Kia Sorento Maintenance and Repair

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  • andrew3030andrew3030 Member Posts: 3
    I also had a problem with the battery running down. It turned out that the relay for the A/C fan was sticking. They replaced it, so far so good. I also had the clock replaced today - good thing too it was driving my wife nuts.
  • jd97jd97 Member Posts: 9
    Just had my dealer replace the 2 rear door panels that had rusted. No questions asked. I found out about that problem here on this board got it fixed. I have a 2003 EX and have not had any problems at all except the door panels and a brake squeal 1 1/2 years ago which was just some dust collected in grooves on pads. Nothing since. I guess I've been one of the lucky ones. I still love it and my gas mileage is a little better since I started using AMZOIL synthetic 5w30 in it last fall. One other thing, my dealer washed and waxed the vehicle no charge. I was totally shocked when I drove back in the yard to pick it up. I never asked for it and they never mentioned doing it. They just did it. It was right next to a few new Sorentos and looked every bit as good! Very pleased.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    My dealer replaced the body cladding few months ago. They also fixed another '03 EX at the same time. I live in MA and the rain, snow and road salt are the main reason for the rust. Are the new parts come with the metal plate now? Mine don't have them anymore. They are just plastic.

    And I am dealing with another rust problem on the rear liftgate, near the rear chrome license plate garnish. I read another poster here also has the same problem due to a poorly design of the plate garnish. My dealer agrees to repaint the whole liftgate plus the loaner. I just need to schedule the repair with their body shop.

    Yeah! I couldn't believe when I pick up my car after the replaced the door panels. It was washed and waxed like brand new.
  • dcsorentodcsorento Member Posts: 4
    First Post. I bought my Sorento in January '05. Had the standard clock problem right away. Go that fixed. Check engine light then came on. Four trips later and over two weeks in for service, problem possibly fixed as of mid-May. Got Kia America Customer Service involved. I have been told that it is a very rare problem that they are aware of in Sedona's, not Sorento's; however the problem is in the cannister and emmisions. Wrote to them for the Lemon Law to take effect, as this is a persistent problem. Waiting to hear back. In the mean time the vehicles Passenger Air Bag Off light has begun to malfunction, as it goes on/off while a passenger is sitting in the seat. Kia now tells me there is a service bulletin. I have no choice while waiting for a "Lemon Law" response than to take the vehicle in to get the airbage problem fixed. This will be another 4-7 days w/out the vehicle. Service sends it off to Kia America for service-not a local fix. At the completion of this process, I will have owned the vehicle for five months, of which, it has been in for service problems for 23 days. Anyone else experiencing similar problems, or do I just have the car where everything goes wrong?
  • beyond_helpbeyond_help Member Posts: 110
    check engine light in reference to canister, it happened to me the fix.
    code p2422
    cause c38
    the following parts fixed the problem
    31430-29200 canister close valve
    31420-3e300 canister assy
    this is not a rare problem in sorentos, i to have spoken to KIA america about another problem i have and have been less than impressed with their knowledge and service.
    it seems when you call them they try to blow you off like your are an idot.
    WHAT GOOD IS A HUGH WARRENTY WHEN KIA DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY COMPENTENT MRECANICS AND DO NOT WANT TO DO WARRENTY WORK
    i have now another problem, my sorento's horns "cherp" every 15 to 20 minuets, the KIA mechanics fix! swap the horn relay with the fog light relay, YEH THAT WILL FIX IT HA! HA!
    New Jersey lemon law here i come !
  • phoenixriderphoenixrider Member Posts: 34
    I gotta be wondering, maybe you're just being to nice to your Sorentos :)

    I mean, I beat mine offroad, fordge rivers up to the middle of the doors, and have never had any of the problems described here. Busted a front axle and u-joint once, but that wasn't a Sorento design fault. The rear sway bar links are about the only thing I can think of that failed due to a crappy design - I just ended up building my own.

    I guess maybe the Sorento just likes to be roughed up every now and then :shades:

    image
  • dcsorentodcsorento Member Posts: 4
    Ah, the Lemon Law...Since I have sent every person imagineable in Kia Motors America a copy of my "Lemon Law" letter, no one wants to talk to me. When I bring it up to customer service, they are totally silent on the other end of the phone. My case is being handled by some idiot at their regional hq now, who is condesending. Looks like I'll be going to BBB Auto Line. Good luck with yours.

