Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 2% | 78,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% | 6,000 miles |
| 2016 | 12 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% | 63,000 miles |
| 2014 | 16 | 2% | 66,000 miles |
| 2013 | 11 | 1% | 60,000 miles |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% | 65,000 miles |
| 2011 | 56 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 45,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 4% | 120,000 miles |
| 2005 | 25 | 8% | 108,000 miles |
| 2004 | 30 | 14% | 103,000 miles |
| 2003 | 17 | 6% | 79,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact experienced the death wobble. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Bought the vehicle brand new in late 2021, and began noticing some vibration when braking at any speed. The vehicle at this point has less than 10,000 miles and the brakes are vibrating really bad. The manufacturer has not issued a recall and their best fix is turning the brake rotors and calling it a day. Never had I had such a poor experience with this manufacturer.
My front driver seat slips out of recline position to another position on its own Had engine replaced, got car back, made humming noise, took back to dealer, could not find noise, car still makes noise and now there's seems to be louder noise coming from steering or front suspension while car is driven, dealer claims with no extension of warranty and over 60,000 miles, any work for this issue with steering/suspension is not covered, this was not an issue before engine was replaced under the engine recall
The rear suspension cross member on my Kia has cracked in two places. This item has been recalled on other Kia Sorento's. The NHTSA campaign ID is 16V480000. This is a factory defect but Kia says it only applies to a cetain number of VIN numbers. Kia needs to apply this recall to more VIN numbers, especially the parts that have cracked. As Kia says in its recall, this could cause a serious accident if the suspension gives out.
Hello my name is [redacted] . Approximately [redacted] my 2015 Kia Sorento practically stopped performing on [redacted] highway nearly having to dodge an accident. At first, I noticed a burning scent which I thought was just in the air until my car started to slow down by itself followed by coming to a complete stop amid 70 miles per hour traffic. I had my car towed in to the nearest Kia dealership which was located in Meridian Mississippi. Upon my arrival I was told by Service department manager Monty that my 2015 Kia Sorento had engine and transmission recalls. However since this date I have continued to have issues with the ABS transmission system and engine. I took my car back to Kia dealership in Meridian Mississippi and was told that they were no longer responsible for the recall issues. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine, it is currently available How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Absolutely Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? NO Car began making very loud noises, passenger felt parts dropping, car quit, a piece of a control arm was found on the ground.
Was driving to the store for groceries with my 2 young children, when my car just stopped accelerating and the engine seized up on a local road. Had noticed a ticking and knocking sound when accelerating a few prior and a weird sound coming from the suspension but it was dismissed by the dealer. Had the vehicle towed to my home and had to tow to dealership as it would no longer turn over at all. Received a recall notice but apparently it doesn't apply to my vehicle because I had oil, coolant and no leaks anywhere. Only had 127,000 mold and this is the 4th issue I've had with this vehicle. 1st was rats chewing all my wires, 2nd was the rear differential, 3rd fuel pump, and now this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle rolled back and raised up. The contact heard a loud noise and pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact checked the tires and found no failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The following day, the vehicle was towed to Kia of lansing (5737 s pennsylvania ave, lansing, mi 48911, [phone]) where the contact stated that the staff was rude. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred back to the dealer. The vehicle was still under warranty and the dealer discovered that the rear differential had collapsed in the rear of the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the cost for the repairs would be approximately $3,000. The contact wanted to check for possible recalls. …
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Rear
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds at the rear suspension cross-member, replacing the rear cross-member assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 27, 2016.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sorento years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (56), 2004 (30), 2005 (25), 2012 (22) and 2003 (17) model years. Suspension complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Kia Sorento suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 16V-480 (rear, Jun 29, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sorento suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (7 mentions), followed by the rear (5).
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.