2015 Kia Sorento transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Mar 21, 2026MAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was heavy, it was raining and getting dark. I needed to push my car off the road with the help of another driver. A Hyannis ambulance was a few cars behind me and the EMT's also assisted with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11726057 · source
2. Filed Feb 25, 2026OREngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving on the highway when I proceeded to the turn lane to turn left crossing two lanes of traffic and the vehicle just shut down no warning whatsoever no check engine lights no oil lights nothing and it wouldn’t turn back on when trying it but after about 5 times it turned on and I was able to get it off the highway but couldn’t go any further as the vehicle was making a loud noise and the car was shaking

   NHTSA complaint #11720469 · source
3. Filed Oct 21, 2025109,200 miFLTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shifted into park(P), the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while at the drive-thru picking up lunch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised…

   NHTSA complaint #11694849 · source
4. Filed Apr 1, 2025VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine died in the middle of the right of way suddenly and would not restart. Knocking sound ensued when restart was attempted. Within the previous 48 hours, the engine had been topped off with 2 quarts of oil. The dealership it was towed to to assess the issue confirmed they added an additional 3 quarts of oil during the assessment. They confirmed the engine would need to be replaced. Mileage at the time of incident was 68K. Kia corporate confirmed they would not replace…

   NHTSA complaint #11652193 · source
5. Filed Mar 27, 202468,000 miMDBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was…

   NHTSA complaint #11579810 · source
6. Filed Mar 26, 2024NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The 4 wheel drive and all wheel. During the first snow I went to use it because I live on the top of a large hill it I had no traction at all I was all over the road and had a terrible time getting out of the way of another car. My Husband had to tow me up the hill into the driveway. It had worked last winter and I had no warning it wasn't working. I took my car to the KIA dealership they confirmed it is the 4 wheel and all wheel drive and I could have it fixed for $2,262.15…

   NHTSA complaint #11579452 · source
7. Filed Nov 23, 2023PATransmission & Drivetrain

   Takes long to switch gears going up hill it’s like a delay I have to sometime switch it into manual to switch gears going uphill and even sometimes on flat ground

   NHTSA complaint #11556605 · source
8. Filed Aug 13, 2023MIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   August 11,2023 My 2015 Kia Sorento engine light came on, it started bogging down, and rattling noise came from the engine, when plugged in it was diagnosed as the exhaust crank shaft position timing-over-advanced (Bank 1) Code P0014. I had a hard time keeping the engine running it kept wanting to stall out while driving down the road to safely make it home. I'm lucky to have made it home and not stranded out on the highway. I'm told know the engine has failed. I will need…

   NHTSA complaint #11538259 · source
9. Filed Jun 27, 2023OREngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The drive train or engine suddenly locked up while driving down the road at 35mph causing the vehicle to violently decelerate and the wheels to lose traction and skid. The failure only lasted maybe a second before car resumed driving as usual. I was not accelerating or breaking at the time and had been driving as normal for 10min prior. The vehicle only has 86,000 miles and all service was completed as scheduled. Prior to the incident, there had been some engine knocking…

   NHTSA complaint #11529245 · source
10. Filed Jun 22, 2023OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Purchased it 7 months ago, haven't put many miles on it and the motor is completely bad, sitting at a kia shop. It broke down on me in the middle of the road and wouldn't shift into gear.

    NHTSA complaint #11528411 · source
11. Filed May 2, 2023SCTransmission & Drivetrain

    Transmission failed, unable to shift vehicle gears. Vehicle repaired by Certified Manufacturer's dealer. Unknown if part available for further inspection. No lamps or warnings prior to vehicle failure.

    NHTSA complaint #11520036 · source
12. Filed Apr 8, 2023MSEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11516072 · source

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