Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal to drive inside the garage, the vehicle accelerated to the highest speed unintendedly. The contact depressed the brake pedal continuously, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle pushed a table of home items through the rear wall of the garage, hit several gas pipes, and then landed approximately 6 ft. downhill in the backyard, where it continued to accelerate. The contact then noticed steam coming out from underneath the hood and the vehicle stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was able to drive up the backyard hill and enter the residence. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled. A police report was not filed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,042.
I parked my car and it was sitting for about an hour I came back to the car and heard a humming noise found that weird but I had to drive home about 10 mins later I parked car, sound was still going even while car was off. So I thought to let it sit for another while. Came back to car sound was still on I started car and the abs, traction, & brake light came on and not even 2 mins later my car starts smoking. So immediately I shut it off and have to leave my car parked in another city because I didn't want to risk driving it home. Fast forward to next day. I got to my car and notice the speedometer had went out. i called Kia because I read about the HECU ABS recall. …
Compotent : Throttle position Sensor Risk\ High level to vehicle occupants Highest to pedestrians Unfortunately, after inspection was TOTALED inforrned us of an investigation currently ,by NHTSA regarding throttle components. The insurance adjuster was a forrner mechanic. there wear warning lights on to indicate a problem
While operating my vehicle I experienced sluggishness and power failure. Sorento became disabled on main road while driving to work. Vehicle was towed to the closest Kia dealership where they performed a diagnostic test. Maintenance test and Parts Department revealed the that the power shortage was possibly from a Brake fluid leakage inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). This also caused the engine to seize and the only remedy was a new engine. He also stated that the repair was not covered under warranty due to the open recall that was not completed. I did explain to the repair center that I was never made aware of any on going recalls from the dealer where I purchased the vehicle either by mail, phone call or email as well as from Kia corporate. The parts department provided me with the contact information for Kia Headquarters to assist me. …
I was turning into a parking space in a parking garage with my foot just barley on the brake whenthe car accelerated very fast and cause me to hit a concret wall. I tried to stop it but it didn't stop until it hit the wall knocking me almost out of the parking space. This has never happen before since I have had the car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions the vehicle hesitated to accelerate above 25 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. The accelerator pedal was released and depressed and the vehicle accelerated to 50 MPH up hill. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel lever limit bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to Kia of chattanooga (2136 chapman rd, chattanooga, tn 3742, [phone]) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure of retrieve a fault code due to the check engine warning light not being illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 143,670.
Tl* the contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. While driving at approximately 35 MPH over railroad tracks, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required. The contact also stated that the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The failure caused the vehicle to crash into the post of a billboard. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a vertebrae, neck, and back injuries and head traumas that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.....updated 06/21/17 updated 9/11/2017
A few months back, maybe osept/oct my ABS light, tire pressure light came on (yellow) and I had it checked and they said it was a wheel sensior and its very costly so as of yet it hasnt been fixed. Now yesterday my brake light at the bottom of my dash came on (red) and its a double and said break. I dont know why im having so many problems with this car but it will be my last Kia. I own 2 and both have had problems and I keep both serviced on time and get what is needed done
I purchased this vehicle less than 2 months go. I was driving on the highway and came to a red light. The car jerked and did not want to move when the light turned green. I came to a second red light and the light turned green as I press the gas the car shut off in the middle of heavy traffic. I could not get the car to crank again. I finally got help from someone who help push the car to a near parking lot.
This vehicle was purchased dec 1 2018 and the knock sensor failed on the trip back from the dealership. It was replaced and now April 22nd 2019 less than 5 months later it has failed again and left me stranded. The check engine light is flashing and the vehicle is stuck in limp mode. This model is known for this problem and should be added to the recall list.
NHTSA investigations
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
Acceleration complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2015 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2015 Kia Sorento, 3% of the model year's 754 complaints. The component named most often is linkages (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Sorento acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2015 Kia Sorento, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Sorento acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.