Kia Sorento Headlight Problems

Headlight complaints by model year

Which parts fail

• Headlights
  51
• Brake lights
  8
• Headlights › Bulbs
  6
• Tail lights
  4
• Brake lights › Switch
  4
• Headlights › Switch
  3
• Fog lights
  1
• Back up lights › Bulbs
  1

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  7115%
• 25k–50k
  7617%
• 50k–75k
  9320%
• 75k–100k
  9721%
• 100k–150k
  9521%
• 150k+
  286%

What owners report

The contact owned a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side taillight became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness for the passenger's side taillight had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to the tow hitch recall repair. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired because it had an aftermarket tow hitch part. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,178.

My vehicle has been slow to start and I have had all other issues come on on my vehicle as far as lights as far as the forward collision warning light has came on and the check driver attention warning light has come on as well while I'm running my HVAC past the level 2. I have also had my battery tested and that has tested fine. I have had my alternator tested and the first time it came back good the second time it came back failed and the third time it came back good.

My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I stayed in my car and turned the interior lights on until after highway patrol officer escorted me to a safe turn off. Thankfully my rear hazard lights were working. My husband had to drive a hour to come pick me up. I got home 3 hours later than originally planned. I talked to a mechanic who said it was likely a fuse that went out. I asked him why there was no warning and he said the warning for the lights is likely on the same fuse as the lights! How is that helpful?! …

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The blinkers and the radio were inoperable for several seconds before returning to normal function. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while the contact and the contact's wife were driving the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was a major safety hazard, especially while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was required to pay a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was informed that parts for the repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) were not available. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who replaced the fuse. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side taillight became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, where it was diagnosed that the taillight bulb, taillight assembly, and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,220.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at night with the low-beam headlights activated, the light beam was bouncing up and down and moving from side to side presenting a visible shadow within the light beam, causing a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the driver's side headlight assembly and the movable headlight controller; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

The vehicle's ignition system began malfunctioning immediately after a recall-related service (Campaign CS2312 - ignition cylinder protector installation) performed on January 9, 2026. Prior to this service, the vehicle had no ignition or electrical issues. After the repair, the ignition key became difficult to turn, and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. Additionally, multiple electrical components began to fail intermittently, including the infotainment screen shutting off, the air conditioning system stopping, and windshield wipers not operating at times. These failures create a safety concern, as they may affect visibility, driver awareness, and vehicle operability while driving. The issue was reported to the dealership, and their own inspection confirmed that the ignition key cylinder is sticking. The vehicle remains available for inspection, and the condition persists.

Having intermittent issues with the headlights turning of while driving at night. The headlights were set on "Auto". I have had this happen multiple times! Went to local dealer to report the problem & was told that they would have to drive it at night to replicate the issue. I asked if I would be charged for this & was told that if the technician could find anything that I would be charged for the technician's time. I found online that Kia had this same issue with 2015-2015 K900 vehicles & issued a recall to replace the multi-functional light switch. Losing headlight rumination can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Kia dealerships should replace this multi-function switch free of charge to the owners of Kia vehicles. There should be a recall issued for this issue because it is a huge safety issue.

Related recalls (2)

NHTSA investigations