2026 Kia Sorento

The Sorento owner's manual omits certain required services like clutch actuator fluid changes, leading owners to question legitimacy when dealers recommend them.

Sorento manuals list towing capacities but lack details on requirements like factory tow packages to achieve maximum ratings, confusing owners.

Dealers advertise prices on websites but add unlisted fees like certification and prep charges at purchase, raising false advertising concerns.

The auto start-stop feature automatically shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel but requires manual disabling each drive cycle. Owners hate reactivating it every time and seek permanent eliminato...

The vehicle alarm system goes off unexpectedly without cause, disturbing owners and neighbors. This often follows minor damage like a bird hit affecting sensors, with temporary fixes like battery disc...

After shutting off the engine, a loud warning sounds and the doors won't lock with the remote, requiring re-entry to cycle the ignition. Owners must use the app as a workaround.

The vehicle and Kia Access app provide no dashboard or notification alerts for open windows, leading to theft risks. Owners expect warnings like in other cars.

Dashboard lights for systems like Driver Assistance, ABS, ESP, tire pressure, and hybrid/engine issues illuminate unexpectedly, limiting speed or requiring restarts. Complaints span cold weather trigg...

The brake system applies full pressure even with light pedal input, preventing slow-speed control below idle like coasting downhill. Owners find this intrusive and lacking finesse.

Android Auto connects initially but drops after a few minutes, especially during navigation without background music or in areas like underground parking. This frustrates users relying on phone integr...

After remote starting the Sorento via key fob or app, the doors won't unlock with the touch button or fob, requiring manual intervention or turning off the engine first. This creates security and conv...

The Kia Access app fails to remote start, lock, or unlock the Sorento 80-90% of the time despite good cell signal, though other features like cameras and fuel levels work fine.

The Sorento fails to recognize the key fob for starting the engine despite remote functions working, stranding owners even with spare fobs.

The infotainment requires switching modes to access HVAC or radio controls, making adjustments difficult and error-prone while driving.

The single-panel infotainment and digital gauge cluster design positions some display elements behind the steering wheel, obstructing visibility.

Apple CarPlay on the infotainment display develops input lags and delays during use.

Kia Sorento's infotainment system receives over-the-air (OTA) software updates to improve features or fix bugs. Multiple owners report that after performing an OTA or manual update, all audio fails pe...

Kia provides OTA updates via Kia Connect for Sorento infotainment issues like radio failure. Owners cannot download needed updates because Kia has paused them (e.g., April update), forcing dealer visi...

Sorento's software updates change the infotainment interface, making radio controls harder to use. Owners complain the new simulated glass bulb station display has tiny, non-scrollable buttons that ar...

Kia OTA updates on Sorento and similar models reset customized media console tile layouts to defaults. Owners want Kia to preserve settings and append new tiles instead.

An OTA update intended to improve NFC card key reliability keeps the fingerprint reader powered on after locking. This drains 4-5% of the HV battery daily via constant 12V recharging until NFC is disa...

Kia's OTA updates for the entertainment system require completion before driving, with no option to postpone. Owners report being unable to use the car during updates, such as needing to go to the ER.

After a maps OTA update, the electronic parking brake (EPB) fails to engage on Kia Sportage Hybrid. Owner suspects relation to the update but uncertain.

Kia can push OTA updates remotely to Sorento vehicles without notice via Kia Connect. These updates may erase stored user data as part of recalls or changes.

Kia Connect is the vehicle's connected service app that collects, records, stores, and transmits extensive vehicle and occupant data including location and usage information, even in the free 'Lite' v...

Kia shares driving behavior data from optional Kia Connect Driving Score and Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) programs with LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Participating insurers may access via UBI with additio...

Dealerships install undisclosed third-party GPS trackers in Kia vehicles for repossession or security, allowing constant location monitoring without customer consent or notification. Owners report fin...

The Kia Connect app allows designated users like family members to track the vehicle's real-time GPS location, enabling unwanted monitoring and confrontations. Primary drivers report inability to easi...

Crash Notification Assist automatically connects to emergency services after airbag deployment, sharing crash data and location after a 10-second delay without prior consent.

Kia Connect Services is the vehicle's remote control and telematics system. Owners complain that Kia can remotely change, alter, or modify device settings and configurations without user consent to op...

Kia Connect Services provides remote capabilities like starting the vehicle and location tracking. Owners report that Kia can suspend or terminate access to these services and deactivate accounts for ...

The Sorento's infotainment radio function stops responding when the radio button is pressed, preventing access to AM/FM/Sirius stations while other features like CarPlay may still work. Owners report ...

The vehicle's built-in navigation system fails to initialize or update properly after downloading Kia-provided software updates via computer. Owners complete the process but cannot access navigation a...

The infotainment screen gets stuck on a specific audio source like 'Sounds of Nature' and refuses to switch to other inputs. Owners seek software resets as a fix before dealer updates.

Windshield wipers fail to return to the normal 'home' position after being turned off, instead staying pointed upward in the driver's view. They move when reactivated but reset incorrectly when off.

The navigation GPS displays an incorrect location, such as a fixed spot near a Hyundai technical center, instead of the driver's actual position. Battery resets and update cards fail to resolve it.

Over-the-air (OTA) software updates add features like YouTube but fail to install or become accessible via the Kia Access app. Owners cannot activate the new entertainment functions.

Kia Connect app enables remote start from your phone, but requires a paid subscription after the initial free period ends. Owners report losing this feature without paying and seek key fob alternative...

Over-the-air software updates for infotainment and navigation require an active paid Kia Connect subscription after the first year. Owners complain this locks out security patches and new features beh...

The vehicle's built-in WiFi hotspot requires a monthly subscription after trial, but owners report connectivity issues like 'no internet' despite payment.

Kia modified their API to prevent third-party apps like Home Assistant from accessing vehicle data and controls via Kia Connect.

Climate controls like heated seats disappeared from the Kia Connect app, affecting Sorento PHEV owners' ability to precondition the cabin remotely.