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The Kia Sorento is prone to catastrophic engine failure, according to a class action lawsuit filed in New Jersey.
Plaintiffs allege in the Kia Sorento class action lawsuit that Kia Motors knowingly concealed that its 2002-2009 Sorento crossovers were manufactured with a defective engine part called the crank sprocket. This alleged engine defect leads to a catastrophic chain of events that starts with severe heat buildup, the release of debris, and then leads to loss of steering control, engine failure and the potential for a hazardous accident, according to the class action lawsuit.
“Not only did Kia actively conceal the material fact that this particular component is defectively designed (and requires costly repairs to fix), but it also did not reveal that the existence of this defect would diminish the intrinsic resale value of the vehicle,” plaintiffs say in the Kia Sorento class action lawsuit.
The plaintiffs allege Kia has known about the Sorento engine defect for years, as evidenced by numerous online complaints, but has withheld this information from consumers while making numerous statements about the quality and reliability of the Sorento. As a result, Kia’s “scheme of false and misleading advertising and marketing” has caused tens of thousands of consumers to purchase a Sorento over another vehicle without the alleged defect.
When Sorento owners with vehicles still under warranty sought repairs related to the engine defect, Kia only temporarily repaired the damaged parts or replaced them with similarly defective components, the class action lawsuit continues.
Furthermore, the class action lawsuit accuses Kia of profiting from the alleged Sorento engine defect by performing unnecessary replacements, computer reprogramming and software updates despite knowing the true cause of the problem.
The Kia Sorento class action lawsuit is brought on behalf of a nationwide class of consumers that purchased or leased the first generation Sorento. It is seeking damages, injunctive relief – including a recall to repair the alleged defect – and more for alleged breach of warranties, breach of contract, negligence and violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.
The Kia Sorento Engine Defect Class Action Lawsuit case is Robinson et al v. Kia Motors America Inc. et al., Case No. 13-cv-00006 U.S. district Court for the District of New Jersey.
The plaintiffs are represented by the Law Office of Schmuel Klein PC.
All class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Lawsuit News section of Top Class Actions
247 thoughts onKia Sorento Engine Defect Class Action Lawsuit
The crank sprocket on my 2004 Sorento has broken twice. Once at 63K miles and was covered under an extended warranty that I had purchased. The second time was just last weekend 6/9/13, a Sunday afternoon in the middle of nowhere (180 miles from home, too) with 2 kids and a dog. Thankful for AAA and some nice people at Goodyear and Stay Inn. I found this information for those who wish to join this class action:
Bleichman & Klein
Attorneys& Counselors at Law
268 Rt 59
Spring Valley, NY 10977
888-434-0004
845-425-2510
Good luck.
Thanks for the info.I bought my 2005 Kia at the end of Oct 2014,The milage was 80,277 and at a little more then 8200 I was driving around 40mph and I lost all power steering and then everything went,I had no power couldn’t restart the call. I too had AAA but I was over 100 miles from home so I paid the difference to towed it back to the Kia dealership. Now last week 1/28/2015 I have the same problem. Lucky this time I was about a mile from home and I could hardly turn into my driveway. We looked and the belts is off. I don’t know what else is wrong for I don’t have the money to even have Kia look at it. They did pay almost 1000.00 for the last bill only I think because my step-dad is related to them but they said that if I had anymore trouble I would have to pay the full amount..So,Im screwed.
I bought a used 05 KIA last year, It has a little over 148,000 miles on it. I was stupid because I always buy Chevrolet’s, I have had this vehicle for almost a year. About 2 weeks ago the engine went, mind u I babied this vehicle and I dont drive it that often, I am disabled and cannot afford another vehicle so I cancelled all my appointments even with the heart doctor. I hope and pray people read this and realize not to buy a KIA because it is a lemon, I wish I had gotten a chevy they never let me down.
