I have posted the same inquire a week ago for my '03 Sorento. The dome light (center one) wasn't on when the doors are opened, only cargo light was on. It was on when turn the setting to ON, but it wasn't at DOOR setting. It lasted me for about a week and suddenly works again. I figured it must have something to do with the parking light wirings. I think I was playing around with the parking light after the engine was shut off prior to the problem. I was trying duplicate this later on to see if this is true.
Another observation is battery saver feature on Sorento which supposed to shut off all exterior lights when you remove the key from the ignition switch or when driver door is opened. I set the parking light and foglights switches on when I exited my car. I opened the front passenger door and used key to roll up the passenger window. These lights were on again even after I closed the passenger door. I had to turn off these lights manually. And this is the only time I see the parking lights and foglight on at the same, not while you are driving.
I have a 2003 Sorento. I have not received any recall notices. I know there has been a recall on some (about 3000?) 2003 Sorento which manfactured on certain time in 2002. It is a recall about a possible leaking fuel line.
Has anyone had an issue with a constant shooshing sound (like brake pads rubbing).? I reported this when I got my 04 LX new and was told it was brake pads breaking in. At @ 8k I was told they adjusted the brakes as much as they could but couldn't get rid of ALL the noise. A week later I again had them look at it and they then told me it was the rear end and replaced it at 0 cost to me. The noise is STILL there. They now had an engineer and field rep drive it and I just got a call to report their findings. I am told they heard nothing!! Everyone else in 150' of the vehicle hears it but them. Everyone at the dealership hears it to the point that they replaced the rear end. What kills me is that the dealership told me that it is the brakes AND THEN tells me it's the rear end, BIG DIFFERENCE!! Now I am told it doesn't exist. I also get a vibration at 60, 72, and 82 mph. This car is only 6 mos old and I bought it off the show room with 400 "demo" miles on it. I really do like the vehicle and just want to get rid of this noise and vibration. If anyone has some input I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know if there is a lemon law in CO and/or what my next step would be.
This is just a piece of plastic in the wheel well in the area of the fuel filler tube that helps protect that tube. No big deal, only early 05 has the problem.
it's obvious they feel it is not a big deal either - we called our dealer last month after i got the notice and they told us they had to order that part and we still have not heard a thing from them yet! after being jerked around by them about the clock in my truck that i knew had to be replaced from reading this board i just don't have any patience with them at all anymore. i will call to find out today why it is taking so long for just a little piece of plastic to come in when they "say" they orderd it!
thanks doctruptwn Unfortunately, I have contacted one of the most prestigious law firms in the area and unless I want to sink lots of my dollars and time into this, I don't have a case as long as they are willing to fix it. My problem is that I wanted to trade the car in for a new identical Kia Sorento and they would only give me trade in value for it (which is half the cost)! What kind of problems can I expect? The owner of the dealership says that there is only cosmetic damage to the body, I find that hard to believe. The car is scheduled to be finished by the end of the week. I've insisted on a test drive before I accept it and then I'm taking it to a front end specialist. Any comments, ideas? Thanks
">I have a 5 month old Kia Serento. I have experience a clunk when I am putting my suv into park or into drive, and reverse, the dealer told me they couldn't feel it or hear it. And also when your slowing down, the brake has a pulsing feeling in it. They of course didn't feel it. NOW, Me my husband, and 22 month old child got stuck in a parking lot for almost two hours in the rain and cold cause when we went to unlock the doors nothing. So my husband opened it with the key, alarm went off, o.k. but then it wouldn't shut off, and the car wouldn't start. We called our dealership @ 7:30, they referred us to road side [non-permissible content removed]. Ok. fine they were sending some one with a flat bed truck, so then we called back to the dealer to maybe get some one to bring us a vehical, cause it was going to over a hour for the truck, And they didn't want to send any one, a service guy was willing to drive to us to help, they wouldn't let him come. Now it's going on a hour, The guy my husband was talking to, was the owner of the dealer ships son! He didn't want to bring a car for us so we could get home, because (His own words( I promised my six year old son I would come home and spend some time with him????? That's fine and all, BUT me and my 22 month old son is out in the cold and rain, because the stores were closed, nothing around us, can't start our car, we are screwed, but go home to a warm house and spend time. I am furious!!!! They got the car running and we finally got home 3 hours later. What in the heck is going on with this Serento.
welcome to the kia warrenty program. it consists of, couldn't feel it or hear it or can not duplacate problem your problems may have just started my sorento is the sorriest vehicle i have ever purchased
My Sorento is the greatest car I have ever owned. :shades: It all depends on who you talk to. Just remember, this is a blog that usually attracts people who have had problems. 99% of us are rolling with no problems.
I am perfectly happy with my Sorento, no problems at all. I have read a lot of posts here and on other sites about all the problems, but all cars have problems. I owned two Accords previous to my purchase of the KIA. My 2000 had no problems at all, great car. My 2002, driving off the lot brand new didn't feel the same. Had a couple of problems with it not starting, turn the key, nothing. Turn it again, maybe it would start maybe not. Three or four times and it would start. It happens, they are machines. Honda could never figure out what was wrong. Don't get down on KIA get after your dealer.
Hi, I have the same problem with my Kia. Other than that it's been a great car. The Dealership said that the bumping you hear and movement is caused from the drive shaft freezing up. They supposedly replaced the rear part, ordered a new and improved part for the front area, replaced it, 1 week later it started again, but in the rear. My husband is taking it back in next week. Altho, the respose was "well, I don't know what else we can do.." Heh.. my husband told them that they could examine the rear area again, which is what they are going to do. From what I understand, the drive shaft is vunerable to moisture (I hope I am using the right terminology, my husband told me what they said, not sure if I am remembering it right or not). Because it is get's wet, it rusts, thus causing it to "freeze". They have a new and improved part that protects the drive shaft. I am talking about the part that moves back and forth so please correct me if I am wrong. That is the part that they replaced in the front, but I don't think they really did anything to the back. So, I will post an update next week. Also on the brakes, have them check out your breaks. Mine squealed a bit and did the same thing you posted and they cleaned them off. I really haven't had a problem since then. I also wanted to mention, that I notice it more if I try to break over a manhole cover or something similar to that, so see what is going on when you notice the problem. The dealership we purchased our Kia from seems to be pretty decent. They should be, we just purchased a used Dodge from them. Keep us updated. Diane
Exactly! Even tho we have had some problems, our dealer has been pretty good about addressing and fixing them. This is the first "new" vehicle we have had (OMG) in almost 13 years, so I am pretty satisfied. If you don't like the dealer you have, see if there is another one around and take it to them. My Kia is like a dream, especially since I live in the North and was involved in a bad accident due to snow last year. I was scared to drive again, however feel very safe in my KIA...
I've had the same problem with rust on the rear panels. I brought it to my dealer (Commonwealth Motors) and the service manager claimed that they wouldn't be able to replace the cladding under the warranty unless the rust was through the door. They attempted to fix it by scraping and repainting. No surprise, less than six months later the rust is coming through the new paint. I just called the dealer again and will be bringing it back tomorrow morning and having the rep. look at it. I'm going to bring your posting with me. Can you tell me what dealer you went to? Besides this rust problem, and the poor gas mileage, I've had no problems and still love the vehicle but I have some real concerns with the long term value. I'm questioning my decision not to spend a little more money and purchase an Highlander. The kicker is my husband purchased a KIA Optima six months after we bought the 2003 Sorrento, from the same dealer and this is the service they give me.
:confuse: I have had my used KIA 3 months and the doors lock by themselves.It has an aftermarket alarm system which is presently turned off.When I turn off the ignition the doors sometimes lock and sometimes I make sure it is unlocked then come back later it is locked.If I use the central locking button to unlock the doors so I can open the hatch it locks before I can get to the hatch.If I take it to the dealer I need some starting point to help them.Does anybody have an idea what is going on here?
I purchased my 2005 Kia new 12/2004. It has been in the shop 8 times for the check engine light coming on. Mostly the problem has been the fuel sensor keep shorting out. Once something shorted out and it blew the sparkplugs. Another time it cracked both coil packs. Canister Valve has been replaced at least twice. Once it was not installed correctly so it was in again. If this some kind of record I would rather not be in this race. It was in the shop on 11/7 and when it messed up on 11/9 I called the dealer and they came and got it for me. What a waist of my time. Anyone else having similar problems or do I just have a lemon? :lemon:
jojo621 - This is not true! My dealer replaced and repainted the rear door body claddings on my '03 EX few months ago. They first repainted or primed inside with some anti-rust paint. Few months later they peeled off. They tired to schedule a Kia rep to look at this. But they decided to order the parts. I believe they have another EX model with the same problem. They even gave me a loaner. The new parts came without the metal strip inside the claddings.
I'm interested in seeing the information(TSB) about the thumping from the driveshaft. I have this problem and the dealer doesn't seem to know anything about it. I have an 03 and this year had the radio replace because it was wonky and the driver door replace because of a kink in the panel and now this thump from the rear of the vehicle when I release the brake to take off from a stop. Is there a site where these TSB's can be viewed?
The only recall is for some 2935 Sorentos in 2003 model year (manufactured between 6/7/02 and 8/14/02) about the fuel line leakage. Recall notices were send out to owners in October. Mine (2003) was build on 10/02.
I had a car starter installed in my vehicle - 03 LX. I would remote start the car - let it warm and go out to the car - put the key in the ignition - go back into the house and when I came back the doors would be locked - i have 2 sets of keys. I took it back to the installer and they made some changes to the programing of the remote starter. Now the doors do not lock when you remote start and drive away. You have to lock the doors manually - works for me. The remote starter is a Viper. I think the problem is with the alarm you have installed.
It could be a simple fix by re-programming the system. Was it automatically lock before when you exist the car with all doors closed like after 30 seconds? I opted this feature on my other car (wife's car) because I have kids. She also afraid that she may lock out with the kids and key inside. It would be smart to keep a space in her handbag. But what happen if she keep her stuffs inside.
Go to www.directed.com and ask them the re-programming thing. It is the company which made Viper, Clifford, Python, etc.
I took my car back to the dealer and they reprogrammed it and it worked correctly till the next day then it started locking by itself again.Tomorrow I will make an appointment for the installer to check it out and replace/remove as needed.When you pay $500 for something you shouldn't have to put up with this.My car is in a garage at night so I don't need an alarm besides who would steal a KIA?
Wow, this sounds almost like deja vue... my 2003 Sorento check engine light kept coming on and my fuel injection system had water in it. Within 3 months of purchase KIA replaced the fuel tank and injection system. My engine lights and or others have never came on since... My electrical system is now shot and now water has been found in the oil/ engine. The KIA dealership where I first received service closed and the alternative service location closed. My vehicle was towed to yet another dealership service place, and KIA say's "I have to pay $5,000 to replace the engine that is under the 100,000 miles warranty." Get rid of the car before it becomes a bigger problem...NSO
I am not sure if they are TSB's but the title is called Technician Time and it is Volume 7 Issue 2 and the article for the repair to the rear end thumping is on page 8 called Sorent Drive Shaft Bump . It descrbe to the tech on how and what to grease and if it does not work ot rplace the driveshaft. This is what they did to my Sorento. Almost 7 months and no bumping, thumping or what.
It seems some 03 and 04 Sorentos have been plagued with some nagging electrical problems. Those problems include: - failed low beam headlights - failed brake lights - failed licence plate lights - failed dome light diode - failed front blower relay - resetting clock; and - flickering climate control faceplate lighting.
I am beginning to suspect this problem is traceable to: - one or more specific batches of 03 and 04 Sorentos; - perhaps only EX and EX Luxe models.
The problems appears to be caused either because of: - defective components, specifically the generator, voltage regulator or the ETACS; or - a manufacturing process failure, probably surrounding the installation of the electrical grounding straps.
I would like to mobilize all affected Kia owners to get our collective minds and know-how together and get this problem nailed. My dealership has been particularly sympathizing and cooperative and I believe I can enlist them to work with us on this issue. I also have access the Electrical Engineering department at a local university and could mobilize some students in the Winter semester on this problem as a good real-world case study.
If you care to get on the bandwagon, I would like you to provide me with the following information: - Kia model and manufacturing date (I have a 03 Sorento EX Luxe built in January 2003) - the mileage on your Sorento (93,000 km on mine) -your geographical location (Montreal, Canada) - the list of problems you have encountered so far (count me in for all the problems listed above) and when the problems have occured - Any useful additional information you may have
I think we can put this world-wide web thingy to good use for once and show how owners can work together to help Kia diagnose and fix a nagging problem.
I will post this message on a number of other Kia Sorento forums. Please answer only once, so as not to skew the data and overwhelm my mail box.
I have a 2003 Kia Sorento EX with luxury package. It has 40000 miles. It was build in 10/02. I have several repairs regarding the electrical.
* Fuzzy image on the automatic climate control LCD screen, especially during cold weather. Dealer replaced it under warranty.
* Faulty digital clock - Keep showing 1:00 everytime reset it to the right time and each time I start the car. Dear replaced it only once. Works fine ever since.
I believe these two problems are parts related. It has nothing to do with the wiring.
There are some issues about the dome and cargo lights. They didn't turn on when it supposed to like doors were opened or UNLOCK button was pressed. Then it works fine again.
I have no problem with the headlight. Bulbs were changed few times due to the life span of the aftermarket xenon bulbs.
:confuse: In the last month, our 05 Sorento that has about 13,000 miles on it, has had this problem 3 times, twice in one day. My wife slows to a stop, puts in the clutch and shifts into neutral, and the clutch pedal stays on the floor, and the shifter gets stuck in neutral. She's tried several things, turning off the car and starting back up, and eventually for no certain reason, it unlocks and lets her shift into first and she's going again. It happened the other day in heavy stop and go traffic and she freaked out and said she would not drive it until it was fixed. It is at the dealership now waiting for repair. None of them had ever heard of anything like this, neither has the field engineer, or myself. We've both driven standards for years and have never seen anything like this. I'm hoping that someone might have had a similar experience and remembers the outcome. The technicians are driving the vehicle every day to try to get it to duplicate the problem. Anyone seen this before? Thanks, Doug
In Oct '02 I bought a 2003 KIA Sorento. Since that time I have had the KIA in the shop no less than 5 times for a number of minor things, but the primary problem I have had is the compressor blowing the high pressure hose and now this is the second time the compressor has failed. The dealer ship has said that they will take care of the problem, but it is out of warrenty. I think the longest the unit has worked with out any problems has been 14 months. Now they want $800.00 to due the 60,000 mile warrenty work. HAs anyone else expreienced this problem with the compressor?
I noticed this since few days ago. It came on when I stop for traffic and perhaps a dead stop. I didn't apply the emergency brake. It stayed on until few seconds I took off. Any sign of troubles? My 2003 Sorento has 40500 miles now. I know my brakes have 20% or less life few months back. Is it a sign of worn brake pads? The brake fluid level is in good condition. Thanks!
The fuel pump was recently replaced on my car and now my interior lights, windows and heater and air won't work. What has happened and how can I fix it.
My wife got a brand new 03 Sorento and loves to drive it after spending 5 years driving a Honda CRV. She preferred to leave the Snow Mode switch in the "ON" position because of the rain here is South Florida and also because she said it started off smoother (starts off in 2nd gear). I checked in the Kia owners manual and there was no warning about leaving it that way. She took the grandchildren to Disney World last week and when she returned I noticed an odor of burning oil coming from under the car. When I looked I saw the whole under side of the car covered with transmission fluid. I took the car to the dealer and was told that the fluid had boiled over because leaving the Snow Mode switch in the "ON" position all the time caused the transmission to overheat and the transmission needed to be flushed to get rid of the damaged fluid.
I had to pay for the tranny flush since "human error" is not covered by KIA. I would just like to know for sure that having the "Snow Mode" turned on actually caused the problem. The transmission shifted just fine right on through the gears and the only difference was starting in 2nd gear instead of 1st. All the driving to and from Disney World was on the Florida Turnpike averaging 75 MPH. The dealer explained that the "Snow Mode" allowed the transmission to slip and that's what caused the overheating. Neither the dealer nor the person at KIA Consumer Affairs Department could tell me where there was a warning or even a caution about driving continually in the Snow Mode.
Is there any way for me to verify that the Snow Mode being in the "ON" position caused the problem?
I have a '03 kia sorento ex luxery pkg w/65k miles. I I've replaced the brake lights 4 times this year and the headlights 3 times. I've also had to replace the sunroof motor twice. Seems to be an electrical problem but the dealership can't find it.
having had many years working on hi-tech electronic forklifts and reading posts about burning out of lights and now a sun roof motor, it would seem to me to be an over voltage problum
if it were constant it should have been easly traced to the alt/reg
it could be erratic also an alt/reg problem, but since the battery acts as a very big capsitor it should absorbe an insntanious voltage spike
but if there is a bad or high resistance ground circut the voltage can go wild at times and spike very high quickly
where i would look first is at the battery ground next to the power distribution box at the left fender mine was very questionable (paint covered poor connection) and i had to take care of it
I am posting this message to find out if anyone else is having htis problem. I just purchased a 2004 Kia Sorrento. I noticed that the odometer reading was showing more miles then I remember driving. I noticed that when I park the car at night, I take a reading of the odometer and reads one number. I use the car the next day and the reading on the odometer is another number. If anyone has had this problem, please respond to this meeage.
keep a record and see if it is erratic or if is adding the same amount, also rest both trip odometers when you park it at night also and check them in the AM as well does anyone else have keys to your vehicle ?
I am hoping that someone maybe has had this same experience. I have an 05 Sorento with 3000 mi on it-ran great until yesterday. Sitting in the driveway, it was humming, and the lights were on. I opened up the car, and tried to turn them off--they were off. I then turned on the car, when I removed the key, the car was still running-I had to remove the fuel relay to make it stop and the battery connection to stop the high pitched hum. Any ideas??
I purchased a Kia Sorrento 2003 in October 2005 I kept that car for 1 month then then turn it in an got a Kia Sorrento 2005. When I purchase the car it had 27 miles on it, my car now states that I have 837 mile on it. I don't have anyone else that drives my car and I don't make any long distance trips. I use my car to go to work which is 6 minutes from where I live or go to the mall or grocery store. All of these locations are within 5 to 6 minutes from where I live. Can anyone explain this to me?
record you milage by trip odometer and log them in reference to your routes and compare to the regular odometer, also record your milage when ever you park your car and compare it when you next start it up again
NOTE !! your type of driving requires you to service you vehicle according to the "severe schedule" PROTECT YOUR WARRANTY don't give KIA an oportuinity to deny a warranty claim on your vehicle
please READ and UNDERSTAND everything that is in your owners manuel
I had an opportunity to have Kia Canada’s District Service Manager test drive the Sorento. I expected that I would get a response resembling “I can’t hear anything.”, but to my surprise, he did hear/feel the noise/vibration at around 120 km/h. What’s more is that the look on his face suggested that this wasn’t the first time he’d heard it!
He also felt the “bump” after pulling away from a stop again he didn’t seem surprised.
So now, there is a plan. He commented that they will likely change the driveshaft, u-joints and rear differential, but didn’t commit to these. He’s asked that the truck be dropped off at the dealer next Monday night and left with them. He will personally come to the dealership during the diagnosis and repair procedures and they will provide a loaner.
It looks like this may finally get resolved I can only hope that the fix is permanent. If this gets resolved, then I have no other issues with this truck.
I’ll post after it’s returned to me next week.
Well, I finally found the best solution to my vibration/noise problem
Trade the darn thing in!
Flipped the ’04 Sorento for an ’04 Explorer XLT picked it up yesterday. I never had a single issue with my ’98 Explorer over the 4 years I owned it.
Good luck to all in resolving your individual problems and thank you for your input and suggestions.
Any resolution yet to your vibration issue? My 03 LX 4x4 (about 20,000 miles) has recently starting exhibiting a vibration at 2500rpm, regardless of road speed.
Comments
Another observation is battery saver feature on Sorento which supposed to shut off all exterior lights when you remove the key from the ignition switch or when driver door is opened. I set the parking light and foglights switches on when I exited my car. I opened the front passenger door and used key to roll up the passenger window. These lights were on again even after I closed the passenger door. I had to turn off these lights manually. And this is the only time I see the parking lights and foglight on at the same, not while you are driving.
when my sorento and others real do have valid problems
this increases short term profits, but i guess they think this "bad policy" will not catch up to them and hurt them in the long run
it's obvious they feel it is not a big deal either - we called our dealer last month after i got the notice and they told us they had to order that part and we still have not heard a thing from them yet! after being jerked around by them about the clock in my truck that i knew had to be replaced from reading this board i just don't have any patience with them at all anymore. i will call to find out today why it is taking so long for just a little piece of plastic to come in when they "say" they orderd it!
Unfortunately, I have contacted one of the most prestigious law firms in the area and unless I want to sink lots of my dollars and time into this, I don't have a case as long as they are willing to fix it. My problem is that I wanted to trade the car in for a new identical Kia Sorento and they would only give me trade in value for it (which is half the cost)! What kind of problems can I expect? The owner of the dealership says that there is only cosmetic damage to the body, I find that hard to believe. The car is scheduled to be finished by the end of the week. I've insisted on a test drive before I accept it and then I'm taking it to a front end specialist. Any comments, ideas?
Thanks
it consists of, couldn't feel it or hear it or can not duplacate problem
your problems may have just started
my sorento is the sorriest vehicle i have ever purchased
POW!!!
I have the same problem with my Kia. Other than that it's been a great car. The Dealership said that the bumping you hear and movement is caused from the drive shaft freezing up. They supposedly replaced the rear part, ordered a new and improved part for the front area, replaced it, 1 week later it started again, but in the rear. My husband is taking it back in next week. Altho, the respose was "well, I don't know what else we can do.."
Heh.. my husband told them that they could examine the rear area again, which is what they are going to do.
From what I understand, the drive shaft is vunerable to moisture (I hope I am using the right terminology, my husband told me what they said, not sure if I am remembering it right or not). Because it is get's wet, it rusts, thus causing it to "freeze". They have a new and improved part that protects the drive shaft. I am talking about the part that moves back and forth so please correct me if I am wrong. That is the part that they replaced in the front, but I don't think they really did anything to the back.
So, I will post an update next week.
Also on the brakes, have them check out your breaks. Mine squealed a bit and did the same thing you posted and they cleaned them off. I really haven't had a problem since then. I also wanted to mention, that I notice it more if I try to break over a manhole cover or something similar to that, so see what is going on when you notice the problem.
The dealership we purchased our Kia from seems to be pretty decent. They should be, we just purchased a used Dodge from them.
Keep us updated.
Diane
Exactly! Even tho we have had some problems, our dealer has been pretty good about addressing and fixing them. This is the first "new" vehicle we have had (OMG) in almost 13 years, so I am pretty satisfied.
If you don't like the dealer you have, see if there is another one around and take it to them.
My Kia is like a dream, especially since I live in the North and was involved in a bad accident due to snow last year. I was scared to drive again, however feel very safe in my KIA...
Diane
:lemon:
I have an 03 and this year had the radio replace because it was wonky and the driver door replace because of a kink in the panel and now this thump from the rear of the vehicle when I release the brake to take off from a stop.
Is there a site where these TSB's can be viewed?
The only recall is for some 2935 Sorentos in 2003 model year (manufactured between 6/7/02 and 8/14/02) about the fuel line leakage. Recall notices were send out to owners in October. Mine (2003) was build on 10/02.
Go to www.directed.com and ask them the re-programming thing. It is the company which made Viper, Clifford, Python, etc.
and it worked correctly till the next day then it started locking by itself again.Tomorrow I will make an appointment for the installer to check it out and replace/remove as needed.When you pay $500 for something
you shouldn't have to put up with this.My car is in a garage at night so I don't need an alarm besides who would steal a KIA?
Wow, this sounds almost like deja vue... my 2003 Sorento check engine light kept coming on and my fuel injection system had water in it. Within 3 months of purchase KIA replaced the fuel tank and injection system. My engine lights and or others have never came on since... My electrical system is now shot and now water has been found in the oil/ engine. The KIA dealership where I first received service closed and the alternative service location closed. My vehicle was towed to yet another dealership service place, and KIA say's "I have to pay $5,000 to replace the engine that is under the 100,000 miles warranty." Get rid of the car before it becomes a bigger problem...NSOtidester, host
I'd be interested in hearing what others are seeing with the new design.
It seems some 03 and 04 Sorentos have been plagued with some nagging electrical problems. Those problems include:
- failed low beam headlights
- failed brake lights
- failed licence plate lights
- failed dome light diode
- failed front blower relay
- resetting clock; and
- flickering climate control faceplate lighting.
I am beginning to suspect this problem is traceable to:
- one or more specific batches of 03 and 04 Sorentos;
- perhaps only EX and EX Luxe models.
The problems appears to be caused either because of:
- defective components, specifically the generator, voltage regulator or the ETACS; or
- a manufacturing process failure, probably surrounding the installation of the electrical grounding straps.
I would like to mobilize all affected Kia owners to get our collective minds and know-how together and get this problem nailed. My dealership has been particularly sympathizing and cooperative and I believe I can enlist them to work with us on this issue. I also have access the Electrical Engineering department at a local university and could mobilize some students in the Winter semester on this problem as a good real-world case study.
If you care to get on the bandwagon, I would like you to provide me with the following information:
- Kia model and manufacturing date (I have a 03 Sorento EX Luxe built in January 2003)
- the mileage on your Sorento (93,000 km on mine)
-your geographical location (Montreal, Canada)
- the list of problems you have encountered so far (count me in for all the problems listed above) and when the problems have occured
- Any useful additional information you may have
I think we can put this world-wide web thingy to good use for once and show how owners can work together to help Kia diagnose and fix a nagging problem.
I will post this message on a number of other Kia Sorento forums. Please answer only once, so as not to skew the data and overwhelm my mail box.
Cheers,
Ron in Montreal, Canada
:sick:
* Fuzzy image on the automatic climate control LCD screen, especially during cold weather. Dealer replaced it under warranty.
* Faulty digital clock - Keep showing 1:00 everytime reset it to the right time and each time I start the car. Dear replaced it only once. Works fine ever since.
I believe these two problems are parts related. It has nothing to do with the wiring.
There are some issues about the dome and cargo lights. They didn't turn on when it supposed to like doors were opened or UNLOCK button was pressed. Then it works fine again.
I have no problem with the headlight. Bulbs were changed few times due to the life span of the aftermarket xenon bulbs.
I'm hoping that someone might have had a similar experience and remembers the outcome. The technicians are driving the vehicle every day to try to get it to duplicate the problem. Anyone seen this before?
Thanks,
Doug
Thanks, Don Spruill, Birmingham, AL
I have limited automotive skills.
Thanks
I had to pay for the tranny flush since "human error" is not covered by KIA. I would just like to know for sure that having the "Snow Mode" turned on actually caused the problem. The transmission shifted just fine right on through the gears and the only difference was starting in 2nd gear instead of 1st. All the driving to and from Disney World was on the Florida Turnpike averaging 75 MPH.
The dealer explained that the "Snow Mode" allowed the transmission to slip and that's what caused the overheating. Neither the dealer nor the person at KIA Consumer Affairs Department could tell me where there was a warning or even a caution about driving continually in the Snow Mode.
Is there any way for me to verify that the Snow Mode being in the "ON" position caused the problem?
if it were constant it should have been easly traced to the alt/reg
it could be erratic also an alt/reg problem, but since the battery acts as a very big capsitor it should absorbe an insntanious voltage spike
but if there is a bad or high resistance ground circut the voltage can go wild at times and spike very high quickly
where i would look first is at the battery ground next to the power distribution box at the left fender mine was very questionable (paint covered poor connection) and i had to take care of it
Thanks
does anyone else have keys to your vehicle ?
other question: do you have a teenager with access to the keys?
I have an 05 Sorento with 3000 mi on it-ran great until yesterday.
Sitting in the driveway, it was humming, and the lights were on. I opened up the car, and tried to turn them off--they were off. I then turned on the car, when I removed the key, the car was still running-I had to remove the fuel relay to make it stop and the battery connection to stop the high pitched hum.
Any ideas??
NOTE !! your type of driving requires you to service you vehicle according to the "severe schedule" PROTECT YOUR WARRANTY don't give KIA an oportuinity to deny a warranty claim on your vehicle
please READ and UNDERSTAND everything that is in your owners manuel
I had an opportunity to have Kia Canada’s District Service Manager test drive the Sorento. I expected that I would get a response resembling “I can’t hear anything.”, but to my surprise, he did hear/feel the noise/vibration at around 120 km/h. What’s more is that the look on his face suggested that this wasn’t the first time he’d heard it!
He also felt the “bump” after pulling away from a stop again he didn’t seem surprised.
So now, there is a plan. He commented that they will likely change the driveshaft, u-joints and rear differential, but didn’t commit to these. He’s asked that the truck be dropped off at the dealer next Monday night and left with them. He will personally come to the dealership during the diagnosis and repair procedures and they will provide a loaner.
It looks like this may finally get resolved I can only hope that the fix is permanent. If this gets resolved, then I have no other issues with this truck.
I’ll post after it’s returned to me next week.
Trade the darn thing in!
Flipped the ’04 Sorento for an ’04 Explorer XLT picked it up yesterday. I never had a single issue with my ’98 Explorer over the 4 years I owned it.
Good luck to all in resolving your individual problems and thank you for your input and suggestions.
Any resolution yet to your vibration issue? My 03 LX 4x4 (about 20,000 miles) has recently starting exhibiting a vibration at 2500rpm, regardless of road speed.