    One other thing, I have been told to not "overfill" my tank and to make sure that the "gas cap is on tight", and to "not fill my tank too fast" or that could cause the "check engine light" to go on. These people are truly incompetent idiots (told that by the local dealer "Technical Service Manager" and the Regional HQ fool). Come on....
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I have many problems with my '03 Sorento. In some occasions, I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs for several unsolved issues. My dealer finally corrected the problems.

    I don't know if Sorento is still new to Kia trained machinists or what. Many problems are not easy to find or hard to duplicate at the dealer. I went to the dealer for 3+ times for the lack of heat problems. They replaced the heating coils, then the thermostat, still had little heat. Then there was a slow leak for the anti-freeze coolant bottle, no problem after the replacement. BTW, they added that there was a problem with the bottle because my dealer repaired several Sorentos with the the problem.

    I am not if this is the case. My relative's last car '00 Odyssey had the engine light on. They figured the problem with the oxygen sensor. Your car is only few months old. But you never know it may be a bad part. Have they looked at this area before?
  • chaictchaict Member Posts: 1
    My car is hard to start & sometime its stop suddenly?
    I have changed the fuel filter and still persist...
    Anybody know the answer??
  • warchuckwarchuck Member Posts: 1
    I am trying to find out if anyone else has had problems with the brakes on the Sorento. When I apply the brakes at any speed my brake pedal feels normal at first but then releases about half way to the floor and I only have about 50% of my stopping power. I have had it in the dealer 3 times before. They replaced a wire bundle, relief valve, master cylinder twice but cannot figure out why it is happening. The service department is very helpful but they are at a complete loss as to what may be causing this problem. The Sorento has about 48,000 miles but the brake pads are still good according to the dealer. Please let me know if anyone else has had a similar problem.
  • barbie_ann35barbie_ann35 Member Posts: 2
    We have just recently purchased a 2003 kia sorento in march 2005 it has the same whine you are refering to we took it to kia and they said that there is something going in the rear end after a long phone tag and arguing to get the car in to get it fixed we now have a rental and they have our car so try having them check your rear end. Our car has only 38,000 miles :mad:
  • simonwsimonw Member Posts: 1
    Hi Tad's, Nice work & thanks for sharing your experiance & developement, we have just purchased our 4th 4wd in 20yrs, & had doubts about the Sorento reliability / ability after having Toyota's, but I feel this unit has great possibilities, at a realistic value. Cheers Simon. (Melb/Aust)
  • jacquesjacques Member Posts: 34
    My 2004 Sorento (oct 2003 purchase) still hums along. 2 headlamps changed (each burned within 4 weeks of each other. replaced on warranty)

    Aside from being a guzzler I have had very few problems to speak of. no rust, no tranny noise, I get about 17liters per 100Km ...not good in my books ... in winter I get about 25 L per 100Km (12 miles to the 160 oz. imperial gallon)

    But... I do feel safe, pulls the boat and trailer real nice, clock works fine.

    will I buy another Soreneto like I did with my 4 previous Caravans.... nope
    I will likely go back to Chrysler Caravan at 8 L /100km highway, pull the boat to.

    nothing bad to say really ....it is just a heavy SUV, gas is horrrendously expensive in Canada (about eqv to $3.25 U$/gal.).

    I will go anther year and probably trade -in with 2 years bumper-bumper warranty to next owner. I hope that helps my resale value... a bit

    forgot.... my original dealer never registered the car to my name with Kia so I never got any mail from Kia. (ex:dealer questionnaire). Another dealer spotted the omission and updated the Kia computer database. 20 months after.!!!!
  • sorento05sorento05 Member Posts: 4
    Let me tell you about my Toyota Sienna Mini van!

    The one I traded for my Kia. The front end went out and if you read the Toyota forums, they have had serious issues with front brakes. I had my Toyota for 4 years and hated every minute of it. The front brakes were replaced 5 times, the front end was rebuilt twice. And it was NEW when I bought it. I'll take the small problems with the clock and the seat sensor over brake issues any day. My sister has a Camry which has had the engine rebuilt. No Toyo's for me!

