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2015 Kia Sorento: ABS light or ABS activating

16 of the 755 complaints about the 2015 Kia Sorento describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints
16
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
86,870
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

I parked my car and it was sitting for about an hour I came back to the car and heard a humming noise found that weird but I had to drive home about 10 mins later I parked car, sound was still going even while car was off. So I thought to let it sit for another while. Came back to car sound was still on I started car and the abs, traction, & brake light came on and not even 2 mins later my car starts smoking. So immediately I shut it off and have to leave my car parked in another city because I didn’t want to risk driving it home. Fast forward to next day. I got to my car and notice the speedometer had went out. i called Kia because I read about the HECU ABS recall. the service rep assured me my car would be covered so I pay a tow to get it towed to Kia dealer where they then tell me the recall had been repaired in a year that I didn’t even own the car and they refuse to look at it or fix without a fee. With this problem being a fire hazard and a manufacturing problem I should not have to come out of pocket for Kia mistake. I will be escalating this to corporate level.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · CO

1. The engine seized and lost total power at 74,795 miles due to faulty rod bearings manufactured by KIA and due to metal shavings left within the engine compartments. Yes, I have the vehicle in my possession. It is stored at my apartment garage and it is available for inspection. 2. I was driving my vehicle on the highway prior to sudden engine seizure and loss of power. The check engine light appeared for the first time on [XXX]. I immediately took my vehicle to my mechanic (same day on [XXX]) where it seized and lost complete power on the road. It had to be pushed into the mechanic's garage by hand. Total loss of power of my vehicle could have resulted in a catastrophic accident and injuries to myself and others. I could have lost control of the vehicle and I could have been rear-ended or side-swiped at a high speed on the highway or the street. Additionally, my vehicle was recalled due to a faulty HECU/ABS Module, which could have resulted in engine fire and it was recalled due to increased theft risk because my vehicle was manufactured without an engine immobilizer. KIA did not notify me of any recalls nor did they notify me of their self-proclaimed and self-manufactured KSDS and "Product Improvement Campaign - P11802". KIA Corp (Irvine, CA) only provided a SAMPLE letter on 11.13.23. 3. Yes, the defect was confirmed by my mechanic, KIA Corp, and by the Grand KIA dealership in Thornton, Colorado. 4. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Grand KIA dealership in Thornton, Colorado. Grand KIA confirmed that there was no rotation of the crankshaft and no power or codes detected upon scanning the engine. Grand KIA confirmed that the engine failure was due to their faulty rod bearings, but denied engine replacement because I did not upgrade my engine with their KSDS/"Product Improvement Campaign", although they upgraded my car with the KSDS upon diagnosis to cover up. Grand KIA stated that engine seizure is not a safety issue. 5. Yes, check engine light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Brakes, Visibility · 127,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brakes and the steering wheel seized inadvertently, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she attempted to roll up the windows, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light, ABS warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a Triple A certified mechanic, where the battery and the alternator were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to the electrical system; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. Additionally, the contact stated that the sunroof failed to open or close unless the sunroof switch was depressed several times. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2023 · Engine, Suspension · MS

Hello my name is [XXX] . Approximately [XXX] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [XXX] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was located in Meridian Mississippi. Upon my arrival I was told by Service department manager Monty that my 2015 Kia Sorento had engine and transmission recalls. However since this date I have continued to have issues with the ABS transmission system and engine. I took my car back to Kia dealership in Meridian Mississippi and was told that they were no longer responsible for the recall issues. I paid out over a thousand dollars again on approximately February 9th, 2022 for repair work that should have been covered by warranty... only to have the same issues to reoccur this year. I have grown infuriated with this service department at this Meridian Mississippi Kia dealership!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Engine · GA · fire

Engine caught fire while driving out of state with family on highway. Recall notice said to repair only if ABS light turns on. Light never appeared. Kia refusing to repair/replace engine.

