Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03401/01/201110037693Ready06/03/2011
03401/01/201110037693Kia: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. this is caused by a problem within the transfer motor. *rm06/03/2011
01801/01/200710021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn. *kb05/15/2007
01712/01/200610020679Transmission shift hesitation. *kb12/22/2006
9201/01/200610019917Possible abnormal vibration/noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse due to insufficient torque at the rear driveshaft retaining bolts at the transfer case. *tt05/12/2006

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
06/28/2012936001
 While driving heard a loud noise from engine causing loss of power steering. car towed to mechanic. diagnosis: crank bolt broken and laying in skid plate; part of broken crank bolt in crankshaft. crank pulley sheared pin and moved forward causing power steering belt to come off and other belt misalignment. upon removal of broken crankshaft bolt, damage was found to crank gear and balancer pulley. the timing belt, tensioner and crankshaft bolt had all been replaced at 91,000. less than two months after replacing the crankshaft bolt, it sheared off causing major damage. losing power steering while driving is extremely dangerous. this is a known defect to kia that has not been corrected causing a major safety issue to all motor vehicle drivers and passengers. in addition, this is a very expensive repair issue. *tr
06/28/201293600
 While driving heard a loud noise from engine causing loss of power steering. car towed to mechanic. diagnosis: crank bolt broken and laying in skid plate; part of broken crank bolt in crankshaft. crank pulley sheared pin and moved forward causing power steering belt to come off and other belt misalignment. upon removal of broken crankshaft bolt, damage was found to crank gear and balancer pulley. the timing belt, tensioner and crankshaft bolt had all been replaced at 91,000. less than two months after replacing the crankshaft bolt, it sheared off causing major damage. losing power steering while driving is extremely dangerous. this is a known defect to kia that has not been corrected causing a major safety issue to all motor vehicle drivers and passengers. in addition, this is a very expensive repair issue.
07/05/2012923001
 Driving 65mph on turnpike heard a loud screeching noise brakes were hard to apply steering was difficult and dash board lite up pull to the side of the road and was towed to the nearest kia dealership to be told that crank shaft bolt broke. at 60000 miles we did the required maintenance to the tune of 663.65 and had the timing belt replaced. there was also a memo to the dealerships to replace the bolt when replacing the timing belt. according to my itemized statement the bolt was not replaced. i feel this should be covered since i followed the rules and got the required service they were negligent not replacing the bolt. however they refuse to accept responsibility for there mistake. now i am stuck with a considerable bill. *tr
07/05/201292300
 Driving 65mph on turnpike heard a loud screeching noise brakes were hard to apply steering was difficult and dash board lite up pull to the side of the road and was towed to the nearest kia dealership to be told that crank shaft bolt broke. at 60000 miles we did the required maintenance to the tune of 663.65 and had the timing belt replaced. there was also a memo to the dealerships to replace the bolt when replacing the timing belt. according to my itemized statement the bolt was not replaced. i feel this should be covered since i followed the rules and got the required service they were negligent not replacing the bolt. however they refuse to accept responsibility for there mistake. now i am stuck with a considerable bill.
05/18/201160000
 At 60,000 miles took my 2006 sorento in for manufacture recommended service - change timing belt and new plugs, etc., never had a problem before then. got the suv back from mechanic and following day belts came off, lost power, overheated. crank shaft bolt came loose. now at 82,290 miles, bolt broke, harmonic balancer came loose and chewed up the end of the crankshaft. $3200 fix. suv has been in shop for 5 weeks and will remain there for at least 5 more until i can get the money to fix it. kia should recall this model as well, they already recognized the problem in 2003 and 2004 models. i am a single mom, raising boys without the benefit of child support or any other help. kia should stand behind their workmanship!
11/11/201143621
 Driving on the highway 230 miles from home, 150 miles from my destination brake light and battery light came on. pulled off road loss of steering power. opened hood and found belts off. towed to nearest town in the middle of nowhere and mechanic diagnosed the crankshaft (harmonic balancer) bolt had sheered off and broken piece still in crankshaft. towed to nearest kia dealership 150 miles away and was told possible crankshaft/engine damage. could not do further diagnosis due to weekend (saturday) and will need to stay in town until car is repaired (no other transportation). no loaner car offered. this is a dangerous common occurance with kia sorento owners that the company seems to know about but does not want to address or cover cost of repairs. recall on bolt for 2003 models does not cover later models but dangerous situation still exhists with those later models. i am afraid to drive my car after it is repaired knowing that other owners have had this problem reoccur and loss of power steering at highway speed is a dangerous situation.
