This occurrence has occurred to me twice this summer, first some months ago and again yesterday. Regrettably, it is not "repeatable," therefore I cannot "reproduce" it for a dealer's aid. 2016 Sorento, 129,000 miles.
Here is the account of events:
During a lengthy six-hour drive home this summer on a very hot day (90°F) with the air conditioning operating, the airflow from the vents significantly diminished around halfway through the journey. I can hear the fan operating, and even when increasing the fan speed, the blower motor is functioning at maximum capacity; nonetheless, there is little air output from the vents. The situation becomes rather unpleasant when it is hot outdoors, since the cabin lacks enough air conditioning.
It seemed as if one of the internal "air doors" had been "closed". However, air is only emanating from the vents as a little trickle. Adjusting the switch to alternate vents (window, floor) resulted in some adjustment; nonetheless, there remains an absence of airflow in all locations.
Subsequent to that one day months before, it did not recur until this last weekend. 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Air conditioning operational. Sweltering day. Identical matter. After the vehicle cooled and remained still overnight, there were no issues. Functions flawlessly once again.
Has anybody encountered a similar experience? I am uncertain about the quantity of air-handling doors inside the dashboard, nor the difficulty of accessing them. Perhaps a defective door motor? Perhaps a little amount of lubricant is required. I am unaware.
It is possible that the blower motor is the issue; yet, I can still hear the blower operating and air circulating inside the dashboard when the problem occurs.
Any assistance or guidance would be welcomed. I want to avoid enduring a heated vehicle on my forthcoming extended journey in high temperatures.