Kia Sorento Maintenance and Repair

pao

sorry to hear about your none responsiveness...I had a similar problem with an 03 sorento..the engine light kept coming on.....three times..and the car never made it past 150 miles, fourth time and 30 days total I went for lemon law...replaced everthing they could think of...regional tech rep tried..nothing...KIA customer service called me every three days to follow up..called the dealer service manager and the tech rep...I did the same also to keep everyone honest and their story straight..I too followed on with a lemon law suit here in VA thru the BBB.....I sent a letter to the owner of the dealership..asking for his immediate assistance....and within 10 days I was in a new...better equipped Sorento at no cost to me...now I will admit this was about a 90 day process when it was all said and done....but I constantly was in touch with the service manager, the head KIA salesman, and KIA America during the process.....in the end....the dealership took back the Sorento and made me happy....I had purchased two other cars from them..(FORDs) so perhaps they wanted to keep a loyal customer happy......keep after them.....the squeaky wheel will get the oil eventually........good luck

speedykia

I sure will be watching my 03 Sorento Ex and if I have any problems like the others have. So far I have had none. I sure won't mess around with keeping it I will trade it off quickly loss or no loss.

piverson

Does anyone know if these are available for the Sorento's? I have seen the tie down net but wanted the vertical so that when we go shopping things are not rolling around all over the back of the truck.

If anyone has a source please let me know.

 

Thanks!

windy jim

Tried moving them foward and bacwards with no difference.

Thanks for the reply

dealer13

I have 2004 Sorento Diesel AT with part time 4X4 (at 18000 km). Recently i started to have problem. My brakes get harder now and then, and sometimes i feel that i have to push it more to the pedal to make it stop. But again sometimes it is back to normal. I was planning to bring it to the mechanic but recently i saw a magazine which talks about brake problems in Sorentos. Unfortunately the magazine is in french which i undertand barely thanks to my italian. It mentions "poulie alternateur gripper" and it says 300 sorentos in france went to mechanics for it. Only remedy is to change this poulie (whatever it is). Magazine says same problem also make steering wheel harder to turn. Does anyone of you have a similar problem? And maybe our canadian friends may help to tell what poulie alternateur is... Same magazine also talks about AT problems and a part of engine that should be changed which makes the car stay at the mechanic for couple of days. They both occured to more than 200 cars in France alone.

tidester

poulie = pulley

alternateur = alternator

 

I can't imagine what bearing that has on brakes, however.

 

tidester, host

smokescreen

They may have to change the pulley to get more brake vacumn or power steering pressure. Smaller pulley will spin faster at any RPM. Same theory as a smaller supercharger pulley.

photo1

In Feb of 03 we bought a Kia 2003 EX. At 25,000 miles on it this last July we spun a bearing in the engine. Two weeks later we had a brand new engine. Kia lent us a loaner 4 banger and we were satisfied with the repairs (although we had to return it because it started a bit hard and had a metalic sound when starting) they made the necessary adjustments etc. Now with only 32,000 miles and less then 6 months later we had a very bad problem occur this afternoon. We were driving our daughter to softball practice ( at a local school gym) and at a stoplight the car started shaking when it was downshifting. At first we thought it was some ice on the road and the brakes were grabbing but when we went to take off we had the car vibrate real bad and a grinding metalic sound was eminating from under the floor boards. We called the Kia dealership and of course the service department was closed. We asked if we could bring it in and leave it and get a car to take home or other arrangements and the guy at the dealership checked with the GM who stated we needed to bring it in the next day. I told the guy that we would have to drive it home and then back to the dealer and I would not be held responsible for any additional damage. He said the damage was already done and to go ahead and drive it home and bring it in the next day. Weeeeeellll on the way home (we are only talking about a total of 10 miles) the tranny stopped shifting and was stuck in what we believe was 2nd gear. When we pulled up in front of the house you could see the tranny fluid on the wet pavement all the way up the street!! You could smell the tranny! Needless to say we had it towed to the dealership. Has anyone EVER had an engine AND tranny go out in a brand new vehicle like this before? We treat this like our baby and we take really really good care of all our vehicles. We get more then regular oil changes (every 3,000 instead of the recommended 7,000) and my Chevy Lumina APV has over 150,000 miles and still runs without loosing a drop of oil. So I know it isn't us! We have recommended 3 people who have bought 2 brand new and 1 used vehicle from this dealership. Does anyone think that these two things are some how related? When the engine went they said that has never happened on one of those before but now this too? I believe that the enigine failing is an anomily but a tranny also thats a pattern. I wonder how it will be handled tomorrow. By the way I videotaped the vehicles oil trail as well as what it sounded like when it was put into gear. All I can say is imagine a push mower mowing over aluminum cans. Yikes what now!!

