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Kia Sorento Recalled for Stalling Problem - Finally

The 2011 to 2013 model year Kia Sorentos have been recalled for a stalling problem and frustrated owners will say it's about time after frustrating experiences trying to get the problem fixed to no avail. Dealers couldn't find the problem until Kia came up with a solution.
Kia Soreno stall recall

More than one Kia Sorento owner went so far as to post a video on YouTube. Frankly this video is not worth watching but what she said is worth noting, her Sorento stalled six times with no results from the dealership who was as stumped as she was. Her vehicle stalled, in the video, while in drive. "It's a very good thing there is nobody coming in the driveway behind me. Once again I will bring the car into Kia … and I will once again will be told the car is operating as designed."

Another comment on the page was, "I had the same problem. It was inconsistent stalling (4 times in 3 years) that couldn't be duplicated when taken to the dealership. If I put the Sorento in park and restart it would be fine. It would only happen when I stop and go. Final time it stalled out for good on the freeway. I couldn't move it out of Drive or Neutral. Dealership said the "drive assist" was faulty and replaced it."

Well, the problem wasn't the drive assist. According to The Car Connection, the issue is the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and Kia "is conducting a voluntary service action to alleviate this problem."

The site adds, "Vehicles produced between July 12th, 2010 through January 31st, 2013 may be affected. Call dealers with the vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to determine vehicle eligibility. Owners also can call Kia Customer Service at 800-333-4542 or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236. Reference Kia Service Campaign # SC106."

Keith Griffin has been writing continuously about new cars since 2002. He used to be the guide to used cars at former About.com as well as a contributor to The Boston Globe and Automotive Traveler. He is founder and president of The Internet Car and Truck of the Year, where "Internet Pros and Average Joes" pick the car and truck of the year. Currently Keith is the managing editor for American Business Media. Follow Keith at @indepthauto on Twitter.

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Comments

C Vinnedge (not verified)    November 15, 2021 - 2:20PM

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My 2011 Kia Sorrento SX-model, even as a brand new car, has stalled many times in the middle of a busy highway posing danger to my family and everyone in the car, and on the road. According to what I have read, this seems to be a manufacturer's defect but Kia has never contacted me about this defect and can never seem to fix the problem whenever I take the car in for maintenance. If Kia knows about this defect and does not take the responsibility to inform their customers or take care of the problem then this is very troubling and puts families at severe risk.

My car stalled again in the middle of the road a few days ago. Do you have any advise what I should do at this point? Thanks.

Fed Up (not verified)    December 9, 2021 - 7:02PM

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2016 Sorento's do this too! Driving on freeway, car just shuts off, radio still going. After coming to a stop, turned off and restarted. Starts up and I'm able to drive again. Happened again 6 weeks later... Taking to dealer and have zero faith they will fix.

Raymond Anselmo (not verified)    February 3, 2022 - 5:56PM

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2012 Sorento. Stalled while driving so I took it in and they did an software update, a week later it stalls and the rpm will drop and stay at 0, engine shakes and shuts off. Call Kia and was told it may be the Rob Bearings and the engine may need to be replaced at no charge. Kia told me to get it back to the dealer to be checked. Its there now but had to sign to agree to pay for check up at 99.99 and the loaner car fees of 35.00 per day. Said may take 5 days before they get to it.