My husband leased a 2026 Kia Sorento from Kia Cerritos on - d33mez
My husband leased a 2026 Kia Sorento from Kia Cerritos on April 24, 2026. I am writing this review because I was the one who had to fight for any kind of resolution, and future buyers deserve to know what we went through.
Week 1 — Kia Connect issues: Within the first week, we experienced issues with Kia Connect and had to return to the dealership. The sales manager and finance representative were dismissive and came across as rude. Our sales rep was kind and helped us get it working. But the fact that we were back in the dealership within a week of purchase was already a red flag.
May 9th — Door handle falls apart: Less than two weeks after purchase, my husband closed the driver's side door and a piece of the door handle came off in his hand. On a brand new vehicle. He didn't report it because he didn't want to deal with the poor customer service again. That alone should tell you something.
May 21st — Rodent infestation discovered: We began noticing a horrible odor coming through the air vents. It escalated quickly — we were gagging, nauseous, and wearing medical masks inside our own car. The smell was so strong it transferred to our clothing. We spent approximately $80 out of pocket on odor treatments and carpet cleaning.
After investigating with an endoscope, we found sunflower seed shells, food crumbs, and live maggots inside the vehicle. We also found a plastic trim panel near the passenger-side windshield with a hole that had clearly been chewed through by a rodent. Based on everything we found — the nesting debris, the maggots, the gnawed trim — this animal was in the car before we purchased it. The vehicle was not properly inspected before being sold.
I have photos documenting all of it.
The dealership's response: After several days of texting the sales rep (who was responsive and genuinely tried to help within her limits), we were informed that the dealership would need to charge us to locate the source of the smell. We were not at fault. We have photographic evidence this predates our ownership. We are in the middle of an out-of-state relocation with a tight budget. And they wanted to bill us.
Kia markets a 10-year warranty as a selling point. But when a customer reports a broken door handle, a rodent infestation with maggots, and chewed trim — all within 30 days of purchase — and the response is to charge them? That warranty means nothing if the dealership won't stand behind the basics.
My husband is now stuck in a lease on a car he has no confidence in and deeply regrets. He trusted the process. He was let down.
My advice: Research the dealership thoroughly before you buy. Inspect the car inside and out — including areas you'd never think to check. Ask questions and get answers in writing. Because once you drive off that lot, you may find yourself on your own.
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