2015 Kia Sorento Owners Manual - Maintenance service

Maintenance service

You should exercise the utmost care to prevent damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself whenever performing any maintenance or inspection procedures.

Should you have any doubts concerning the inspection or servicing of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you have an authorized Kia dealer perform this work.

An authorized Kia dealer has factory trained technicians and genuine Kia parts to service your vehicle properly.

For expert advice and quality service, see an authorized Kia dealer.

Inadequate, incomplete or insufficient servicing may result in operational problems with your vehicle that could lead to vehicle damage, an accident, or personal injury.

Owner’s responsibility

✽ NOTICE

Maintenance Service and Record Retention are the owner's responsibility.

You should retain documents that show proper maintenance has been performed on your vehicle in accordance with the scheduled maintenance service charts shown on the following pages. You need this information to establish your compliance with the servicing and maintenance requirements of your vehicle warranties.

Detailed warranty information is provided in your Warranty & Consumer Information manual.

Repairs and adjustments required as a result of improper maintenance or a lack of required maintenance are not covered.

We recommend you have your vehicle maintained and repaired by an authorized Kia dealer. An authorized Kia dealer meets Kia’s high service quality standards and receives technical support from Kia in order to provide you with a high level of service satisfaction.

Owner maintenance precautions

Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only for the maintenance items that are easy to perform.

As explained earlier in this section, several procedures can be done only by an authorized Kia dealer with special tools.

✽ NOTICE

Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage. For details, read the separate Warranty & Consumer Information manual provided with the vehicle. If you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING - Maintenance work

• Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can be dangerous. You can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures. If you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work, have it done by an authorized Kia dealer.
• Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing. These can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury. Therefore, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling fans.

Owner maintenance

The following lists are vehicle checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or an authorized Kia dealer at the frequencies indicated to help ensure safe, dependable operation of your vehicle.

Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer as soon as possible.

These Owner Maintenance Checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and lubricants used.

Owner maintenance schedule

When you stop for fuel:

• Check the engine oil level.
• Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir.
• Check the windshield washer fluid level.
• Look for low or under-inflated tires.

WARNING

Be careful when checking your engine coolant level when the engine is hot. Scalding hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure. This could cause burns or other serious injury.

While operating your vehicle:

• Note any changes in the sound of the exhaust or any smell of exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
• Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice any increased steering effort or looseness in the steering wheel, or change in its straight-ahead position.
• Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side when traveling on smooth, level  road.
• When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one side, increased brake pedal travel or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
• If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs, check the transaxle fluid level.
• Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
• Check the parking brake.
• Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air conditioning system during or after use is normal).

At least monthly:

• Check the coolant level in the engine coolant reservoir.
• Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn signals and hazard warning flashers.
• Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare.

At least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall):

• Check the radiator, heater and air conditioning hoses for leaks or damage.
• Check the windshield washer spray and wiper operation. Clean the wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
• Check the headlight alignment.
• Check the muffler, exhaust pipes, shields and clamps.
• Check the lap/shoulder belts for wear and function.
• Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts.

At least once a year:

• Clean the body and door drain holes.
• Lubricate the door hinges and checks, and hood hinges.
• Lubricate the door and hood locks and latches.
• Lubricate the door rubber weather-strips.
• Check the air conditioning system.
• Inspect and lubricate the automatic transaxle linkage and controls.
• Clean the battery and terminals.
• Check the brake fluid level.

Scheduled maintenance service

Follow the Normal Maintenance Schedule if the vehicle is usually operated where none of the following conditions apply. If any of the following conditions apply, follow the Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions.

• Repeated short distance driving.
• Driving in dusty conditions or sandy areas.
• Extensive use of brakes.
• Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used.
• Driving on rough or muddy roads.
• Driving in mountainous areas.
• Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
• Driving for a prolonged period in cold temperatures and/or extremely humid climates.
• More than 50% driving in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90°F (32°C).

If your vehicle is operated under the above conditions, you should inspect, replace or refill more frequently than the following Normal Maintenance Schedule. After 120 months or 150,000 miles continue to follow the prescribed maintenance intervals.

Normal maintenance schedule

The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance.

Keep receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the frequency of service is determined by whichever occurs first.

*1 : If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available from your authorized Kia dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.

*2 : Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free but periodic inspection is recommended for this maintenance schedule depends on fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow restriction, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel filter immediately regardless of maintenance schedule and consult an authorized Kia dealer for details.

*3 : Transfer case oil and rear axle oil should be changed anytime they have been submerged in water.

*4 : Inspect for excessive tappet noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary.

*5 : The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced excessively.