    Hey, all makers have problems. Look at all of the new cars that end up recalled.
  • goldsuvgoldsuv Member Posts: 51
    The 2005 Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue gives the 2004 Sorento the highest reliability score in all areas. Its the same as the Highlander and better than Lexus RX330, Infiniti FX, Pathfinder,Volvo XC90 and Cadillac SRX. I have a 2004 LX and have not had any problems in 15,000 miles. The clock works fine too.
  • jr1053jr1053 Member Posts: 5
    Just purchased a used 2003 Sorento EX 2wd with 32,000 miles. Dome light doesn't come on when the doors are opened. I know the there is a switch on the dome light for this to be activated but pressing this button doesn't seem to correct the problem. Also a little plastic retaining clip on the rear cup holders is broken off. A dealer I called wanted over 100 dollars to replace this not counting labor costs. Any ideas on solving these issues??? Thanks greatly.

    John :cry:
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    The rear cup holder assembly must be replaced, even with a broken clip. The part number is 846553E000 and it costs $140, according to the Kia parts website. I make sure the rear cup holder is in close position as I make sure the windows are closes and doors are locked. It seems like it is very easy to break by rear passengers (middle one) or when you try to close it real quick.

    As I remember, the remaining portion of any warranty except the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty is transferable to the subsequent owners. This includes all components. They supposed to replace the broken cup holder. By the way, the factory audio system is only cover for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles

    I have read many messages before about the dome light problem. I don't remember what is the fix. Do you mean the overhead map lights, dome light or the cargo light? For the map lights, they won't turn on when the doors are opened. Do you think it is a bad dome light bulb?

    My '03 EX 4WD has 32,000 miles too. There have been many problems but my dealer are willing to find solutions to solve the problems. Good luck!
  • jr1053jr1053 Member Posts: 5
    Yep it's only the dome light that isn't working and I already checked the light bulbs and both filaments are intact and work fine when turned on via the switch on the dash.I'm trying to get the folks at the dealership to cover the cup holder under the warranty. Luckily the radio is working fine but the AM reception leaves a lot to be desired, but I understand that others have noted this issue in their vehicles also. I've recently ordered the mini Euro style antenna and hopes this helps with more than just the appearance of the vehicle.Despite these problems the vehicle is great to drive and has more than a few people commenting that they can't believe it's a KIA. Thanks again!

    John
  • scunninghamscunningham Member Posts: 1
    I purchasesd a KIA Sorento from the dealership in Anchorage Alaska Don't get me wrong I love the KIA cars as I still own a Sportage with 125,000 miles. My plite started 8 weeks ago with my new Sorento which I have only owned for 7 mo. This is whats wrong with it. 2 speed sensore replaced, transfers case replaced front and rear differentials replaced. is this a lemon and does it warrent a new car.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I think I bought my Nissan minivan from your dealer back when I lived up there (when it was Johnson's and didn't sell Kia's). They had just entered into a big consent decree with the attorney general's office a few months before I purchased the van. I didn't have much service dealings with them before I moved and they were ok to me.

    That's a lot of stuff to go wrong in 2 months; if the dealer isn't working with you try escalating it to Kia USA. Does the dealer say it's fixed now?

    Steve, Host
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I have the Euro style antenna for about two years. It works as good as the stock one. It even has a better look. This is a good car. Enjoy it.
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    not to be sarcastic but are you sure you tried the light switch at the dome light. I beleive its a 3 way switch. One side is on all the time, center is off and on when the doors open and the other side is on all the time. If it doesn't work I would make the dealer aware of it and I am sure you must have some warranty time left on the Kia warranty and if not maybe the dealer can work with you on his if you bought it used.
  • jr1053jr1053 Member Posts: 5
    Yep the switch on the dome light was the first thing I thought about when the light did not come on when the door was opened. It definately is in the correct switched position. The dealership service guys all seem to have Sorentos so they've been pretty helpful and encouraging thus far. They've agreed to order the rear cup holder for me at no charge which I discovered was broken after I had already bought my used 2003 EX. What I am now starting to worry about is whether I'll need to buy dedicated snow tires on my 2wd EX for the New Jersey winters.Anyone have any experience in driving the 2wd in snowy conditions with only all season radials??? Thanks as always.

    John
  • beyond_helpbeyond_help Member Posts: 110
    quote
    Anyone have any experience in driving the 2wd in snowy conditions with only all season radials??? Thanks as always.

    does your 2wd have a limited slip rear differental ? if so and if you live in south jersey (flat) like i do, IMO i would not buy snow tires unless you give the all-season tries a trial by fire!
  • jr1053jr1053 Member Posts: 5
    Live in central Jersey. How would I know if a has the limited slip differental? I don't have a manual or any other paperwork from the original owner or the car itself.

