Autoblog

2014 Kia Sorento

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia, First Drives

Big Changes Below, But Just A Little Off The Top

It happens all the time. Three or four years into an automobile's lifecycle, the manufacturer goes back to the drawing board, making what it hopes are vital improvements to keep its product at the top of the sales charts. It's true of the vehicle we're discussing today, the 2014 Kia Sorento, but unlike many midlife facelifts, most of what's new here can't be seen with the naked eye.

Yes, there are the normal changes to the front and rear fascias, and a few nips and tucks here and there to improve the crossover's outward appearance. But, for the first time in as long as we can remember, the big news here is that the new Sorento is actually riding atop a new platform, according to Kia.

So while the bodywork has been reshaped where appropriate, it really is what's under the skin that counts with the 2014 Kia Sorento. We decided this development was worth a closer look, so we borrowed the keys to the new Korean crossover and drove a few hundred miles into the desert in Arizona with nothing but a notebook and our trusty camera.

Continue reading 2014 Kia Sorento

2014 Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Behold, Kia's Space Babies Super Bowl commercial

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia

Kia is out to answer life's big questions in its ad for the upcoming Super Bowl. Questions like: Where do babies come from? The spot follows one father as he spins a tale to shield his young son from the world of adult truths. The story starts on planet Babylandia, where infants of every species live in peaceful coexistence until they're called to Earth. When that happens, the adorable little beings suit up and take a nine-month journey through space to their new home before parachuting from the heavens. Sure beats that tired old stork yarn.

Oh, and we forgot to mention there's a 2014 Kia Sorento in the spot as well. You can check out the whole shindig below for a quick chuckle. Expect to see the spot air during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl, and keep your eyes peeled for the new Forte spot. We hear tell that ad features Alyssa Campanella in a robot get up. No, we don't get it either.

Continue reading Behold, Kia's Space Babies Super Bowl commercial

Behold, Kia's Space Babies Super Bowl commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia previews its Super Bowl baby commercial, far cry from Adriana Lima

Seyth Miersma — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Kia, Celebrities

We're going to go ahead and give Kia the benefit of the doubt - the automaker brought us a bathing-suit-clad Adriana Lima in its Super Bowl spot from last year. That kind of thing doesn't go unappreciated.

But, if we're really honest, and judging solely on the "teaser" video below, the space suit-wearing, baby-star from Kia's commercial this year is really creeping us out.

In any event, the Kia ad (sorry, "mini-movie") called Space Babies will be set on the distant planet of "Babylandia," and will attempt to present some kind of lie about where babies come from in the ultimate service of selling the 2014 Kia Sorento. Don't let the panda, dog, pig, giraffe, rhino and unholy baby stare make you take your eye off the ball, folks - there's a car on sale here.

On a more promising note: We've also read reports in USA Today that Kia has engaged former Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, to play some kind of robot in a commercial for the Forte EX. More on that breaking story as we have it.

Continue downward to read even more about and watch the teaser for the upcoming Kia spot, which is set to air during the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl. Or, you can just click here, to watch the Adriana Lima ad again.

Continue reading Kia previews its Super Bowl baby commercial, far cry from Adriana Lima

Kia previews its Super Bowl baby commercial, far cry from Adriana Lima originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Crossover, Hyundai, Kia, Infotainment

Hyundai's Blue Link and Kia's UVO infotainment systems will be adding three Google features: Send2Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. Send2Car lets travelers send destinations to their vehicle's navigation system from a computer or via a mobile phone app, and the POI and local searches are continuously updated in Google Places' database. The new data service integrations mean that drivers will have more access to more destinations and be able to find them more quickly.

Hyundai hasn't said when the new features will debut nor on what model. Kia buyers will find them introduced on the 2014 Kia Sorento expected to roll into dealerships shortly, with the Forte sedan following. You'll find a press release on the updates below.

Continue reading Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems

Hyundai and Kia adding Google Maps API to nav systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia launching Uvo 2.0 in 2014 Sorento

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Technology, Crossover, Kia, Infotainment

Along with all the new model introductions hitting the stages of the LA Auto Show, automakers made plenty of announcements in regards to technology heading into the show. Chevrolet's MyLink will be adding Siri and Ford is reportedly preparing some more updates for its MyFord Touch and My Lincoln Touch, but now Kia has announced that it will be releasing the next version of its Uvo infotainment system in the 2014 Kia Sorento and later in other Kia models including the redesigned 2014 Forte.