7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter *6 (7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months)

15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace engine oil and filter (15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)

22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 18 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 36 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (22,500 miles (36,000 km) or 36 months)

30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect brake fluid
• Inspect fuel filter *2
• Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
• Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
• Inspect parking brake
• Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace air cleaner filter
• Replace engine oil and filter (30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 48 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 48 months)

37,500 miles (60,000 km) or 30 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect manual transaxle fluid (Every 40,000 miles or 48 months)
• Inspect rear axle oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect transfer case oil (AWD) *3
• Replace engine oil and filter (37,500 miles (60,000 km) or 60 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (37,500 miles (60,000 km) or 60 months)

45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 36 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace engine oil and filter (45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 72 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (45,000 miles (72,000 km) or 72 months)

52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 42 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 84 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (52,500 miles (84,000 km) or 84 months)

60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect brake fluid
• Inspect fuel filter *2
• Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
• Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
• Inspect parking brake
• Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
• Inspect valve clearance
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace air cleaner filter
• Replace engine oil and filter (60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 96 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 96 months)
• Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)

67,500 miles (108,000 km) or 54 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (67,500 miles (108,000 km) or 108 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (67,500 miles (108,000 km) or 108 months)

75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 60 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect manual transaxle fluid (Every 40,000 miles or 48 months)
• Inspect rear axle oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect transfer case oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)*5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace engine oil and filter (75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 120 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 120 months)

82,500 miles (132,000 km) or 66 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (82,500 miles (132,000 km) or 132 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (82,500 miles (132,000 km) or 132 months)

90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 72 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect brake fluid
• Inspect fuel filter *2
• Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
• Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
• Inspect parking brake
• Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace air cleaner filter
• Replace engine oil and filter (90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 144 months)
• Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 144 months)

97,500 miles (156,000 km) or 78 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (97,500 miles (156,000 km) or 156 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (97,500 miles (156,000 km) or 156 months)

105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 84 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace spark plugs (iridium coated)
• Replace engine oil and filter (105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 168 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 168 months)

112,500 miles (180,000 km) or 90 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect manual transaxle fluid (Every 40,000 miles or 48 months)
• Inspect rear axle oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect transfer case oil (AWD) *3
• Replace engine oil and filter (112,500 miles (180,000 km) or 180 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (112,500 miles (180,000 km) or 180 months)

120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 96 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect brake fluid
• Inspect fuel filter *2
• Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
• Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
• Inspect parking brake
• Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
• Inspect valve clearance *4
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace air cleaner filter
• Replace engine oil and filter (120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 192 months)
• Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 192 months)

127,500 miles (204,000 km) or 102 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (127,500 miles (204,000 km) or 204 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (127,500 miles (204,000 km) or 204 months)

135,000 miles (216,000 km) or 108 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace spark plugs
• Replace engine oil and filter (135,000 miles (216,000 km) or 216 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (135,000 miles (216,000 km) or 216 months)

142,500 miles (228,000 km) or 114 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect air cleaner filter
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Replace engine oil and filter (142,500 miles (228,000 km) or 228 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (142,500 miles (228,000 km) or 228 months)

150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 120 months

• Rotate tire
• Inspect battery condition
• Inspect vacuum hose
• Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
• Inspect brake hoses and lines
• Inspect drive shafts and boots
• Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
• Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
• Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
• Inspect rear brake disc/pads
• Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball joint, upper arm ball joint
• Inspect suspension mounting bolts
• Inspect brake fluid
• Inspect fuel filter *2
• Inspect fuel lines, fuel hoses and connections
• Inspect fuel tank air filter (if equipped) *2
• Inspect parking brake
• Inspect vapor hose and fuel filler cap, fuel tank
• Inspect rear axle oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect transfer case oil (AWD) *3
• Inspect manual transaxle fluid (Every 40,000 miles or 48 months)
• Inspect drive belts (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 72 months after every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months) *5
• Replace climate control air filter (for evaporator and blower unit)
• Replace air cleaner filter
• Replace engine oil and filter (150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)
• Replace coolant (First, 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months after every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months)
• Add fuel additive *1 (150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 240 months)

Maintenance under severe usage conditions

The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals.

R : Replace

I : Inspect and, after inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary

Severe driving conditions

A- Repeatedly driving short distance of less than 5 miles (8 km) in normal temperature or less than 10 miles (16 km) in freezing temperature

B- Extensive engine idling or low speed driving for long distances C-Driving on rough, dusty, muddy, unpaved, graveled or saltspread roads

D-Driving in areas using salt or other corrosive materials or in very cold weather

E-Driving in sandy areas

F - Driving in heavy traffic area over 90°F (32°C)

G- Driving on uphill, downhill, or mountain road

H-Towing a Trailer, or using a camper, or roof rack

I -Driving as a patrol car, taxi, other commercial use or vehicle towing

J - Driving over 106 mph (170 km/h)

K-Frequently driving in stop-and-go conditions