jaburg

Do you have the vent visors installed on the doors? You know the ones that keep the rain from blowing in?

 

If they are not put on PERFECTLY, you will get substantial additional wind noise.

 

Good luck!

alebar

Sorry for my poor English, I'm Italian and i have a Sorento 2004. Now my car has 18000km, I experienced the same problem: after a long run (about 100km) at high speed (100-130km/h) sometime the power steering became hard to turn.

If I turn off and immediatly turn on it, the problem disappear. It happens not so often and so

I never carry my car to the dealer's garage.

Other annoying problems are:

1) when I do not fasten seat belt, the chime sounds; after I fasten belts and the chime sounds yet. I must turn off engine to get quiet the chime.

2) The automatic air conditioning system seems to be blocked after a long run; the car get too hot or too cold.

bye

thm1

Hi jim I also had lots of problems with wind noise on my 03 sorento. After 3 new winshields and 10 trips to the dealer they put great stuff building foam sealant in the front widow pillars it seemed to cut the noise down significantly. tom

windy jim

Thanks for the info will inform dealer of this.

Most of the noise seems to come from the rear.

hoosier1

Do you still have pictures of these indentations on the doors? I know it has been about a year ago. I have indentations on my driver side doors.

The front door is more moticeable than the rear.

Passenger side is alright.

 

Thanks

lok888

I didn't take any picture. I think someone did. Do an advance search on this topic and you may able to see what's going on. Someone mentioned that because the side impact beams are too close to the door panel. I only saw it once last winter at a parking lot with dim lighting. Even I had a camera, it won't show up clearly. And I have not seen this again this winter.

 

I remember ivgrnsorento was the only one who got the doors replaced because they are never get back in original shape when the temparture returned to normal.

hoosier1

Do you still have the photos of the indentations?

I have a horizontal indentation that is at a slight angle on the drivers side doors. I know the photos were taken awhile ago. Any info would be a big help.

 

Thanks

mkoval2000

So the power steering saga goes on.......

 

KIA of Cartersville called me yesterday after the 3rd repair attempt / final repair attempt pursuant to GA LEMON LAW statutes

 

I went to get my vehicle back and of course....

the powersteering failed

 

the shop foreman sat in the vehicle and confirmed it had no power steering and the wheel was very stiff

 

the Service Manager called the Zone Representative and told them that I am demanding repurchase of it

joboo1

yes, i do. i don't know how to show on this site

hoosier1

Can you e-mail them to me? Here is my e-mail address...rchendrsn@excite.com. That would be great. I am supposed to go to the dealership tomorrow. They have never heard of anything like this from the conversations I have had with them!

joboo1

sure.

joboo1

Hey could you let me know what they say. I have had many of dealings with KIa on this matter. I thought I had a good solution, but it turned out to be the same problem. I can not say much more right now. My suggestion is to hit them for a refund. Hopefully I can explain soon.

joboo1

also send me pictures of your sorento to joboo.one@verizon.net

stever

Posting your email address in a public forum is a great way to get lots of spam. Better to mark your email public in your Profile. The search engines pick up forum posts but don't look at Profiles, and that deters most spam harvesters too.

 

Click on someone's user name to see their profile.

 

Steve, Host

jbruce

    

My wife and I purchased a new 2004 Kia Sorento in August 2004, and we have nothing but great things to say about our Sorento, except one. We currently have a problem with the smell of rotten eggs and a strong sulfer smell. The Kia Certified Technician told us to burn three full gas tanks of Chevron Supreme. That suggestion worked for a month. On our second visit they told us it's cosmoline, an oversease sealant to protect against salt water damage. Two other non-Kia technicians told us it was the catalytic converter. Has anyone had this problem? What was the solution?