07/31/201163000
 Crankshaft bolt sheared off in may 2010 at 63,000 miles causing $1200 in damage and towing. after having a kia dealer fix the issue out of my pocket because i'm a second owner, the issue happened again in july 2011 at 101,000 miles. the dealer again has to repair with similar costs out of my pocket. this is extremely dangerous as the belt connecting to the crankshaft pulley is also attached to the alternator which, when broke, causes a loss of all power, even while the car is at full driving speed. this is also an extremely expensive issue which after several conversations with kia, they have yet to acknowledge is a problem.
08/01/201170590
 The crankshaft pully bolt sheared off on my 2006 kia sorento at 70,000 miles. this caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. kia has previoulsy issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. this is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. their are numerous complaints similiar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. i am currently in the process of complaining to kia & the bbb regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. the repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. it is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several kia models and years.
07/31/201163000
 Crankshaft bolt sheared off in may 2010 at 63,000 miles causing $1200 in damage and towing. after having a kia dealer fix the issue out of my pocket because i'm a second owner, the issue happened again in july 2011 at 101,000 miles. the dealer again has to repair with similar costs out of my pocket. this is extremely dangerous as the belt connecting to the crankshaft pulley is also attached to the alternator which, when broke, causes a loss of all power, even while the car is at full driving speed. this is also an extremely expensive issue which after several conversations with kia, they have yet to acknowledge is a problem.
08/01/201170590
 The crankshaft pully bolt sheared off on my 2006 kia sorento at 70,000 miles. this caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. kia has previoulsy issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. this is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. their are numerous complaints similiar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. i am currently in the process of complaining to kia & the bbb regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. the repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. it is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several kia models and years.
07/31/201163000
 Crankshaft bolt sheared off in may 2010 at 63,000 miles causing $1200 in damage and towing. after having a kia dealer fix the issue out of my pocket because i'm a second owner, the issue happened again in july 2011 at 101,000 miles. the dealer again has to repair with similar costs out of my pocket. this is extremely dangerous as the belt connecting to the crankshaft pulley is also attached to the alternator which, when broke, causes a loss of all power, even while the car is at full driving speed. this is also an extremely expensive issue which after several conversations with kia, they have yet to acknowledge is a problem.
08/01/201170590
 The crankshaft pully bolt sheared off on my 2006 kia sorento at 70,000 miles. this caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. kia has previoulsy issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. this is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. their are numerous complaints similiar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. i am currently in the process of complaining to kia & the bbb regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. the repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. it is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several kia models and years.
07/31/201163000
 Crankshaft bolt sheared off in may 2010 at 63,000 miles causing $1200 in damage and towing. after having a kia dealer fix the issue out of my pocket because i'm a second owner, the issue happened again in july 2011 at 101,000 miles. the dealer again has to repair with similar costs out of my pocket. this is extremely dangerous as the belt connecting to the crankshaft pulley is also attached to the alternator which, when broke, causes a loss of all power, even while the car is at full driving speed. this is also an extremely expensive issue which after several conversations with kia, they have yet to acknowledge is a problem.
08/01/201170590
 The crankshaft pully bolt sheared off on my 2006 kia sorento at 70,000 miles. this caused extensive damage the harmonic balancer which caused my belt to fall off its track. kia has previoulsy issued a recall on older models for this exact same part due to a manufacture defect. this is a major safety issue since this has also caused the steering to lock and drivers can loose control. their are numerous complaints similiar to this issue on the same year, make, and model. i am currently in the process of complaining to kia & the bbb regarding the repair since they don't feel responsible. the repair would consist of a new engine according to the dealership who hasn't been able to determine or explain the cause. it is imperative that this defect be investigated since it seems to be a common issue for several kia models and years.
