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's mother owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed three quarts of oil after driving 367 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle could be experiencing an internal oil leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact to come back after 300 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the front passenger's side seat belt pretensioner failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone auto parts store. The contact was notified of an open recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously involved in a crash, and the air bags had not deployed. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated, and the front passenger's side air bag was turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Since the beginning of November, 2021, without incidence or prior warning, the airbag warning light came on when the vehicle is started and stays on the entire time the vehicle is on. The vehicle was brought to a KIA dealership on November 18th to diagnose the issue under extended 15 year warranty for two airbag recalls (one for clock spring and the other for ODS sensor). The diagnosis determined that the clock spring and ODS sensor were not causing the warning light to remain on, and the cause was a airbag code B1473, Driver Curtain Airbag Circuit Resistance High, and the dealership stated that it needed a driver side curtain airbag, estimated at $1,800.00, and not covered by warranty. Since this condition results in the airbag warning light to remain lit while the car is on and running, this causes a safety issue in that the driver does not know if the airbag will deploy if needed. …
Airbag lights remain on regardless of what's in the passenger seat. Engine smells like burning metal when driven longer than 15minutes. Ticking noises when the steering wheel is turned. Acceleration issues Vehicle lags when initially starting after being off for hours. Mechanics have looked at them KIA dealership WONT assist.
2015 Kia Sorento - Airbag light came on. Mechanic diagnosed as a faulty clock spring assembly. Checked Carfax for recalls and nothing came up with his error code, however, there IS a recall for 2011-2015 Sorento Airbag Clock Spring Assembly. The same repair, but not coming up for my VIN #. Cost of repair is $$$$ out of pocket.
Turned the steering wheel to the right, and the airbag warning light came on. It's a safety issue that needs to be addressed. If I'm ever in an accident will it deploy? This is ridiculous. Waiting to get an appointment with the dealership.
My car first off is a LEMON Kia has dragged me along from the beginning. My engine was replaced due to a smoke fire no flames they have yet to take blame for it and had my car for a month in the shop and wouldn't tell me anything they still don't admit it was a car fire but I know it was I had witnesses trying to pull me out of the vehicle which I had towed to kia. Before that happened I took it in twice letting them know I had shortage problems with my lights turning off and bulbs going out over and over with the headlights it happen one time at night at a speed of 70mph they told me to change the blub that was the problem treated me like I was crazy I've been pulled over for one headlight and officers told me to sue and trade or turn in my vehicle it was a lemon. …
How can NHTSA give a 5-star safety rating to a 2015 Kia sorrento based on a 2013 crash test done on this model vehicle when there is obvious a problem with this vehicle in the 2014/2015 Kia sorrento models. Since 2014, there has been at least 2 serious injuries and other complaints due to this defect and its non-deployent of airbags, etc. (please look at the photos, video & small overlay crash report at http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/Kia/Sorento-4-door-SUV/2015)..the manufactiurer was well aware of this since they redesigned the 2016 model. This defect should be made public for all vehicles affected with these issues which should repaired or recalled to avoid further risk of serious injuries and/or loss of life. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he was stopped at a stop sign. Another vehicle made a very wide turn and crashed at 60 MPH into the driver's side between the driver and passenger doors. None of the air bags deployed with the collision. A police report was filed. The contact and his son were taken to hospital latter on. The contact had whiplash and had a headache and his infant son had a swollen face from hitting the side of his car seat with bruises. The contact's wife and daughter were not injured. The contact went to a military hospital since he was on active duty. The vehicle was totaled with damage to the driver's side rear passenger door being smashed in , the tierode was snapped. The rear tire on the passenger's was smashed from the top inward and the tire on the passenger's side was pushed outward. …
Airbag complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2015 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the air bags of the 2015 Kia Sorento, 4% of the model year's 754 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Sorento airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags 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 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 10 injuries to air bags 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.