    John
  • beyond_helpbeyond_help Member Posts: 110
    good question...call a kia dealer dealership....sorry i was not thinking peoperly, they would not know, LOL....but maybe the parts dept would know, just have your vin number ready
    i just looked at spects for a 2003 sorento and it lists a limited slip diff see link below, if the link works, note the spects are for a 4wd but 2wd i think would have a LS diff also
    http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/2003/kia/sorento/index.html
  • goldsuvgoldsuv Member Posts: 51
    Limited slip is not available for 2 wd on the Sorento. However, there is a switch on the left dash that says SNOW which lets you start out in second gear on slippery surfaces.(auto transmission)
  • awnawn Member Posts: 5
    Can anyone please advise if I am being a "typical woman" when I trust that my dealer service guy says I "need" these extras that just happen? I took my '04 in for a regular oil change, no problem there, but I have terrible mouse problems in that the little critters love to drag bird seed, dog food and other materials into my engine compartment, usually settling in and around my air cleaner. I asked the service guy to check the air cleaner (with this oil change) and I am told that I "need" to have the fuel system service performed, and an induction kit replaced. The more I think of this the angrier I get that I am being duped. Hey, I used to change my own oil and do all the other basic maintenance services myself on my old vehicles, (yes, I was a motorhead in my younger days) but all this high tech computer stuff on these new autos has me baffled, so I'm trusting that they know better. Can anyone help me please?
  • hciaffahciaffa Member Posts: 454
    Awn, if the critters are settling around the air cleaner just check to make sure that they are not getting into the air cleaner and making a nest. As far as the fuel system service, not needed. Save some money and add a bottle of Red Line fuel cleaner concentrate to the fuel (follow the directions because its a concentrate, good stuff though) or Techtron fuel system additive. An "induction kit" what is that? Maybe a new air cleaner. If you had some knowledge of autos then you should be able to check the cleaner and change it if needed. Take a look around the compartment and make sure you have no frayed wires or if the critters have knawed on the wires. Try scaterring some moths balls in the area and see if it stops them from habitating. Or try to get some cayene (sp) red pepper spray and use that in the engine comparment to try to keep them out.
  • phoenixriderphoenixrider Member Posts: 34
    Unless the Sorento is running bably, I think that you are being treated like a woman. Critters would cause more problems in the area of chewing up wires, not burying themselves in your fuel system. The whole fuel injection cleaning is a known auto repair rip off - use good gas, and maybe injection cleaner once in a while. Sounds to me like maybe you just might need a new air filter. I think you can handle that one on your own :)
  • litigationnextlitigationnext Member Posts: 3
    New to the list. I'm hoping someone might have some insight. I'm ready to take it to arbitration at this point as the dealer has no clue what the problem is and is basically calling me a liar. Just bought a 2005 4WD Sorento. At 640 miles the problems started...when driving in the "automatic" drive mode there's no problem except with it switching gears (see below). Switch over to manual (I live in mountain/snow area) the transmission does nothing, nada, zip! Does not go into manual mode and stays in "Drive". Dash light stays in "drive" and no numbers (or change of gears) in manual. If I switch back (no choice because I suddenly have little to no control!) into automatic "drive" it stays in fourth (fifth?) and I can't accelerate. Stays this way until I come to a complete stop (motor running) and then the sucker will again work in manual mode and may start the problem again later. Other times when in automatic drive mode the transmission doesn't sound like it will ever kick into the next gear and when it finally does it goes in so hard it slams your back into the seat! Clock is flashing. Passenger air bag shows as not on even with a 250 pound person in the passenger seat. Dash light indicating the hatch is open comes on and won't go off until you slam the thing hard. It's now at 1941 miles and has been in the shop for the same crap 3 times. Service Dept. claims they can't find a thing wrong and "it never, ever does any of these things" when they have it. I'm now driving a used Sedona while they drive it for another 200 miles to see if it does it for them in that amount of time. (I'm betting that won't happen...at least that they'll admit to!). They just keep telling me it shows no problems on the computer and they're not about to start taking the $%$%^# apart to see what's going on. I'm fried over this, furious, frustrated and would run it off a cliff but figure the dang door would then decide to jam and I'd end up going over the edge with it! Salesman is absolutely no help....a real little weasel. Others riding with me have seen the problem happen but the dealership discounts their same version of the problems also. Anyone have a clue???? Thanks in advance!
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    You need to bring it to another dealer for diagnosis. I have an '03 EX 4WD and I am not familiar with this new 5 speed automatic transmission. My recent experience was a dealer's loaner of an '04 Optima with sportmatic. It was a smooth ride.