05/01/201162491
 Bolt sheared causing the harmonic balancer to fall off causing extensive damage to vehicle while driving. vehicle became very hard to steer. clearly this vehicle can not be safe to drive if bolts that hold the engine and steering just shear off
10/10/200790001
 I have been the owner of 2 brand new kia sorrentos, a 2004 and a 2006. with both vehicles i have had the same problem with the brakes shaking (sometimes violently) after only 6,000 to 8,000 miles. when taken to be looked at i was told the rotors were warped and needed to be replaced, at my own cost because brakes are a wear item. i have a friend with a 2005 sorrento that has dealt with the same problem. this is obviously a huge problem with the sorrento line and you would think they would try to make customers happier and make strong parts. *tr
08/04/200632000306/28/2006
 2006 kia sorento ex 4wd, clunking sound in the rear end when you come to a complete stop and then start again. rear differential went out and was replaced in aug 2005, but the clunk in the rear end still remains. as of oct 2005 there is also an intermittant sound in the rear end that sounds like the differential is sticking or locking into a positive traction causing one tire to sound and feel like it is sliding on gravel. previous owner reported same problem clunk in the rear end numerous times as well. possibly a design flaw.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
07/09/201189000
 In april 2010 the crankshaft pulley bolt and pin sheared off. i lost all power steering while driving 70 on the highway. towed it to the dealership, had to pay out of pocket to fix the problem. now in july 2011 the same thing had happened. the pin is sheared allowing the pulley to drop the belt, rendering my car inoperable. kia dealership says it is still not covered by kia and will cost me again to fix it.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - FLOOR SHIFT
04/04/20071200103/12/2007
 Tl*- the contact owns a 2006 kia sorento with a current and failure odometer reading of 1,200 miles. the contact was driving at 45 mph under dry conditions when the gear shift came off. the contact stated that two screws and a spring popped off, and now the only way that she can shift gearswas by pushing down on the metal bar that stuck out. *ak
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
05/20/20089000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 kia sorento. the contact stated that the air conditioning failed to work during a heat wave. there were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel during this time. in addition, the clutch failed. new brake pads and rotors were installed and the contact must downshift in order to stop the vehicle. the vehicle has been taken to two dealers and two mechanics. the failure mileage was 9,000 and current mileage was 43,000.
01/17/200845923410/22/2005
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 kia sorento. while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began smoking and then stopped moving. the vehicle was towed four times for this same failure. the dealer stated that the failure was due to normal wear on the clutch. upon further inspection, it was found that the clutch wears on one side and occurs every 14,000 to 15,000 miles. the company no longer made the 5 speed for this model vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 45,923.
POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY - PEDAL/LINKAGE
05/20/2006200001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 kia sorento. the contact stated that his clutch pedal depresses itself and sticks to the floor. the failure occurs mostly when driving in slow moving traffic. the vehicle has a manual transmission. the dealer could not duplicate the failure or provide a remedy as to why the clutch was sticking. the failure mileage was 20,000. updated 06/27/09 *bf updated 06/23/09.*jb
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
08/12/2006262521
 Replaced front rotors,18,000,26,000 miles. needs to be replaced again at 30,000 miles. both brake lights have been replaced. replaced rear drive shaft and installed shielded wire from tcm to transmission sensor. *tr
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
10/14/200992348301/31/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 2006 kia sorento and stated the propeller shaft for the four wheel drive continued to fail on the vehicle. the dealer replaced the front drive shaft and road tested the vehicle. within the next month, the vehicle was taken back to the shop for the same failure. the front drive shaft was replaced a second time to no avail. the failure persisted an additional two times within four months. while driving, the check engine light illuminated on the warning panel and he could smell burning oil coming from the vehicle. the dealer replaced the front drive shaft again. to date, the vehicle was making a very loud noise, when turning right, the steering wheel would become very hard and a loud noise was coming from the steering wheel. no repairs have been made to date to correct the actual failure. the failure mileage was 92,348 and the current was 99,583. updated 02/02/10 .*lj the blower motor for the heater had to be repaired. the front door's latch was faulty it was making a buzzing sound. the consumer stated the driver shaft was replaced three times and the vehicle continued to make strange noises. updated 02/04/10
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
11/27/200623501110/15/2006
 We have a 2006 kia the suv type and the proble is that when we filled the gas tank the gasa gauge would would go to empty in 32 miles and al so the shifter handel poped out the holder