Uvo is Kia's hands-free infotainment system, and now it will be adding a telematics "eServices" system including vehicle diagnostics, a parking location reminder for drivers and 911 Connect. Officially called Uvo eServices Infotainment System with Voice Command Navigation, this is essentially the "version 2.0" for Uvo, which came with voice recognition and hands-free control of mobile phones when it was introduced in 2010.

When the 2014 Sorento goes on sale, the new Uvo will only be compatible with iPhones, but Android phones are expected to work by the second quarter. Scroll down for Kia's press release on the updated Uvo system.

Continue reading Kia launching Uvo 2.0 in 2014 Sorento

Kia launching Uvo 2.0 in 2014 Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New-look 2014 Kia Sorento takes the stage in Los Angeles

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossover, Kia

The 2014 Kia Sorento may have a new face, but the Korean company assures us that the revisions to the model are far more than skin deep. Inside and out, from the oily bits to the touch points, this Sorento has been fussed over to be a better crossover than ever before.

Leading off the changes is the installation of an optional 3.3-liter V6 under the hood. The new mill makes a robust 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder becomes the default engine for the Sorento, and is still rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. All Sorento models, in front- and all-wheel-drive flavors, make use of a six-speed automatic transmission, as well. Also standard across the range for 2014 is electric power steering with three selectable modes (comfort, normal and sport).

Visually, you'll see that Kia has tweaked both the front and rear fascia, added LEDs and available fog lamps to the nose of the CUV and widened the opening on the lower front valence. 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels are available, depending on just how much shoe-bling you can handle.

Get up close and personal with our live gallery of 2014 Kia Sorento images, and be sure to peruse the press release for a few more details on the new crossover.

Continue reading New-look 2014 Kia Sorento takes the stage in Los Angeles

New-look 2014 Kia Sorento takes the stage in Los Angeles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police cams capture woman's 119-mph stuck accelerator run [w/video]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Videos, Crossover

Police car dashboard cameras have provided plenty of footage over the years of criminals attempting to evade police or horrific car accidents, but Lauri Ulvestad wasn't the former and some inspired - if not lucky - driving prevented the latter. Ulvestad, 47, of Ames, Iowa, experienced a stuck accelerator while driving her 2011 Kia Sorento along Interstate 35 in Missouri, and while she was able to call police to help clear traffic in front of her, it was her miraculous driving that ultimately ended the day with not so much as a scratch on her crossover.

The dash cam footage of a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer shows Ulvestad at speeds of well over 100 miles per hour swerving around cars and even using the median to avoid a collision. Ulvestad's Sorento was equipped with a keyless, pushbutton starter that she was unable to turn off, and according to the phone recording with a 911 operator, she was also unable to get the car to decelerate or shift the vehicle into neutral. After the 59-mile ordeal that lasted for about 35 minutes, police finally told her to try pulling back on the accelerator while hitting the brakes. This worked, and her Sorento came to a stop on the shoulder, leading some to suggest that accelerator entrapment (i.e. a floor mat wedged under the gas pedal) was to blame rather than a computer-related unintended acceleration. It has been reported that Kia is investigating what caused the problem, but it is just amazing that nobody was injured during the course of this event.

For vehicles with pushbutton starters, most can still be shut off by pressing and holding the starter button for a few seconds. This combined with shifting to neutral and applying the parking/emergency brake can usually help bring an out-of-control vehicle safely to a stop.

Scroll down to see the dash cam footage of Ulvestad's frightening incident.

Continue reading Police cams capture woman's 119-mph stuck accelerator run [w/video]

Police cams capture woman's 119-mph stuck accelerator run [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Kia

Here it is: the 2014 Kia Sorento. And to no one's surprise, it's no different than what we've seen in the slow striptease of spy shots. That's not a bad thing, though. The updated Sorento's new front fascia, redesigned alloy wheels and freshened rear end look good, and they certainly fall in line with what Kia has done to its latest crop of new products.