    The clock is a well known problem on Sorento. They relocated the clock location to more left on '05 model but the part is still the same. I got mine replaced almost a year ago. There are several messages about the passenger airbag light problem. I can't remember what's the fix. Don't get frustrated. This is a very good car. A good dealer (service department) should find out the problems and have them fixed. Enjoy it!
  • phoenixriderphoenixrider Member Posts: 34
    Just a suggestion - but have you offered to take one of the service guys out with you driving? You may be doing something in sequence that they're not doing (or attempting to do). Have you tried a different dealership. Sometimes, some dealers do all they can to refuse warranty work because they simply don't make enough money on it.
  • beyond_helpbeyond_help Member Posts: 110
    well, cherping horns, dead battery, ain't nothing!! NOW after i complained to the dealer about a intermitant tapping in the left front of the engine (that i could hear befor and after the dealer said they heard nothing wrong)
    something in the left front of the engine under the valve cover let loose big time! i sounds like the "hammers of hell"
    again this incompitant dealer strikes again!
    so it sits in my driveway untill monday morning when the tow truck comes and gets it!!
    :lemon: :sick: :mad:
  • newronewro Member Posts: 21
    Hello,
    I test drove a 2005 Sorento yesterday, the loaded model, leather etc. The a/c was on and it was not a terribly hot day, but, I noticed that the engine temp gauge was between half and three quarters, closer to three quarters hot. I have a 2000 Rodeo which has been a great truck. I can leave the a/c on in 90 degree heat and the temp gauge barely moves to a quarter.
    Has anyone experience any overheating issues with the Sorento?? is this temp range normal? Thanks
  • litigationnextlitigationnext Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the help to all who have answered. I have not tried a different dealer as this is suppose to be the "best" service department in southern calif. (this is in the High Desert. Maybe the "best" after the warranty runs out? LOL). They have now had my Sorento for 5 days and I'm now being told that they've detected "a small blurp between second and third gear". Can't get them to explain what that's suppose to mean. Service manager tells me that there is "no such problem" as a faulty clock or air bag light or transmission on the 2005 Sorento! "Those things just don't happen with this year" is his excuse to do nothing, I suspect. Offered to come in today and drive the car with a mechanic to show them what is happening. Was adamantly told, "we don't have time for that kind of thing. The mechanics are too busy to go for a test ride". URGHH!!!! He then added that he has to now speak with the District Manager for information about "a possible problem" and that they can't go any further (no explanation as to what is "further") without first consulting the District Manager who will not be back until sometime this coming week. Time to file for arbitration? Can try a different dealer but having called a couple....most are reluctant to have the car in as I "bought it elsewhere". The car may be good....but the service and follow through of warranty work sucks, in my opinion. Doubt that I would EVER purchase another Kia. And the hundred or more people I work with now feel the same after watching the run-around I'm getting. A real disappointment! If someone has had great service from a dealership in the Southern Calif. area, would appreciate knowing where (private emails please). Thanks again for the help.
    Sue
  • litigationnextlitigationnext Member Posts: 3
    Despite all the problems I've had with my 2005 Sorento....the temp gauge has always run just under the 1/2 mark. That's with 90 miles of commuting daily with air conditioner running and driving in the High Desert (Victorville area), over the Cajon pass and up to Lake Arrowhead mountains. Just speaking for myself....I wouldn't buy a Sorento (or other Kia) that already indicates a problem going on as I've had nothing but problems since buying a new Sorento that indicated no problems to begin with! LOL
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    It's okay to post the names of dealerships in the forums. However, specific contact information (people's names, phone numbers and so forth) should not be posted.

    tidester, host
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    The engine temparture gauage on my '03 Sorento normally at near 1/2 once the engine gets warm up in cold or hot day.

    There were two incidents that slow leak occurred in the anti-freeze coolant bottle. The gauage was always above 1/2 and at 3/4 most of the time. I got no A/C and heat. No warming light was on. After the anti-freeze bottle replacement, it is back to normal, slightly under 1/2.

