text: clutch problems kia sorento kx2 | Page 2 | Kia Owners Club Forum
  Now seem to have Kia at least taking interest in the problem, getting some acknowledgement from Kia Customer Services ... take a look at this:
  http://www.kiaowners..._topic19003.htm
  <a href="http://www.kiaownersclub.co.uk/forum/poll-kia-sorento-2010-on-clutch-smell-when-towing_topic19003.htm" rel="nofollow">Please cast your vote
  i have a kia sorento kx-2 manual 2013 my....i tow a caravan & trailer...both of these are well below the maximum tow eight for the sorento ...however when reversing up a slope or on soft ground or uneven field my sorento also starts to emit a terrible smell.... followed with lots of smoke from underneath the vehicle...
  Kia response: was negative.. no known issues with the sorento clutch...obviously they do not saerch for any reported customer issues for their vehicles online there seems to be many such customers with a similar issue.
  There are a number of people reporting same issue ..
  KIA came and examined my car .. and there is a report here:
  https://www.dropbox.com/s/oeddim7a1xqg37s/Sorento%20clutch%2012%20July.pdf
  No update yet as to whether they will fix this issue.
  uploads/10633/Sorento_clutch_12_July.pdf
  #24 · Jul 19, 2014
  Sorry if you have already read this if not might be worth having a read, it seems it is wider than just the Sorento
  <div ="msg">http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/?t=88565
  #25 · May 31, 2015
  We have had a burning clutch smell every time we reverse up a slight incline form day one with out 2014 manual kia sorento.
  This was reported to customer services 10 days after picking up car.
  Advised not a known problem. Had this checked out at local kia garage who could not get the car to replicate this when reversed in a straight line on garage flat drive and no problem found!
  It also got very hot when reversing on a long gravel drive and my husband could not then change gear until it cooled down. Very strong smell for 2 days. Reported again not interested.
  We went ahead 6 months later and had tow bar fitted to tow small horse trailer. Delayed this as still not happy with the situation even with no trailer attached but needs must.
  First to trips fine small amount of reversing to put trailer back flat drive no turns all ok, great i thought might be ok.
  Next trip to friends yard involved a few manouver's slight incline with empty trailer to turn round ready to use early next day.
  Very strong burning smell in and outside of car Then friend noticed smoke pouring from under bonnet! burning hot to touch opened bonnet to let smoke out and cool down as thought might catch fire.
  Drove home 1 hour later with out trailer when cooled down and borrowed friends car to tow the next day as did not want to risk this until looked into.
  Still strong smell in car now not yet cleared.
  Have had a 2006 Sorento before this for 8 years no problem when reversing or towing???
  I really hope this time customer services are a little more help full as not attempting to tow again until resolved.
  I fear this must of caused damage due to acrid burning smell and amount of smoke.
  Very unhappy Kia owner
  #26 · May 31, 2015
  Unfortunately I got that every time I pulled my boat up a launch ramp.
  The DMF assembly ..does not work when under load.
  KIA are fully aware but have not put any effort into resolution.
  Even the new 2015 model has been released with same design issue.
  I have bought an alternative..Lack of confidence in a car that has a clutch that burns so badly.
  I have called customer care and booked it in to be looked into next week. If unresolved it will stay there until sorted as not any use to me if can't tow a small trailer about 9 times a year ! Keep you posted.
  Unfortunately if unresolved this vehicle does not do what it states it is perfectly capable of and is not suitable for purpose purchased for.
  I will refrain from any further legal advice until they have had a fair chance to investigate.
  After 2 yrs of the issue investigation, 3 new clutches ... the clear statement was that although an issue that they have escalated to European quality team. They do not see it as impacting use of the car ... the serious smell of burning is to be expected with a DMF design.
  They tried a new design on my car ... no difference.
  To me it is a fundamental design issue. . Not quality.
  The car is heavy, has a high torque engine, it needs either a low ratio box or an automatic with 2.5T capacity.
  KIA are being to slow to resolve.
  Hi. i reported last year that every time I pulled away in 1st gear the clutch juddered for a short while then after time it seemed ok, more recently however the clutch pedal was sticking and i had to use my foot to bring the pedal back up so i could change gear, this was reported to kia at Chasetown who i must say were very helpful, especially Jo the service receptionist, who told me there would be a cost in excess of £300 to drop the gearbox and inspect the clutch, however if it was deemed a manufacturer fault then there would obviously be no charge, I have a Sorento 2012 with 41k on the clock, today i had a phone call from jo who gave me the good news, they are going to replace the Dual mass flywheel and some other bits and pieces under warranty, I must say the reception team at kia chasetown are second to none...