worrisome problem eluding fix -any ideas?

[sbp]

2011 Sorento EX 4cyl 2wd w/ 53k miles

sudden and very temporary loss of engine power, usually while at cruising speed on freeway - sometimes the engine light flashes for a second, sometimes the immobilizer light flashes (image of a key inside vehicle), sometimes the traction control light flashes (or more than one) as i feel a jolt as if brakes suddenly applied or fuel supply interrupted, tachometer drops suddenly, forward momentum slows, and then things return to normal after a second or two. This happens irregularly, sometimes not for an hour, sometimes 10 times in a 20 minute drive. Its unnerving and unsafe, as my car suddenly slows without the brake lights illuminating.

This has also happened a few times under acceleration from a dead stop (which has me worried about getting rear ended) The car has recently also seemed to shudder while decelerating approaching a stop light, and has actually stalled once in that situation (this is an automatic transmission)

The car has been seen by the dealer at least 4 times for this now, and last time replaced the ABS module - which didn't change a damn thing. No error codes are being thrown and no error light remains illuminated. Any ideas much appreciated!

[RentoEX]

If the problem persists after a few fix attempts, you can file for a lemon law. Sound like you may have unfortunately got a lemon.

[KLS]

If you can arrange it, make a video of the car in action.

Try a different dealership.

Insist that the dealer service writer contact the KIA district rep about fixing your car.

Your car is NOT SAFE. File a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

[sbp]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will fill out a complaint w/ NHTSA as you suggest. Going back to the dealer on Thursday for more of the same, and if they don't figure it out I will try to force them to re-purchase it under a law we have in California that applies after Lemon Law period expires. I'm surprised I can't find anyone else having the same problem.

[RentoEX]

Originally Posted by sbp

Thanks for the suggestions. I will fill out a complaint w/ NHTSA as you suggest. Going back to the dealer on Thursday for more of the same, and if they don't figure it out I will try to force them to re-purchase it under a law we have in California that applies after Lemon Law period expires. I'm surprised I can't find anyone else having the same problem.

One of a kind issues are the worst problems you can have. It just makes finding a solution that much harder. Just like my neighbours 2012 Focus that snapped the timing chain at 3k kms. Stuff like this happens unfortunately.

[KLS]

If the problem persists after a few fix attempts, you can file for a lemon law.

The motor vehicle Lemon Law varies by state...I don't know if Canada has a different version in each province or if it is national. Check your state or province's version and see what you need to do to get things started.

In my state, for example, it only applies to vehicles owned by residents of the state and purchased in the state. It is easy to buy a new car in Oregon or Idaho, and some of the dealers there offer great pricing (the taxes are all the same when the car is brought back to Washington), but the Lemon Law will not apply due to the out of state purchase. Other states have their own restrictions on different aspects and their own requirements to force a repurchase...do your homework.

[RentoEX]

Originally Posted by KLS

The motor vehicle Lemon Law varies by state...I don't know if Canada has a different version in each province or if it is national. Check your state or province's version and see what you need to do to get things started.

In my state, for example, it only applies to vehicles owned by residents of the state and purchased in the state. It is easy to buy a new car in Oregon or Idaho, and some of the dealers there offer great pricing (the taxes are all the same when the car is brought back to Washington), but the Lemon Law will not apply due to the out of state purchase. Other states have their own restrictions on different aspects and their own requirements to force a repurchase...do your homework.

well gee-wiz my apologies.

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by RentoEX

well gee-wiz my apologies.

Just recognized that nowhere has SBP indicated where he was from. Maybe we need to take this problem with a grain of salt? As far as writing to the NHTSA, you can save your time and effort. You will receive a letter noting their receipt of your correspondence, but unless colaberated with many other similar problems, nothing will actually happen so don't hold your breath..
If it is a real problem, suggest he go straight to KIA Hqtrs with his dealer records of attempted fixes and inform them of his problem getting a solution. This is important because he is still under warranty and KIA has been responsive in the past of owner concerns. They know some of the dealers really are not that experienced in trouble shooting (many were used car dealers with small work shops before becoming KIA dealers).

[briar14]

Agree 100% with Izzy. Izzy has posted the the correct way to aproach this owners concerns.

Originally Posted by Izzy

Just recognized that nowhere has SBP indicated where he was from. Maybe we need to take this problem with a grain of salt? As far as writing to the NHTSA, you can save your time and effort. You will receive a letter noting their receipt of your correspondence, but unless colaberated with many other similar problems, nothing will actually happen so don't hold your breath..
If it is a real problem, suggest he go straight to KIA Hqtrs with his dealer records of attempted fixes and inform them of his problem getting a solution. This is important because he is still under warranty and KIA has been responsive in the past of owner concerns. They know some of the dealers really are not that experienced in trouble shooting (many were used car dealers with small work shops before becoming KIA dealers).

[sbp]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm in California, we have a law called Song-Beverly Warranty Act that forces the dealer to buy back the car if cant be repaired under warranty after reasonable number of attempts. It applies after Lemon Law period expires if under warranty. I will go that route and contact Kia directly per Izzy's advice if they can't diagnose it properly tomorrow. I purchased the extended comprehensive bumper to bumper warranty, so everything is covered for 100k, not just the powertrain.
If they repurchase it, I will still consider a new Sorento - I've really liked the car until now as it fits my needs, but i'm also open to alternatives given the repair problems. (brake pedal switch malfunctioned so start/stop button wouldn't work - car towed; transmission recall notice arrived same day the tranny part failed - car towed; satellite radio drops signal way too often, and since my map upgrade my nav system often takes 5 minutes to fire up, meaning i have no back-up camera when pulling out of a parking space and can't enter an address before taking off) hmmmm, maybe I won't consider another one . . .