    I have been told by dealer last time I was in service for the anti-freeze coolant bottle that it may be a design problem. Last time I was there, they replaced 4, 5 bottles on several Sorentos in different model years. Mine had to back ordered.
  • sorento05sorento05 Member Posts: 4
    Looking for anyone with the same issues: Have an 05 Sorento with 8,000 miles. Have contacted Kia of America and working with local dealer. Here are the problems:

    -airbag sensor replaced once. Now being told by dealer that Kia is advising against replacement until a permanent fix is found. How safe is this????

    -vibration while going 68 miles - dealer turned rear drive train 180 degrees and said it is fixed. This is per KIA - my father in law said they used to do this 30 years ago and wonders if this really fixes it on today's cars?

    -front creaking noise when stopping and starting - diagnosed as a bad sway bar. Haven't been told yet what the fix is.

    -rear main seals replaced

    -oil pan leaks - had to have oil pan resealed.

    -clock replaced once - now losing time slowly again

    I have contacted the dealer, my attorney and Kia regarding a lemon because all of these have been brought up at least 3 times. Thoughts, comments?

    Thanks
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    You are not alone. I remember I had the transfer case replaced on my 2003 Sorento EX 4WD (with TOD) at 7500 miles. I have been in and out my dealer like every 3 to 4 months or maybe 6 months for warranty repairs. Everytime some were fixed, something new came up. And several items were repaired more than once.

    My Sorento has 32500 miles now. It runs without any problem. There may be some unsolved issues about the "thump" feeling from rear wheel when let off brakes from a dead stop. My dealer checked sometime and the thump is still there. For the airbag light problem (only for driver's side on my '03), the light was on and my dealer replaced the clock spring (inside the steering wheel column). Then they replaced it the second time (light was on again) when they were replacing the power steering rack.
  • tonyb1224tonyb1224 Member Posts: 1
    I'm having the exact problem. I Just put the 4th bulb in the drivers side low beam and have replaced the passenger side once. I am extremely careful not to touch the bulb and there is no moisture present. I have 67,000 miles on my 2003 but these bulbs are pretty expensive at $16.00 a pop. Any suggestions?
  • phoenixriderphoenixrider Member Posts: 34
    I had the crankshaft bolt snap on the Sorento - while it was some 25 miles out in the backcountry! No roadside service available there. This past weekend, we tried to drill out/EZ OUT the bolt - no luck :( Next weekend, our last resort will be to drill out/tap the threads. Short of that, the only other way to get it out is by helicopter!

    KIA has been replacing these things left and right, but there is no Service Bullitin on it. Since this is a Mitsubishi engine, it uses the same flawed designed as the the Mitsu engine - and there have been recalls and hundreds and hundreds of people with Mitsus that have snapped this bolt.

    My advice is for Sorento owners to ask the dealer about the 'replacement bolt' or, at the least, have the dealer re-torque the thing. The replacement bolt is supposedly stronger and won't break, but I doubt it given the fatal flaw in design and the amount of Mitsu owners I've read about that have have the bolt break several times. Even some Sorento owners have had the bolt replace several times. Like I said, the harmonic balancer is a flawed design, and I'm not sure a super strong bolt will solve the problem. I am begining to suspect that some of the 68 mph vibes may have been from the harmonic balancer problem.
  • actinariaactinaria Member Posts: 1
    Just a note about AM reception. An antenna cable is a coaxial, like cable TV is. FM will work fine with just the center conductor connected from the antenna to the radio, will even work with small breaks in the wire. AM however has to have BOTH ends of the outer shield (wire) connected to good vehicle ground. I have found that most antenna lack good grounding at the base. FIxing that will restore/improve AM reception.
  • beyond_helpbeyond_help Member Posts: 110
    engine swallowed a throdel body part

    after the dealer checked out the tapping in the engine, i was in formed that it was lifter noise and that he would contact the kia rep as to repair or replace the engine.

    i called the dealer today and was informed that they were replacing the engine assy. the reason being a piece of the throdle body came apart and the engine sucked it in one of the cylinders.

    the service manager informed me that this WAS NOT an isolated incident of the same thing happening.

    it seems that i had read on this forum and an other of the same thing happening.

    if kia knows this proplem exsists, why not recall these vehicles for repair befor it happens at high speed in heavy traffic constituting a safty hazzard.

    since the throdle body is an accessory not a basic engine part it would only be covered under the basic warrenty? not the 10 year 100,000 and since it caused majior engine damage, the engine would not be covered after the basic warrenty for this known bad part ?