  

We called the Kia consumer protection department and explained to them what happened, they called the dealership to confirm our story, then told us to keep trying the gas idea for another 30 days, and call them back if the smell hasn't gone away. I'm sure you can imagine the distrust and smell that has been left with us. We want the problem eliminated, not just the smell!

piverson

My 2005 Sorento did not have the fog lights installed when my husband bought it and he wanted to have some installed soon. I saw on a msg board - this one or another Kia forum - where someone said he was told that they would not be able to install fog lights even though there was the "empty" holes available for that purpose. Has anyone had any experience with this or had this done??

user777

FWIW: comming from another non-KIA vehicle owner - not a technician / mechanic, once upon a time, in the 4runner p+s forum, people were complaining of strong sulfur smell entering the cabin. you might want to scan that forum's past messages.

 

ultimately, if i'm not mistaken, some got relief when their cat convertor was replaced.

 

also, i think some determined that the cabin vent was situated behind the rear bumper in close proximity to the exhaust pipe exit, and under the right conditions, exhaust was potentially pulled into the cabin. taping off the exhaust was an experiment at least one owner tried. that seemed to mitigate the exhaust gases from entering the cabin.

 

anyway, if it were my vehicle, i'd be thinking the cat convertor first (and trusting the two non-Kia technical opinions), but, if other owners aren't experiencing similar issues, i'd also be considering if my vehicle was running excessively rich because of an emissions system or fuel delivery problem, possibly overwhelming the cat convertor???

 

maybe you should ask your question in the "got a quick technical question" forum?

 

if it were me, i'd find it somewhat hard to believe the gas formulation is *soley* at root cause. maybe the dealership is trying to rule that out...perhaps some additional investigation would prepare you if and when you return following the 30day period...

 

good luck.

tidester

Here's the link: Got a Quick, Technical Question?

 

tidester, host

rsprecker

I am curious as to what kind of wind noise you are refering to. Is it direct to cabin noise like a whistle or air blowing in or is it more of a indirect sound like air inside the cowl or door panels?

windy jim

It sounds like the window is cracked to vent the car.I think it needs more sound proofing between the roof and the inside roof. When you Have a windy day outside you can here the wind as it blows across the car.Took it back to KIA of Greensboro and they said there was nothing else they could do.Both the rental Sorento's that they let us drive while working on ours sounded the same.

lok888

I guess this is not a wide spread problem on EX model with body cladding, especially the early model year. And I guess everyone else has no trouble with the rust problem.

 

Anyway, I will get my car back this afternoon or tomorrow morning. My car is still in the service for a new heating coils and in the body shop for a new set of body clad dings.

 

My service replaced the thermostat on 1/26 because it has no heat. My car got no heat again few days later. They told they have to remove the dashboard in order to reach it and do repair. That took about three days. Also, I need a new driver's heated seat switch. The indicator light went off and they have to replace the button instead of light bulb. My car is also in the body shop for the body cladding.

 

I hope to pick up my Sorento soon. It has been in the shop for a week. And I miss all the luxury and features on this loaner, an '03 Spectra - base model.

smg75

I have a new 2005 Sorento sx CRDI 2.5 Auto 5 speed

  

Its done 1800 miles.

When sitting at the traffic lights in drive the car sometimes shudders (slow idle) it has done this for about two days.

I took it for a short run down the motor way and the stopped for petrol (problem still there).

After leaving the petrol station going up a slight gradient the engine lost power for about 3 seconds at 3000 RPM and then was fine.

The idle problem seems fixed.

  

It took it to my friendly dealer and had it code checked but now fault was found.

  

Has anyone else had a similar problem?

lok888

I picked up my Sorento yesterday. They washed, waxed and even detailed the tires like showroom condition. There was a small incident that anti-freeze fluid was dripping on my way home. I returned and they found no leak but they was topping off (above the max line) the fluid after the heating coil replacement.