Like the current Sorento, Kia will offer its top-selling crossover in both five- and seven-passenger configurations. As of this writing, it's unclear whether or not the interior has been significantly upgraded in terms of materials or design - Kia's European site debuting only the trio of exterior images you see here - though the press release mentions things like a new LCD instrument cluster, a revised center stack with a seven-inch display and a "more luxurious character." Likewise, no new powertrain details have been divulged at this time. Here in the United States, we expect both four- and six-cylinder engines to be on tap.

We'll have more details when the Sorento makes its official U.S. debut in the not-too-distant future. For now, scroll down for Kia's official press blast.

Continue reading 2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face

2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facelifted Kia Sorento even getting in on the 'Ring thing

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Crossover, Kia, South Korea

It looks as if Kia is hard at work sorting out some of the suspension woes in the company's Sorento. Photographers spotted this camouflaged version thrashing around the Nürburgring recently. More often than not, manufacturers use the track for suspension development, and while the Sorento debuted to generally strong reviews, its stiff-legged ride came in for criticism. That complaint was addressed with the uplevel SX trim and its dual-flow dampers, which were subsequently retrofitted to the rest of the line. We're not sure if the prototype seen here is rocking that same technology, but the 'Ring is as good a place as any to sort out dynamics and ride.

This is the second time this year we've seen the Korean crossover take on the Ring's numerous corners. Our shooters first clocked the machine doing the same back in May, though with substantially heavier cladding working to disguise the sheetmetal beneath. Hyundai has reportedly been benchmark testing the next Sorento against costlier models like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK, both of which boast far superior on-road manners.

Facelifted Kia Sorento even getting in on the 'Ring thing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facelifted Kia Sorento caught completely undisguised

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Kia

We've seen a couple sets of spy shots starring the next-generation Kia Sorento crossover, but thanks to the folks at Kia-World.net, we now have our first clear glimpse of the CUV's new fascia sans camouflage. It's certainly not a radical departure from the Sorento that was once touted as Kia's best-selling vehicle in the United States, but we must say, it's handsome.

The refreshed Sorento uses a headlight and grille design that mimics the attractive Optima sedan, though when combined with upright foglamps flanking either side of the lower fascia, the whole package is looks more refined and upscale rather than sporty and aggressive. We expect the rear end to get a freshening-up, as well, along with other enhancements like new alloy wheels, LED running lamps and redesigned mirrors.

It's still unclear exactly when the updated Sorento will debut, though Kia-World.net reports that the new crossover will go on sale in Korea in the third quarter of 2012. That said, we wouldn't be surprised to see the refreshed Sorento make a Los Angeles or Detroit debut.

Facelifted Kia Sorento caught completely undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Kia Sorento caught on the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Etc., Europe, Kia

Last year, the Kia Sorento took the honor of being the best-selling vehicle in the Korean automaker's stable. That pace has slowed somewhat in 2012, as both the Soul and the Optima push past the CUV for sales dominance, but the company's engineers are already hard at work on the next Sorento facelift.

Our spy photographers spotted the heavily camouflaged version of the tweaked crossover prancing around the Nürburgring. This is the second time we've seen the machine out in open air. As you may recall, the Sorento was last spotted romping around in the snow along with a few friends, including an Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK.

With those kinds of benchmarks, there's a good possibility the next-generation Sorento will offer significant improvements in ride and interior refinement. Word has it the next revision will also bring along a fresh fascia, complete with LED headlights, as well as a freshened rear valance with LED treatments of its own.

Next Kia Sorento caught on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia takes Georgia plant offline after supplier fire

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Hyundai, Kia

Kia is shutting down the lines at its West Point, GA, factory today, after a fire struck a nearby parts supplier. According to Reuters, the Kia plant will be closed for two days, with production scheduled to resume on Wednesday morning.

Kia builds its Optima sedan and Sorento crossover at the Georgia facility, and it also provides its corporate cousin Hyundai with Santa Fe crossovers. The plant operates three full shifts and has an annual production capacity of over 300,000 vehicles.

The fire broke out at a factory owned by Daehan Solution on Saturday, according to a local TV report, which described the damage as "major," including a partially collapsed roof. Nobody was injured in the blaze, which is suspected to have started when a hot piece of metal was not allowed to cool before being discarded.

