy street, got towed next day; 5) no warning prior to failure on 9/6/2023 at 1130am CDT.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Engine · WA

Driving car, was getting off an exit and the engine completely seized up, no power, no lights, no steering. Had it towed. Found out the engine seized with no apparent reason and the motor needs to be replaced.

Filed Oct 31, 2022 · Engine · OH

Driving on the highway, the engine began “knocking” then the engine seized up without a check engine light or any other warnings. Steering and brakes did not work. We were lucky to get off the highway without an accident. Regarding the recall, it was over a month’s wait at three different dealerships at three Ohio locations. The first available appointment was October 7th. The engine failure was September 17 before the recall repair appointment. Per a local mechanic, the engine threw a rod and the engine was not repairable. Kia charged $6500 for a replacement engine because they would not honor the engine recall replacement. The engine they sent to the local mechanic was the incorrect engine. Further investigation revealed the correct engine was discontinued. Kia failed to remedy the recall because of their scheduling problems, put our lives in danger by losing steering and brakes at a high rate of speed when the engine unexpectedly seized up. The Kia Sorento is still sitting at the mechanic with no working engine while we are paying car and engine loans.

Filed Dec 28, 2021 · Engine · FL · crash

My 2013 Kia sorento got recalled for an engine filling/Engine knocking. Back in 2019 so i toke it to the dealer and there's was not issues at the moment until 2021, i was driving on the highway and the car turned off. I lost power to the brakes and the steering was very hard to turn. The engine light started flashing so i pulled over and called the tow truck to take it to the kia dealership. Next day they called me and the engine was valid for the recall but they told me since it's a rebuilt car the car is not valid for a recall.

Filed Nov 25, 2020 · Steering · 95,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia sorento. The contact stated that the while driving the vehicle in the rain, the battery failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle loss power steering assist. The steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failures were not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2020 · Engine · 103,351 miles · PA

Driving to work, the engine seized at a red light. Manage to roll to parking lot. Lost steering and braking. My shoulder still hurts from pulling on steering wheel so hard. Very scary as was on very busy 2 lane (each way) in morning rush hour traffic. Called aaa immediately. They towed the car to our mechanic. Mechanic said bearing/engine locked and would need to be replaced. Sorento had 103k miles so not worth the expense. Radio/blue tooth, etc. Hadn't worked for long time. Sold sorento to salvage yard that same day. They towed the vehicle off our mechanic's lot. I was told about the related recall afterwords. Haven't contacted kia yet but just found this #, 800‑333‑4542, which I can try to ask them about this situation. Documents: I have receipt from the salvage yard. Aaa didn't give me any paper work but I'm sure this can be documented. My mechanic felt bad and didn't charge me since he couldn't fix and didn't give paperwork.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 5,094 miles · CA

I have a 2013 kia sorento v-6. Approx. 6 mths into owning the vehicle, while accelerating to turn right after stopping at a stop sign, the engine died and car lost all power. The car was stuck at a 45 degree angle 1/2 way into the lane of traffic. I was lucky that no-one was coming or I would have been t-boned. The car dash was completely dark with no lights whatsoever, no brakes and no steering (since both are power). I had no idea what happened and had a lot of trouble getting the car into neutral to attempt re-start. After several attempts, it finally did re-start. Took it to kia who was unable to duplicate the problem. Second time (11 mths), I was accelerating from stopping at a stop light - engine died and car lost all power, no steering or brakes - no dash lights. Cars had to go around me and I was praying I didn't get rear-ended. Again, car started after several attempts. Third time (12 mths), was at the bottom of a freeway off-ramp. Attempted to go after light turned green and engine died - again lost all power - no dash lights, steering or brakes - cars had to go around me. Fourth time (17 mths) stalled in parking lot when I stopped at intersection to turn left - same symptoms. This car is dangerous! Kia needs to recall and correct this problem before a serious accident occurs and someone dies. I'm afraid every time I drive it. Huge safety issue! The federal safety agency, please do something.

Filed Jun 25, 2013 · Engine · 30,556 miles · CA

I had just purchased the vehicle about 2 weeks ago. It was used but only had 29875 miles. As I was driving on the road preparing to stop at a light the engine shut off and the check engine lights turned on. I lost power steering, luckily I was next to a burger king and was able to coast into the parking lot. As soon as I stopped I put the vehicle into park and was able to start it up again. I had brought it into the dealership and they kept it for the day, but told me that they could not duplicate the problem and the diagnostic revealed there was no issue. I thought that it might have been just a rare occurrence, but a week later the same thing happened again. Both times my 4 month old son was in the vehicle. I have brought it back to the dealership and told them to keep it as long as they need to fix the problem. I don't want it back until it is fixed. I hope kia does the right thing and recalls the vehicle before someone gets seriously injured.