Just bought my 2006 Sorento and have been driving it for about 3 months. Carfax showed no problems with it, all general maintenance had been kept up on and I was the 2nd owner. Then while driving home in the rain heard a squeal and thought that a belt must be wet. Then the steering went out…was able to steer with GREAT effort. So very lucky to have made it home. Not so lucky to find out the harmonic balancer was shot. A few days later when the part arrived and our mechanic began the work he discovered that a bolt was sheered off in the crank. More money we don’t have and now I learn that this is a problem KIA has known about and chosen to do nothing about. Where do I sign up for this suit. It shouldn’t take people dying for a company to do the right thing!!
2006 kia sorento, loved my car till 2 months ago when they had to change my crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor. 2weeks later I lost power steering and brakes and alterantor. Had belts fixed and 2 days later the same thing happened and the mechanic said they found the crankshaft bolt was loose and could’nt tighten. Had it towed to kia dealer who of course took no blame and said my warranty was expired. KIa blamed the mechanic who replaced senors claiming they didnt tighten crankshaft bolt. The mechanic blames Kia for poor design on pin for sprocket. In any case I have to replace my engine for 5,000 +. I dont have the money fix this car or get a new car. I left with out any car. I need helppp!!!!!
My engine continues to give problems and for a young vehicle which was service regularly I am amazed.The MQI Barbados staff in the customer service is poor and extorted monies knowing that these vehicles have engine problems which they did not mention to me.As much as I would pay everytime I was expecting to get the vehicle back they would tell me about another problem and demanded another payment deposit of large amounts before any work could be done.When they recieved the deposits that was the end and I mean you would call and get voice mail,left a message and although you would no calls would be return.Going to the office you would be seated for hours but still did not know what was happening with the vehicle.I have learnt a lesson and will never purchase or advise anyone to purchase these poor excuses for vehicles.MQI McEnearney Quality Inc a subsidiary of the ANSA McAL of Trinidad And Tobago should refund person they monies knowing these vehicles have major engine defects.
I also am having engines problems with my 2004 Kia Sorento and have already paid about$6000 to MQI Barbados for engine repairs.They said the engine is gone but did not many any defects I have older vehicle because this is still relatively young and had never encountered such problems.MQI( McEnearney Quality Inc) belonging to ANSA McAl Ltd of Trinidad And Tobago
My son has a Kia Sorento and the crankshaft, which powers the steerling wheel, has caused the steerling wheel to lock. The mechanic said a screw broke off. This is a $5,000 expense on a 2003 Kia Sorento. This problem should have been recalled and Kia should absorb the repair cost ($5,000). This is an accident waiting to happen, and what a rip off.
Well I think this is for the newer model as well. I have a 2011 KIA Sorento and one day on the freeway I was going about 70 and all of a sudden the engine failed. Luckily I was able to cross over to the side. I think it had something to do with the eco boost. It started right back up 5 minutes later. The second this was I was getting a routine oil change and let me know that there was an oil gasket leak. Then I had a problem with the gears. I was sometimes not able to get the car to go into park or get it out of park. I would have to turn the car off in neutral then turn it back on for the gears to work. Luckily all of this was covered under the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. I will NEVER buy another KIA. There needs to be a class action lawsuit against the newer models as well. And the gas mileage that they advertise is far from the truth. At best I get about 20 to 23 on the HWY.
I have a 2006 Kia Sorento and would like to know how to file a claim for my engine problems
Claim on Kia Sorento 2006
In November 2012 I purchased a 2004 Sorento w/96,000 miles (and bought a “bumper to bumper” warranty). Last week leaving work it was suddently making a loud “chirping” sound and within 15 minutes, while going almost 50 mph, I heard a loud thud and I lost my power steering and brakes. Now, the warranty will not cover the “bolt” and because I financed it, I’m out about $8,000!!! Where do I sign up for this lawsuit?!
Our ’03 Sorento threw the Harmonic Balancer pulley (crank sprocket) causing the loss of steering and a near collision with a utility pole. Had to be towed. After two attempts and over 2500.00 in attempted repairs it happened again. We’re told the car at 62,000 miles is unrepairable and cannot be driven. Tomorrow, I have to have it towed to a dealership and will have to take a significant loss to get another vehicle. Kia should be held accountable for this serious safety risk and the financial losses suffered by purchasers of the Kia Sorento. A recall is in order before someone gets killed.