I mentioned in another thread that I had the same problem--just had my AWD coupler replaced last week and all is well again... Mine was a 2016 lease turn-in with 30k on it that I bought last month.

 

What would it cost to replace the AWD coupler out of warranty?

 

Depends who does the work... You can buy the part yourself for about $700. List is about $1000, so figure $1100-$1200 installed at the dealer, give or take.

 

I found a thread for the 14-15 Sorento about this issue.
kia-forums (dot) com/2014-2015-sorento-forum/199345-awd-slipping-rear-slipping-2.html


I started to notice it, and I usually drive with the 4WD turned off. So I turned the 4WD ON and the problem seemed to get more aggravated... It was a warm day yesterday. Unfortunately, today is much cooler and the problem is gone (for now) with or without the 4WD button on/off.

Mark

Wait, how do you drive with the "4WD" turned off when it is full time? While it is mostly FWD, it distributes the power to the rear as needed.

No, mine hasn't done it but there was another post about this pretty recently.

 

Can most 2016+ AWD Sorento owners expect the AWD part of the transmission to be trouble free?

Also, Mark, turning the AWD lock on when on dry pavement can damage the transmission because when the wheels are locked, they need to be able to slip. It's only supposed to be used on wet pavement, ice, snow, mud, sand, etc. Perhaps this is what caused the damage?

 

For what it’s worth, I just brought my Sorento in for a light surging on acceleration and clunking when pulling up a grade. They diagnosed the problem as the AWD coupler, which will be replaced under warranty. It’s an ‘16 with 30k kilometres.

 

Just out of curiosity, when you brought it to the dealer, were they able to immediately replicate the issue, or did they do some kind of troubleshooting that revealed the AWD coupler issue? When I've brought my Sorento in to two different Kia dealers here in Edmonton (for other issues), both have cautioned me "if we can't duplicate the issue you describe, we can't and won't do anything." Is it the same out in NB?

 

I was one of the posters on that thread you linked. My mother's 2014 Sorento LX AWD V-6 had only 30K miles on it and was shuddering when turning and accelerating from a stop. It was the rear AWD coupler. Covered under warranty that time, but out of warranty they said would be about $1,200-$1,400. Ouch!

Ran great after that. Sold it with 45K miles on it, so I don't have to worry about the next replacement.

 

How did the dealership diagnose the issue? Did the technician just drive the vehicle or did they hook up to a diagnostic computer?

 

They just drove it around the parking lot. Come to a stop, turn the wheel like you are turning at a street corner, and start out. It does it between 0 - 20 MPH.

 

^^^^^ kramerica72 ^^^^

Exactly.

Oh, and technically I should have said "between 5-20MPH as it does not happen at 0MPH. LOL

You get the point.

.

 

LOL

I just posted about this in my specific forum section. My AWD rear coupler need replacing as I get a THUD THUD repeatedly making a turn with power to the wheels in a turn as in a street corner. I am a bit surprised that these couplers are still a problem since 2010 change of them in similar models. I am hoping isn't not going to be a recurring issue.

I am under warranty and was a the dealer today who's order a new coupler for replacement. I was just browsing to see what is going on in the newer section and came across this. WOW

 

"chunking" sound when making 90° turn

Has anyone else experienced a "chunking" sound from the wheels/transmission when taking a 90° or so turn under light to moderate acceleration? It doesn't make such a sound when coasting or when under more acceleration. It doesn't make this noise all the time and you have to be paying attention to notice it, but it wasn't there for the past 15,000 miles and it's apparent now.

It sounds like a 4x4 truck with the 4-wheel drive still engaged on drive pavement.

 

Yeah.... you really should take your car to the dealer.....

https://www.kia-forums.com/2016-sorento/327745-2017-awd-se-shudder-bumping-when.html

 

"chunking" sound when making 90° turn

Certainly sounds like the AWD coupler. I had mine replaced under warranty on an ‘16 Sorento AWD @ 30k Kms, two weeks ago for the very same condition.

 

Certainly sounds like the AWD coupler. I had mine replaced under warranty on an ‘16 Sorento AWD @ 30k Kms, two weeks ago for the very same condition.

Thanks for the info. Not sure what an AWD coupler is, but it feels like I'm going to have some fun at the stealership.

 

I also have this problem, my dealer saw the problem, they ordered a coupler (it was BO) they received it yesterday. I have an appointment next thuesday to change it, I will keep you in touch.


Edit: I got this problem at 60 000 km, last winter i knew that there was a problem when i engaged the 4wd lock and got only the front wheels that where moving ...

 

Good news ! The dealer changed the coupler and the problem is gone !