Unusual issue with cabin ventilation during an extended hot drive (2016 Sorento EX)

[DigitalNomad]

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.

[EpicTraveler]

As an LX model, may we infer that you own the standard air conditioning and heating system with a rotary knob for blower speed adjustment?

[DigitalNomad]

How did LX get to be in my signature? (corrected). I currently have an ex, my apologies for that. The fan speed controls consist of buttons. The fan speeds (higher, lower) function well, and during "the issue," I can adjust the fan's intensity, but it seems that airflow is obstructed during these adjustments.

[EpicTraveler]

I was not inquiring about fan speed and airflow; I was only attempting to ascertain which version you have.
You seemingly own the premium variant in your EX.

The operation of the "Mode Actuator" makes it almost difficult for air to be contained unless obstructed by an external object.
Q: Do you get the same outcome if you switch the intake mode to Recirc, or were you already on that setting when these events occurred?

[ChessChampion]

I suspect your condenser is experiencing frost accumulation. It resembles a little radiator and should be placed near your standard radiator. When the vehicle is halted, the ice thaws, which is why it functions properly again thereafter. This occurred with my 16 EX on a very hot day during an extended road trip.

[NatureLover]

I believed the evaporator inside the car was prone to freezing.

[AutoFanatic]

I have experienced it twice with different autos. The 2015 Sorento was one model. The dealer improperly executed the recharge.
The core of the AC system becomes frozen, resulting in a significant reduction in airflow to very negligible levels. Deactivating the air conditioning and waiting around five minutes will result in a significant increase in air volume from the vents. Operating the fan at maximum speed with an obstructed core might cause the blower motor to overheat. The matter requires your attention.