2010 Kia Sorento problems

General information about Kia-Sorento
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.

First generation (BL; 2002)

2002–2006

Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.

It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.

There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.

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Common 2010 Kia Sorento problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Kia Sorento 2010, several common problems have been reported:

Crankshaft Bolt Breakage:
- A known issue in the Sorento and other Kia models is the breakage of the crankshaft bolt. This issue can trigger warning lights on the dashboard, starting problems, and even result in the crankshaft coming off, causing severe engine damage.

Automatic Gearbox Problems:
- Owners have reported instances of the automatic gearbox jumping out of gear in the Kia Sorento 2010. This issue is attributed to problems with the electric plugs underneath the gearbox. Cleaning and re-greasing these plugs have been suggested as a solution to rectify this problem.

Black Smoke/Loss of Power:
- Another common problem involves black smoke coming from the exhaust and a loss of power during acceleration. This issue is linked to failing intercooler hoses in the vehicle, necessitating their replacement to resolve the problem.

Grinding Noise When Driving:
- Owners have reported a rubbing or grinding noise while driving, which is likely related to issues with the driveshaft. This problem typically requires a complete driveshaft replacement to address the issue.

These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the Kia Sorento 2010, ranging from coolant leaks and crankshaft bolt breakage to automatic gearbox malfunctions and intercooler hose failures. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintaining the performance and reliability of the vehicle.

Is the 2010 Kia Sorento a reliable car?

Reliable, economical, comfortable.

Very stable without towing aids which could confuse self-levelling shockers. Some minor rattles, no worse than other vehicles we have owned.

What is the major problem with Kia Sorento?

The common issues include engine problems, electrical problems, airbag problems, seat belt problems, lights problems, and body/paint problems. The worst issue that plagues these Kia Sorento models is engine failure. This occurs when most consumers have accumulated an average of 62,000 miles.

Is a Kia Sorento a good quality car?

"With its mix of quality, practicality and available performance, the Sorento is an enticing option if you're looking for a small SUV with above-average versatility. Only the elevated price tag on the top-of-the-line model could be a deterrent."

What is the fuel consumption of a 2010 Kia Sorento?

Kia Sorento 2010 Fuel consumption

Kia Sorento Model	Body Type	Fuel Consumption
Platinum (4X4)	SUV	7.4L/100km
SI (4X2)	SUV	9.2L/100km
SI (4X4)	SUV	7.4L/100km
SI (4X4)	SUV	9.2L/100km

2010 Kia Sorento car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sorento problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Suspension problems
Engine problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2010 Kia Sorento vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2010 Kia Sorento complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2010 Kia Sorento.

2016-04-12

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
VIN: 5XYKTDA24BG
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RE-BALANCED THE TIRES AND RE-ALIGNED THE WHEELS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED TWO KIA DEALERS ABOUT THE FAILURE. BOTH DEALERS WERE UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A KNOWN ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO VISIT A LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

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2013-12-12

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-12-07
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: KNDJT2A17A7
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OIL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO INDICATE THAT THE ENGINE OIL WAS EMPTY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CURB BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED DUE TO PREMATURE OIL CONSUMPTION AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. MAILED OUT 01/13/15*LJ

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2013-02-01

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2012-01-05
Crash: 1
VIN: KNDJD736X75
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE GETTING OFF HIGHWAY THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED AND I REAR ENDED HER CAR. MY CAR WAS PUSHED IN FROM FRONT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP OUT. IT CONCERNS ME. AT WHAT SPEED SHOULD THEY DEPLOYED? *TR

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2010 Kia Sorento recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2010 Kia Sorento.

2013-04-01

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

2011-10-06

Manufacturer: CURT MFG. INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CURT MANUFACTURING IS RECALLING CERTAIN TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESSES, PART NUMBER 56024, THAT CONNECT TOW VEHICLE LIGHTING CIRCUITS TO TRAILER LIGHTING CIRCUITS SOLD FOR USE ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2011 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ AND KIA SORENTO VEHICLES. THE UNITS ARE NOT WATER-TIGHT AND MOISTURE CAN SEEP INTO THE CONVERTER MODULE AND DEFEAT THE MODULE'S INTERNAL CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE CIRCUIT PROTECTION, THE MODULE CAN OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: CURT MANUFACTURING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE TOW PACKAGE WIRING HARNESS. THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 17, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CURT MANUFACTURING AT 1-715 831-8713.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2010 Kia Sorento problems:

Here Are The Kia Sorento Years To Avoid - CoPilot

https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/kia-sorento-years-to-avoid/

Mar 27, 2024 ... Common Kia Sorento Problems · Engine problems - One prevalent reliability issue with the Sorento is that its engine tends to fail. · Faulty doors ...

Kia Sorento: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com

https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/kia/sorento/common-problems

Kia Sorento Common Problems and Solutions · Coolant leak · Crankshaft bolt breaks · Automatic gearbox problems · Black smoke/loss of power · Grinding Noise When ...

Used Kia Sorento - 2010-2015 Reliability & Common Problems ...

https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sorento/4x4/used-review/n772/reliability

Feb 13, 2017 ... This is reflected in the Korean manufacturer's third place finish out of 24 manufacturers in the 2016 JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability survey, ...

2010 Kia Sorento Problems | CarsGuide

https://www.carsguide.com.au/kia/sorento/problems/2010

Are you having problems with your 2010 Kia Sorento? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2010 Kia Sorento issues ...