01-01-0001:
Incidences of dual mass flywheel and clutch failures increasing markedly by 2009.
Seems to be a problem with 18" wheels on some XT models leading to slip sensor trouble and the wrong messages to the transfer box.
Manual transmission problems increasingly common after around 4 years and around 80k miles, particularly when used for towing.
On LPG gas converted 3.5V6s, after around 6 years, manifold swirl actuators can break off and get tangled in the valves.
Beware of misdiagnosis of faults by Kia dealers: The symptoms were very rough running after the first start of the day which cleared after the first 100yds and a flat spot when accelerating from a standing start. The flat spot had got so bad that pulling out from a side road was becoming risky. Kia dealer had the car for 10 days and diagnosed “suspected faulty fuel injectors”. Two solutions; have the injectors cleaned at a cost of £1,010 or fit new injectors at a cost of £1,500. A diesel injection specialist diagnosed the problems as a stuck EGR valve which he cleaned and put back, and the starting problems as failed glow plugs of which he replaced all four. He took out the injectors and confirmed there was nothing wrong with them. The car then runs as well as it had when new.
A 2005 2.5CRDI XT auto, purchased 'ex demo' in January 2006, had the following series of fuel system problems over 4 months: November 2007: engine cut out. Diagnosed as faulty fuel filter and replaced. December 2007: engine cut out again. Diagnosed as three faulty injectors. January 2008: engine cut out again: Diagnosed as lining/coating of fuel tank detaching and being carried through the fuel systemsystem. Kia technical authorised replacement of fuel tank, fuel sender and new fuel filter. February 2008: engine cut out. Scan fault analysis flags up P1188.
One reader suffered repeated fuel shut downs from a 2004 XE CRDI. The fuel filter was replaced several times but the shut down continued, always on hard acceleration joining a motorway. Might be the fuel tank liner coming off, might be the fuel tank sender pump or its relay or the earth to the pump or the relay.
By January 2011 it was reported that the fuel tank delamination problem was becoming more widespread. Kia will pay for the replacement tank fitted at a Kia dealer, but not the labour costs. In June 2011 it was reported that Kia will no longer pay for replacement fuel tanks, at least not for 6 year old vehicles.
4WD system cannot tolerate more than 2mm tread difference front to back, so best to swap tyres front to back mid-life to even out wear.
20-01-2013:
Glowplugs prone to breaking on attempts to remove to replace. Then requires removal of cylinder head to get them out.
01-06-2013:
Reader thinks there is a problem with rusting rear trailing arm brackets. Thinks that around 10% on 2003-2009 Sorentos have corroded sufficiently to require urgent replacement. Kia has issued a TSB to inspect these and replace as necessary, but, of course, TSBs only find cars and owners known to KIA dealers. He feels the key question is how soon after an MoT can these brackets rot away. Within 12 months big problem? More than 12 months not so safety critical.
25-04-2014:
Self-levelling rear dampers weeping fluid on 2007 KIA Sorento. Reader quoted £1,000 to replace.
15-05-2015:
Timing chain failure reported on 2008 KIA Sorento 2.5 automatic regularly used for towing a caravan.
02-09-2015:
Engine of 2009 i800 (same 2,497cc engine as Sorento 1) suffered piston through block at 35,000 miles and less than 6 years old. Full service history. Car registered 9/2009. Engine number D4CB 8414626. pparently chain cam driven oil pump failed.
06-08-2016:
91,000 mile 2006 KIA Sorento reported to be smoking while towing. Suspect turbo bearing oil seals.
12-02-2017:
Report that MoT 'rolling road' brake testing of a 2007 KIA Sorento "damaged a bearing in the differential" leaving a £2,500 repair bill. (Probably the centre diff.) Should only be brake tested on a rolling road suitable for 4x4s.
08-06-2017:
Another report of fuel tank delamination in a first generation Sorento.
January 0001
22-02-2003: Quite big 4x4 SUV 4,570mm (15') long by 1,885mm (6' 2") wide by 1,735mm (5' 8") high. Competes against X-Trail, Freelander, CRV and RAV-4, but is actually as big as a Range Rover Sport.
Looks like a Lexus RX300, but has separate ladder frame chassis and solid rear axle. Standard 5-door 5-seat body, lift-up rear window (as on CRV), high/low range, centre diff lock, ABS, auto option.
Original engines were a 143bhp 2.5 chain-cam common rail diesel with 323Nm (238 lb ft) torque at 2,000rpm or 3.5 litre V6. Diesel 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto; 3.5V6 4-speed auto only. Strong 2,800kg maximum towing weight. 205/70 R16 tyres absorb bumps well. Very pleasant and 'friendly' to drive with light controls and decent optional 4-speed autobox. Diesel does 32.2mpg on combined cycle. All have ABS with EBD. Part-time (ES)or full time (XS) four wheel drive. Better off road than the X-trail and better for towing large trailers and caravans.
- Sorrento 2.5 CRDi XE £17,995
- Sorrento 2.5 CRDi XE automatic £18,895 (now £18,995)
- Sorrento 2.5 CRDi XS £20,495 (now £20,995)
- Sorrento 2.5 CRDi XS automatic £21,395 (now £21,995)
- Sorrento 3.5 V6 XS petrol auto £21,995
3 year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty, extendable to 5 years; 3 years pan European roadside assistance. Four star NCAP crash safety rating.
March 2004
Five-speed Sports H-Matic automatic gearbox replaced 4-speeder. Up to 9% improvement in fuel consumption on Sorento. Gearbox combines convenience of an automatic gearbox in traffic with manual control that many drivers desire on the open road. Sorento 2.5 engine also optimised with enhanced torque: 343 Nm between 1850-2500 rpm compared to 314 Nm previously. Top speed of auto increased from 104 mph to 106 mph.
August 2006
Facelifted Sorento with revised 2.5-litre turbodiesel and new 3.3-litre V6 petrol engines; suspension mods giving better balance of ride and handling. Also has smarter trim and accident-avoidance safety features.