 

Once again, if you are EX owners, pay attention to the rear door body cladding by open the doors and look closely for any rust spots. The rust is on the black metal strip which welded to the plastic cladding. The cladding that I got have no metal strip, all plastic. My dealer also replaced the same parts on another '03 EX.

rsprecker

Until KIA releases a technical bulletin or the dealer stumbles across the reason for the air leak, they will say there is nothing more they can do. Air leaks are hard to track. I would rather wait and keep checking with them to see if they have heard anything than let them do exploratory surgery on my new car. I have a 2005 EX and also have wind noise. Not as bad as yours sounds like, but enough to irritate me. I have been in the body shop business for 20 years and must say that comparing the 05 Sorento to other vehicles on the road today,KIA has done an excellent job of design and application. The double seals on the doors, sound proofing,and insulation rivals every other make that I have worked on. The wind noise is probably caused by one item over looked in manufacturing. When I find the source of the problem I will let you know.

fixitnow

Returned Sorento 5 times to fix same problem.

Anybody have similar experience ? any ideas ?

 

Shorting somewhere --replaced memory fuse ?? One service tech said problem could be up to 9 electrical accessories were linked to one fuse --cause multimeter, clock, power locks, keyless entry, tail lights go out when open door with motor on, can't turn on interior lights

 

Thanks,

Fixitnow

fixitnow

This is Fixitnow...I should mention this is a 2004 EX 4x4..this might make a difference.

 

Any thoughts ??

 

Thanks,

Fixitnow

irishjohn

First Post!!

 

I have '04 XS model (2.5Tdi) with climate control. I am having a problem with the inernal temperature in that the car is ignoring the temp settings and overheating the air comming into the cabin, unless I set it to 17c (minimum temperature) when it blows constant cold air.

I have tried running a diagnostic (per message 836... thks lok888)but am only getting a brief E5 error, but my model does not have a photo sensor!!.

I have had this problem since my dealer replaced the overhead consol (Temp, compass, barometer etc). I have been back several times but with no solution as yet.

lok888

According to the 2003 Sorento Technical Highlights, "the Photo Sensor located near the driver side defrost duct, uses a photovoltaic diode to transmit light level information to the FATC control unit. This compensates for changes in solar radiation by adjusting the blower speed and discharge temparture." And E5 indicates photo sensor failure.

 

You probably find this sensor on the dashboard near the base of the windshield, opposition side of the auto headlamp sensor. I am not sure about your model (European model?). But this Kia publication and this Body Electrical section seems to cover the Sorento with FATC in all markets. Where did you learn that your Sorento (with FATC) has no photo sensor?

irishjohn

From the dealer, though so far I'm not very impressed with their technical knowledge. I also spent some time looking for the sensor around the base of the windshield but could not find any sign of one, is it clearly visible??

 

Do you know where exactly the ambient sensor (behind the front bumper) is located. I can see what looks like a sensor on the RHS with a yellow jack leading from it.

lok888

The ambient sensor is located forward of the condenser fan shroud. I think you are looking at the right place.

 

I believe the photo sensor is a round thing (less than 1" diameter). It is on the driver side dashboard near the base of the windshield. If you can find the auto headlamp sensor, you can find the photo sensor on the opposition side of the dashboard. It's probably in the same color as the dashboard. There is no words saying not to cover the sensor with anything. But the headlamps will turn on (car equipped with auto headlamps) if you block the auto headlamp sensor.

 

I don't remember when I downloaded this 2003 Sorento Technical Highlights. It is very useful. I am sure it is for U.S. model only because I don't see anything about diesel model and 2005 model has a new transmission as well. Anyway, feel free to ask questions.

irishjohn

mine is a European spec, it was the dealer who said that there is no photo sensor is this version, (but he has yet to impress with the depth of his technical ability). I searched the general area that the sensor should be located but cannot find it, is it obvious?

 

Do you know exactly where the Ambient Sensor is located behind the bumper, I can see what looks like a sensor when the bonnet is open, ie on the RHS with a yellow jack protruding from it???

joboo1

Hi Hoosier1

 

Did you by chance take photos of your Kia with the indentions. If so, please email me those. Thanks. Also any resolution with your problem with the doors.

windy jim

Thanks for the feed back.