While a Kia spokesman told Reuters that the interruption would have a limited impact on sales, due to the plant's inventory, Hyundai officials can't be happy about the down time. Hyundai sales have been capacity constrained for months, as the company's rapid growth in recent years has led to speculation that it will soon be expanding its manufacturing operations in the U.S.

Kia takes Georgia plant offline after supplier fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Sorento's refreshed face caught testing in the cold

Zach Bowman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Kia

Behold: the first glimpse of the upcoming Kia Sorento facelift. From what we've heard, the crossover is expected to wear styling that steps in line with the rest of the Kia line. That means a new front fascia with a revised grille and bumper design. LED headlights are expected to be part of the package as well. Plus, given that the vehicle wears substantial cladding over it's hind quarters, there's a good chance the rear hatch area will receive a slight update. Look for new tail lights and a rear valance when the vehicle finally debuts.

Our spy photographers tell us this particular vehicle was spotted testing with the likes of a current-generation Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK, so there's a good chance Kia is attempting to up-class the Sorento interior by using those luxury SUVs as benchmarks. Very interesting.

Kia Sorento's refreshed face caught testing in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento

Zach Bowman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Honda, Kia

The Detroit News reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded its investigations into both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Kia Sorento without ordering either automaker to issue a recall. NHTSA began looking into Accord Hybrid models after a fatal traffic accident was initially attributed to unintended acceleration. The agency found no evidence of a mechanical or safety issue in the vehicles.

NHTSA had also received 18 complaints of fuel spilling from the filler port on certain 2003-2004 Kia Sorento models. Kia found the vehicles' fuel evaporation system featured a canister filter that could become clogged over time. As a result, excess pressure could build up in the fuel tank, causing gasoline to regurgitate back out of the filler neck. The canister requires regular service, but isn't mentioned in the owner's manual. According to The Detroit News, Kia has agreed to conduct a service campaign involving around 86,000 2003-2004 Sorento models.

NHTSA closes probes into Honda Accord Hybrid, Kia Sorento originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Toyota

Cars.com recently lined up seven new vehicles for a $37,000 SUV shootout. The 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, 2012 Dodge Durango, 2012 Ford Explorer, 2012 Honda Pilot, 2012 Kia Sorento, 2011 Mazda CX-9 and 2011 Toyota Highlander all squared off against one another in a range of evaluations, including a one-day highway drive and family testing.

If you happen to be the deductive type, you may have noticed that the list above includes a fair number of genuine crossovers. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Traverse and Mazda CX-9 bear little resemblance to the body-on-frame bruisers of old, and even models like the 2012 Explorer and 2012 Durango have evolved out of their traditional shells.

But when the dust settled, it was Honda's 2012 Pilot that took top honors thanks to its high level of amenities, spacious interior and clever storage solutions, despite the fact that reviewers found issue with road noise and exterior styling. Perhaps most surprising is the fact that the 2012 Explorer tied for sixth place with the 2012 Sorento. Ouch. Head over to Cars.com to see the full evaluation, and vote for your favorite in our poll.

View Poll

Cars.com $37,000 SUV shootout yields unexpected results [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007-2008 Kia Sorento SUVs recalled over potential airbag fault

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Kia

While airbags can be a major safety asset in the event of an accident, crash test data and real-world incidents have shown that front airbags can actually be dangerous for younger, lighter children. Many newer vehicles now have sensors that turn off the front passenger airbag when the occupant doesn't meet weight requirements, but the sensor may not work in some 2007 and 2008 Kia Sorento models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced the recall of 10,631 Kia Sorento models built between June 15, 2006 and November 27, 2007. At issue is an Occupant Classification System that may incorrectly classify adults as children. When that happens, the "passenger air bag off" light will illuminate, and the airbag won't go off in the event of an accident.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by Kia and instructed to head to a nearby dealership for a free repair. To fix the issue, a Kia technician will update the programming of the OCS controller. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA press release.

Continue reading 2007-2008 Kia Sorento SUVs recalled over potential airbag fault

2007-2008 Kia Sorento SUVs recalled over potential airbag fault originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 15 May 2011 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sorento SX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Kia Sorento will be available with the company's hands-free UVO infotainment system, and its brand-spanking-new GDI direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With those new features, the big Kia crossover can really dance with the big guns from the likes of Ford.

