2015 Kia Sorento lighting problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
70 owners have reported lighting problems with the 2015 Kia Sorento, 13% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 77,553 mi.
- Lighting complaints
- 70
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 77,553 mi
Specific components reported
Lighting covers: Headlights, tail lights, turn signals and interior lighting.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 66 |
| Exterior lighting:headlights | 3 |
| Exterior lighting:headlights:bulbs | 2 |
Lighting complaints across Kia Sorento years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Sep 3, 2026TXElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers
The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacceptable and a severe safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11761812 · source - Filed Mar 14, 2026PALighting
I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go out all the time.
NHTSA complaint #11724298 · source - Filed Feb 4, 2026TXLighting
Formal Complaint on Seized Headlight Sockets and Kia’s Obstruction of Essential Safety Maintenance 1. Incident & Discovery of Defect: I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Sorento. Recently, one of my headlights failed. Upon attempting a routine bulb replacement, I discovered a critical hardware defect: the bulb socket is physically seized. It cannot be rotated or removed by any standard manual force. This is not a simple wear-and-tear issue; it is a mechanical seizure of a component…
NHTSA complaint #11715653 · source - Filed Jan 26, 2026NCDriver Assistance & Safety TechFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionLighting
Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and went the same exact distance and didn’t have to get any fuel until I was about half way…
NHTSA complaint #11713407 · source - Filed Jan 22, 2026GALighting
The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.
NHTSA complaint #11712657 · source - Filed Sep 8, 2025SCLighting
Low beam headlights would work and some times not work and then one day they stopped working completely. We've had everything checked out and there is no explanation as to why this is happening. Replaced headlights, relays, and checked wiring.
NHTSA complaint #11685823 · source - Filed Sep 8, 2025GALighting
My problem is with the headlights, in that the condenser lens for the low beam lights has clouded so badly that driving at night has become so dangerous. I have changed the bulbs twice in an effort to correct the problem to no avail. And with the sealed unit not able to be disassembled to clean the lens, my only option is to replace the units at approximately $800 each. This condition in my opinion should not have occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11685783 · source - Filed Apr 21, 2025120,000 miVALighting
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at night, the front low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate and was very dim. The headlight bulbs had been replaced approximately four times, but the failure returned after replacing the bulbs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11655898 · source - Filed Mar 20, 2025MNLighting
In the last year I have had to replace my headlight bulbs at least 3 times on each side. My yearly mileage is only around 9,000-10,500. The body shop has tried different brands of bulbs, tried not having the automatic light setting on and only turning on when needed, etc. Nothing seems to correct the issue and once I had them both go out within the same week. They go out so frequently that the shop has an extra set on hand now for when I call. I'm worried if I don't notice…
NHTSA complaint #11649435 · source - Filed Jan 23, 2025115,000 miOHLighting
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions the front low-beam headlights failed and were no longer illuminated. The headlight bulbs were replaced but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that on one occasion there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it…
NHTSA complaint #11638010 · source - Filed Dec 23, 2024101,064 miSCLighting
The lights dim way too quickly. HID basically is garbage. Major safety issue since most people can’t afford to be constantly replacing their headlight assemblies.
NHTSA complaint #11632213 · source - Filed Jul 18, 2024GALighting
Overtime the low beam headlights have become very dim. The bulbs have always blown a lot but I have recently replaced both bulbs and they are still very dim. I ordered high powered LED bulbs and still the low beams are very dim. So dim you can barely see 10 feet in front of you when driving at night. I have to drive with the high beams on to see where I am going. Research online shows this is an issues with the projector type headlights on these vehicle but no recall is…
NHTSA complaint #11603285 · source
Other 2015 Kia Sorento problem areas
- Engine (264)
- Body & Structure (89)
- Other / Unknown (88)
- Electrical System (40)
- Brakes (31)
- Transmission & Drivetrain (29)
- Airbags (21)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (19)
- Steering (19)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (10)
- Visibility & Wipers (7)
- Seats & Seat Belts (5)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (5)
- Wheels & Tires (3)
- Suspension (3)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology