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Kia Sorento Recalled for Stalling Problem - Finally

The 2011 to 2013 model year Kia Sorentos have been recalled for a stalling problem and frustrated owners will say it's about time after frustrating experiences trying to get the problem fixed to no avail. Dealers couldn't find the problem until Kia came up with a solution.
Kia Soreno stall recall

More than one Kia Sorento owner went so far as to post a video on YouTube. Frankly this video is not worth watching but what she said is worth noting, her Sorento stalled six times with no results from the dealership who was as stumped as she was. Her vehicle stalled, in the video, while in drive. "It's a very good thing there is nobody coming in the driveway behind me. Once again I will bring the car into Kia … and I will once again will be told the car is operating as designed."

Another comment on the page was, "I had the same problem. It was inconsistent stalling (4 times in 3 years) that couldn't be duplicated when taken to the dealership. If I put the Sorento in park and restart it would be fine. It would only happen when I stop and go. Final time it stalled out for good on the freeway. I couldn't move it out of Drive or Neutral. Dealership said the "drive assist" was faulty and replaced it."

Well, the problem wasn't the drive assist. According to The Car Connection, the issue is the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and Kia "is conducting a voluntary service action to alleviate this problem."

The site adds, "Vehicles produced between July 12th, 2010 through January 31st, 2013 may be affected. Call dealers with the vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to determine vehicle eligibility. Owners also can call Kia Customer Service at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236. Reference Kia Service Campaign # SC106."

Keith Griffin has been writing continuously about new cars since 2002. He used to be the guide to used cars at former About.com as well as a contributor to The Boston Globe and Automotive Traveler. He is founder and president of The Internet Car and Truck of the Year, where "Internet Pros and Average Joes" pick the car and truck of the year. Currently Keith is the managing editor for American Business Media. Follow Keith at @indepthauto on Twitter.

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Comments

Robert (not verified)    January 28, 2016 - 3:34PM

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Our 2005 Kia Sorento has been doing this for years and is extremely dangerous. It happens randomly and we have tried everything imaginable. It is too scary to even drive. The car is in like new conditions, but useless.

Me (not verified)    September 10, 2016 - 12:50PM

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My 2005 Kia Sorenti stalled and wounds start several times. If you let it set for 30-45min, it would start and run fine then after getting into stop and go traffic, it would do it again. The vehicle spent 6 weeks out of 8 in and out of the shop. It turned out to be a little plastic gear by the cam sensor that was worn.

jerry (not verified)    March 21, 2018 - 8:22AM

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I have a 2008 kia and having the same ridiculous insane iissues. I have spent mounds of cash on kia product with out any satisfaction... The recalls for this vehicle does not coordinate with vehicles problem. If there's solution I really need the answer.,..

Linda Arrington (not verified)    March 29, 2019 - 7:15PM

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My 2011 sorento stalled out on me when pulled out on a major hey. Almost got hit by a semi truck.
Towed it to my machanic. He said the harness plug into the computer was corroded. The prongs broke off the computer into the harness. KIA wants $5200.00 for a new computer & harness.
This is a poor design & needs to be recalled before someone gets killed! If you have this problem please make a claim with NHTSA Recall notification recall. If there our enough complaints, they will be forced to recall.

Curtis Belk (not verified)    March 15, 2016 - 8:43PM

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2013 Kia Sorento engine stalls while driving and will only idle. Have to turn off and restart and will go again. PCM has been updated and throttle body replaced once under warranty at 36,000 mi. and again at 68,000 mi. Had to pay $580.00 . Kia would not cover because first replacement was out of warranty. Customer service rep. Ali was rude and unwilling to try to help.

Denise GARRETT (not verified)    October 23, 2017 - 11:50AM

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My kia Sorrento year 2013 just started stalling when it started the check engine lite can on it will start up then it will start stalling again

Scott Long (not verified)    May 21, 2019 - 3:00AM

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Same issue. Kia Sorento 2013 has been randomly stalling just going to an idle. Had Ygritte body replaced and catalytic converter 4 months ago. Just stalled on me again yesterday in highway. Almost got taken out by a semi. Scared to drive it anymore. Anyone else have this issue? What can be done??

Scott Long (not verified)    May 21, 2019 - 3:01AM

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Same issue. Kia Sorento 2013 has been randomly stalling just going to an idle. Had Ygritte body replaced and catalytic converter 4 months ago. Just stalled on me again yesterday in highway. Almost got taken out by a semi. Scared to drive it anymore. Anyone else have this issue? What can be done??

Karen Robinson (not verified)    July 21, 2016 - 5:12PM

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I have a 2008 Kia Sorento. The day after I bought it brand-new off the lot got it home was headed to work and it's stalled half a mile from my house. Call the dealer the dealer told me turn it off started back up and it would go and then bring it in. I did take it in could not find what it was and it continued to stall for the next year out of a year's time the car only had 6000 miles on it. I drove a loaner car more than I drove that car. I finally took it to the Lemon Law because Kia refuse to do anything about it being as the dealer could not locate what the problem was with many different electronical Parts being replaced. When I took it to the Lemon Law I got the car completely replaced free of charge through Kia. That car was a nightmare I was on interstate 80 in Illinois rush hour traffic flying my grand kids were in the car with me it stalled out of the blue I was scared to death. I thought for sure that day me and my three grandchildren we're going to die and that was the last straw I thought I won and today I still drive a Kia because Kim was wonderful and doing The Replacements after I had a few arguments. Today I drive a 2013 Kia Sorento and I am very very happy with my car and yes I would buy another one.

Michele Johnson (not verified)    December 30, 2019 - 2:30PM

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Sometimes when I push on the accelerator it will jump and the engine light will start blinking. Then the car will shake and barely go while continuing to push the accelerator.

Chris (not verified)    August 10, 2016 - 10:08PM

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I have a 2005 sorento v6 ex 4wd with the same stalling issues as described above. I love the car and would love to find a fix. I work for a Kia dealership and have not been able to find the problem either. I have already replaced the ECU (computer) catalytic converters, intake and all gaskets, throttle position sensor, fuel pump, idle air control valve, radiator and hoses. I'm at my wits end and would appreciate any thoughts or ideas for a remedy.

Emily Moore (not verified)    August 26, 2016 - 1:04AM

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I sm going tbrough this rigjt now with my 2012 Sorento... this is my 2ng time having it back at the dealers after it stalling 5 times while driving. I live in Atlanta and my first stall caused an accident!... i brought the car as a preowned certified vehicle 9 months ago. I am out of its warrenty and acter reading the other posts im very fearful that i have bought a worthless car....smh!!!!

f. letson (not verified)    September 28, 2016 - 3:13PM

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my wife is experiencing the same problems with her 2008 kia sorento. just took it to the dealership and they can't even look at it until next week. This is the second time. We found out through a very competent garage that they have bulletins for this issue but no recall. in otherwords no warranty replacement. I'd definitely discourage anyone else from buying one. If they knew they had a problem all those years why did they continue producing and installing fault parts. The bulletins proved that they knew there was a problem and did nothing to solve it,If that was not bad enough the service clerk treated my wife rude.

Karen (not verified)    January 6, 2017 - 9:52AM

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My 2013 sorrentoyo was running fine went to make a turn and car shut off
Stuck in neutral is at dealership now

Terry A Bowlin (not verified)    January 27, 2017 - 10:36AM

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I have a 2005 kia sorento with same problems. Stalls then is fine for a week or 2. I have spent so much money in and out of the shop. Thousands of dollars what can i fo? HELP

Dave Dukes (not verified)    March 28, 2017 - 1:52PM

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2017 Serento. One month old just stalled with my daughter driving it. She said she stopped at a red light and the engine died. She just bought the car (first car purchase) and is very scared she has a lemon. Any more info on this from Kia?