Other available options include Kia's YES Essential seat treatment, which makes the seats resistant to stains and static electricity and includes an anti-bacterial chemical. That, along with an entertainment system to be reckoned with, should keep the young family demographic very happy.

The Sorento's new engine uses the same GDI setup as the upcoming 2012 Rio, but this time, it sees duty atop a 2.4-liter version of the brand's Theta II architecture. Thanks to GDI, the 2012 Sorento should close in on 200 ponies, as opposed to the old engine's 175.

For those who aren't looking to upgrade to the Sorento just yet, the new options are also available on the 2012 Sportage. Click past the break to see Kia's full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment

2012 Kia Sorento gets 2.4L GDI engine, UVO infotainment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia recalling 58K Spectra models for fuel tank issue, 12K Sorentos for transmission concern [UPDATE]

Chris Shunk — Tue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Kia

2007 Kia Spectra EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that Kia is recalling 58,322 2004 through 2007 Spectra models due to fuel tank straps that may corrode over time. The recall, however, is only taking place in northern states that utilize salt on roads during the winter.

The NHTSA report says that one or both straps may separate, allowing the tank to make contact with the ground. If that happens, fuel can leak, metal on cement could produce sparks and a serious fire could result.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by the automaker and instructed to go to a Kia dealership for a free-of-charge repair. A technician will replace the straps and attaching hardware with zinc-coated parts.

The Korean automaker is also recalling 12,690 2011 Kia Sorento crossovers with 2WD and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for a transmission issue. NHTSA says the intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the shaft with the right side output gear. If the condition goes unchecked, it could lead to a whirring or whining noise, and eventually the transmission could be damaged. Owners of the affected vehicles will need to take their Sorento to a Kia dealer, where a technician will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge.

UPDATE: NHTSA just added the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe to the same recall affecting the 2011 Kia Sorento. Approximately 6,169 units of the Santa Fe are affected. Click here for more details.

Gallery: 2007 Kia Spectra EX review

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sorento

Kia recalling 58K Spectra models for fuel tank issue, 12K Sorentos for transmission concern [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA opens investigation into Kia Sorento and older Subaru Impreza models

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Sedan, Recalls, Crossover, Kia, Subaru

2011 Kia Sorento - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into the 2011 Kia Sorento for possible driveshaft failure that results in a sudden loss of power. According to NHTSA, there have been four complaints about the intermediate driveshaft and another five alleging that the power loss was due to a transmission failure which may be related to the driveshaft issue. The investigation will look into 50,000 2011 model year Sorento CUVs.

The second, separate investigation concerns possible corroded lower control arms on the 2002-2003 Subaru Impreza. According to The Detroit News, there have been seven complaints alleging that the control arms on the Subaru can break at more than 50 miles per hour, with two claimants saying that the failure sent their car outs of control. The Subaru investigation affects 84,000 Impreza models.

Though no recall has been ordered yet in either case, Kia has reportedly issued a technical service bulletin to address a clunking or squealing noise from the intermediate driveshaft.

Gallery: New York 2010: 2011 Kia Sorento SX

Gallery photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: NHTSA opens investigation into Kia Sorento and older Subaru Impreza models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Kia lining up third shift in GA to meet Sorento demand

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Kia

2011 Kia Sorento SX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is fresh off a fantastic 2010 in which the Korean automaker increased sales by 19 percent versus 2009, boosting its market share from 2.9 to 3.1 percent. A major reason Kia fared so well in 2010 was the success of the Sorento, which managed 109,000 sales for the year.

Automotive News reports that Kia will look to increase that total in 2011 by adding a third shift to the company's West Point, Georgia plant. Kia feels that stronger Sorento sales are inevitable given the fact that the U.S. auto market is picking up speed. Add the fact that dealers have reportedly been asking for more Sorentos for months now, and increasing production becomes more of a no-brainer.

Kia hasn't yet announced a start date for the plant's third shift, though dealers tell AN that additional Sorento CUVs will begin hitting retail stores "in the next couple months." In the meantime Kia will be looking for additional workers in Georgia, and we're thinking the Korean automaker will receive more than enough applications.

Gallery: 2011 Kia Sorento SX

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Kia lining up third shift in GA to meet Sorento demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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