Filed May 27, 2022 · Brakes · TN

The abs brake system malfunctioning. The vehicle component was inspected by the manufacture. Because light came on. They first said it was the brakes; so, we had the brakes repaired in February. In April the ABS light came back on again. This time the emergency brake light came on too. The KIA manufacturer said since our car was not listed with the other ABS recall, repairs of the system is on us. The cost for repair is $1,000 plus to fix the ABS system and EBS light issue. Although we explained about this being a known safety issue, the manufacturer refused to address and stated repair cost was on us.

Filed Mar 9, 2022 · Brakes, Engine · 99,702 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with camshaft position sensor failure. The mechanic replaced camshaft position sensor; however, the failure recurred with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure. The dealer performed a Product Improvement Campaign: PI1802 (Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement) software update. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The manufacturer declined the engine replacement since the contact did not have the product improvement campaign software update prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 99,702.

Filed Feb 24, 2022 · Engine · GA

-Cylinder walls excessive engine oil consumption. My engine was replaced in June 2019 For my 2015 Kia Sorento. My vehicle presently and right before my 2019 engine replacement would drain oil, but no visible leaks. Smokey exhaust, and loud knocking sounds. Sludgy oil that regularly needs to be replaced. No horsepower or pick up to drive at normal speeds -Due to the oil depletion I was fearful of my vehicle catching fire. It recently stalled on the interstate. -Yes the problem was confirmed 2/24/2022. -Vehicle was inspected at Ed Voyles Kia dealership by a service technician -My vehicle was losing momentum. Multiple lights aluminated, as well as wacky battery issues. check engine light, oil light, battery light, ABS, Electronic Stability, Malfunction indicator, lights illuminated during vehicle failure. My oil light started in August 2021. It came off and on, even with regular oil changes. I took it to another Kia Dealership in October 2021. They did a diagnostic and said my engine was the culprit but that they could not warranty any repairs. I wasn't able to get an appointment with the original dealership that did my previous engine repairs, until February 10, 2022. I called the Kia corporate office several times for help.

Filed Aug 30, 2021 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS, parking brake, and check engine warning lights illuminated, and the instrument cluster gauges were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that a sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Aug 28, 2021 · Electrical · GA

almost all of my tire/brake lights are on my dash, dealership said its the speed sensors in my back tires. A week later (with those lights still on) my parking brake light came on while driving and started a dinging noise, parked turned it off and back on the noise had stopped but all lights were still on. dealership said speed sensors arent a serious issue to fix, however, my UVO diagnostics says its my ABS/EBS system. Ive already had a blown engine and now have a lifetime warranty but, they are picking and choosing whats covered and what isnt.

Filed Mar 26, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · 110,000 miles · FL

A few months back, maybe osept/oct my ABS light, tire pressure light came on (yellow) and I had it checked and they said it was a wheel sensior and its very costly so as of yet it hasnt been fixed. Now yesterday my brake light at the bottom of my dash came on (red) and its a double and said break. I dont know why im having so many problems with this car but it will be my last kia. I own 2 and both have had problems and I keep both serviced on time and get what is needed done

Filed Sep 22, 2020 · 86,870 miles · MN

Abs lights keep coming on and off when taking it to the shop the code reader is giving no codes

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported May 10, 2021 · 440,370 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V‑519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

Recall number 21V331000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported August 27, 2020 · 440,370 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

Recall number 20V519000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2015 Kia Sorento abs

Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 2015 Kia Sorento?

16 of 755 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia Sorento (2%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2015 Kia Sorento?

There are 2 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2015 Kia Sorento

Engine failure 166Check engine light 115Knocking 103Headlights 91Stalling 71Loss of power 42Fire or smoke 28Oil consumption 25Won't start 21Airbag light 16Overheating 16Won't shift 14Warning lights 13Jerking 12Door locks 9Misfire 8Hesitation 7Power steering loss 7Steering lock-up 7Backup camera 6Fuel pump 6Sunroof shattered 6Adaptive cruise 5No deployment 5Fuel smell 5Steering noise 5

All model years of the Kia Sorento

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