If I find a fix I will let U know also.

Thanks Windy Jim

lok888

No idea. The specs maybe different in different countries. But it seems the FATC system should has all those sensors.

 

Once again, have you seen a circle thing (about 1" in diameter) located on the base of the windshield, on the dashboard, driver side? It will be easy to find if you get out of the car and stand next to the side mirror.

ab4

Hi,

 

tell me more about the problems that you are experiencing with the driveshaft on your Sorrento. I have a 2002 Kia Sedona. I turned the wheel and the wheels stopped moving but the steering wheel did not! Then there was a lot of float in the steering. Had the van towed to the shop and they are telling me that this cannot just happen from normal driving and that someone has used a chisel to open up and loosen bolts in steering and that the repair will not be covered under my warranty! This absolutely did just happen! Just curious to know what your experience was.

 

Thanks!

rsprecker

Ok. Here is what I found so far. On all four doors interior trim panels,the belt moulding does not touch the glass when the window is rolled up all the way. Without the rubber seal touching the glass there is a straight shot into the door. This allowed road noise and possible wind noise into the cabin. Here is what I did to solve the problem and it seemed to help quite a bit. The seal is a double seal. There is the lip that you see along the window and one underneath that you can't see. Neither made contact. Just above the upper seal there is another lip that does nothing but make the moulding pretty. Between the does nothing but look pretty lip and the upper seal I placed 5/16 outside diameter black vacuum tubing to force the upper seal outwards. You can't see the tubing because it is up in the seal. The size of tubing will depend on how far you need to move the upper lip outwards. You don't want it too tight or it will grab the window and roll under. Also if the seal does not retain it's upward curve it could roll under when you lower the window. The down side to this is if you have aftermarket window tint the tinter may have cut the seal back or if he didn't, the seal rubbing on the window may scratch the tint. Also, you want to make sure the gaskets around the doors are sealing tight. We use a product from WURTH called Trace Powder Spray. It's Talc. powder in spray form. Spray it on the gasket around the door and the one on the body. Close the door and when you open it, you can see if the gasket made contact all around. Check with your autobody supply stores to see if they carry it. If not you may need to go to a bodyshop to find it.Wurth sells direct to shops in my area. Hope this helps.

il05ex

Curious as to your outcome... just purchased an '05 EX on Feb. 5th and from the day I drove it home we have had the same recurring problem of the key being stuck in the ignition. Apparently the transmission/shifter will not engage into park and release the key. The vehicle is currently in the service department for the third time and my wife has lost all faith in this particular truck. We have been discussing our option to claim a "Lemon" and insist on receiving a new replacement vehicle... any advise you can share would be greatly appreciated...(and as you stated, we are very happy with our dealership and their service, but how long can anyone continue to be inconvienenced...)

jbruce

Thank you for the suggestion to post in technical question. We recieved a supporting answer to what we've already determined as being the root of the problem. I think the dealers themselves can learn a great deal about solving exhaust and other problems by sending their own questions to like formats. Being specific about what the problem is, instead of guessing without diagnosis, is what buyers want. We will be taking it back for a solution!

hamby

Does anyone know if there is a way to adjust the outside temp reading on the Sorento? It is always about 10 degress off and cant find anything in the owner's manual.

stever

You could find the sensor and move it to a different location (this was the fix for a similar minivan problem where the sensor was too close to the manifold or something). Good luck finding the sensor. :-)

Steve, Host

piverson

When my husband bought me the Kia Optima we got an extra set of keys that had a little metal tag on it that I was told could be used to replace a set of keys if they were ever lost. (I have been told that I could not have extra keys made at just any old place - is that true???) He bought me the Sorento for Christmas and I did not get one of these tags to ID my truck/keys this time and I wanted to know if:

1. I should have and need to contact them regarding this,

2. If this will be something we will have to pay for or not.

3. Is it not possible to make a copy because of the black rubber that is on the key? (The master keys right?)

I just always feel safer knowing there is an extra set around the house.

speedykia

I am sure any locksmith can make you the extra set of keys you want.