    i guess it is cheeper to replace an engine here and there than recal thousands of vehicles for throdle body repair or replacement. considering this type of failure would only be covered under the basic 5 year 60,000 ?

    the service manager also stated he would spend time looking into why the battery went dead 3 times for no apparent reason and the horns cherping.

    i spoke to a kia district rep last week, here is kia's policy as to customers problems that dealers can not duplacate

    kia will not "throw parts at a problem even if it comes to applying the lemon law"

    as i have found out if a dealer, lets say puts 3 hours into diagnosing a problem and does not find anything kia will not pay them anything. so they are not much interested in look at erratic problems

    i went round and round with the kia district rep and got now where. i told him that they were going to put themselves in the same boat as GM, if they did not fix curtomers problems

    so i told him that when i got the vehicle back if the horns were still cherping (i beleive it to be the conveience moduel, and i told him so, i think they know it also) i will start the lemon law process since i have all the required paper work needed. HE DID NOT CARE !
    beyond_help
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I'm sorry to hear about your 2005 Sorento. I think you need to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the defects. You need to file a compliant with NHTSA. They do not have to receive a lot complaints before look into the problem. If the problems have potential for causing a risk of safety, the agent will open up an investigation to undertake a more detailed analysis. If NHTSA believes a safety-related defect exists, the manufacturer is asked to contact a recall. By law, the manufacturer has three options to correct the defect including repair, replacement or refund.

    Beside filing a compliant, I often contact Kia Consumer Affairs about some dealer (service and repair) related problems. I always write to the top and receive satisfy results.

    By the way, the throttle body isn't cover by the 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain warranty? I was looking at the Kia New Car Limited Warranty. I thought the engine and all internal parts are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
  • harborlightsharborlights Member Posts: 6
    I have an 05 Sorento 5 Speed Manual. Trouble. I have had the clock replace twice. My dealer said it was a bad bunch of clocks from the supplier. I sure believer that. May not be Kia's fault however why buy crappy products to install in their cars. :( The fuel indicator shorted out needing to be replace, Some other part related to the gas tank had to be replaced. I am very careful to tighten my gas cap, knowing not doing so will cause a problem. Spark plugs blew and had to be replaced. Now I have a noise on the left side. Kind of sounds like a rock in the hub but I have looked and cleaned and I still get the same sound when I turn the wheel to the left. I do not get it when I turn to the right. The check engine light seems to come on all the time. Thank heavens it is under warranty. If not and I had to take it in every time that blooming light has come on I would be more broke than I am now. Anyone else with this noise? No happy with my choice of Car.
  • nepgvfcanepgvfca Member Posts: 1
    I replaced my headlamps ( which are on all the time as daytime running lights) on my 03 with Silverstar bulbs. They lasted about three months. Since then have gone back to OEM Sylvania lamps and have no problems
  • barbie_ann35barbie_ann35 Member Posts: 2
    sense we have purchased our 03 sorento in march it has been in to have an axle replaced rear differential and wheel bearing. when it was in the first time they checked to see why the check engine light was on 5 different reason coil spark plug and others then when they replaced the other things it had none of the problems they "said" so we picked up the kia and two days later brought it back cause the light was on again they said that the check engine light sensor need ed to be changed so did that then they had to resurface the rotors cause the wheal bearing warped the rotors and about a week ago check engine light came on again car bucking and hesitating brought it in coil bad cause there was a spark plug that was damaged in production of of kia they said that was in there and caused the coil to go bad mechanic came out in a worry telling service person that there was something very wrong with that car then they said "oh it's nothing major" the mechanic said to me honestly with that spark plug in there all that time it's surprising that the car ran. WHAT do yous think is there more wrong with the car after 40,000 with bad plug. Kia also going back cause of doom light if you turn on the switch on the dash and then shut it of lights want work when you open doors light in cargo area works sometime if it's not workig you tap the light it comes on. Any thoughts to some of these problems or the same for others. barbie :mad:
  • doctruptwndoctruptwn Member Posts: 7
    I had my 05 delivered to me and the check engine light came on within 24 hours. took it back to the dealer. they fixed the problem quickly, however they advised not to "top off the tank" at the fuel pump.

    Their instructions were to place the fuel nozzel in the filler, turn it on wide open, and when the pump shut off. That was it, don't add some more fuel, don't try to round up to the next nickel etc. when the pump stopped, the tank was full.

    they said this is a very common reason for the check engine light
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