general problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

The contact owned a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, and police and firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware whether a police or fire department report had been filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and the insurance company was made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Timeline of maintenance & failure: • October [year]: I purc timeline of maintenance & failure: • October [year]: I purchased this vehicle. • February 11, 2026: I performed a full oil service (documented receipt attached). • April 3, 2026: while transporting my two grandsons—one of whom has autism—the vehicle suffered total engine failure while in traffic. • the safety defect: despite the engine running out of oil, the vehicle provided zero warning lights or signals. No "low oil pressure" light or "check engine" light ever appeared. This "silent failure" left me stranded in a high-risk traffic situation with a child who has special needs, as I had no warning to pull over safely. • April 8, 2026: the kia dealership confirmed the engine is seized. Improper handling of the claim: the dealership is currently refusing to honor warranty extension wty026 (15-year/150,000-mile oil pressure switch). Their refusal is based on an outdated service sticker in the window that is over 9,000 miles old, while they are ignoring my verified paper receipt from February 11, which proves the vehicle was serviced less than two months ago. The dealership is requesting a full breakdown (teardown) of the engine at my expense to determine the cause. It is my position that requiring a consumer to pay for a mechanical breakdown is an unreasonable barrier to a warranty claim—especially when they have not yet performed non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as a videoscope/borescope inspection, to check for the known oil pressure switch leak covered under wty026. Significant safety concern: the failure of the oil pressure switch (wty026) to trigger a dashboard warning is a critical safety defect. This failure led directly to a seized engine while I was transporting children. I am requesting that the department of transportation investigate this safety-system failure and that kia corporate override the dealership’s request for a consumer-funded teardown, given that I have provided proof of maintenanc.

My 2017 kia Sorento with approximately 175,000 miles experienced engine failure involving the engine and engine cooling system. The vehicle began showing symptoms including engine shudder, reduced acceleration, and a check engine light. These symptoms worsened and were diagnosed by a kia dealership as internal engine damage, specifically a failure in cylinder 4. The dealership advised that the engine would require full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,600. The failure creates a potential safety concern because the vehicle experiences loss of power during acceleration, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds. The issue was confirmed by an authorized kia dealership, community kia, after performing diagnostic testing. The dealership completed multiple recall and service campaigns but determined that the engine was not eligible for replacement because a required diagnostic code associated with the knock sensor detection system did not appear. To my knowledge, there is no clear documentation confirming that the knock sensor detection system update was installed on the vehicle prior to the engine failure. If this system was not installed, the diagnostic code required to qualify for engine replacement may not have had the opportunity to trigger. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed warning symptoms including a check engine light, engine vibration, and loss of power. These symptoms appeared before the dealership inspection and diagnosis. This complaint is being submitted due to concern that the engine failure occurred despite known issues associated with this engine type, and that the failure creates a potential safety risk due to sudden loss of power while driving.

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 kia Sorento sxl** equipped with a **3. 3l lambda v6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately *,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **abruptly while driving at highway speed**, resulting in a **sudden loss of power**. This incident created an **immediate safety hazard**, as I was traveling in active traffic and was forced to quickly maneuver to avoid surrounding vehicles. The unexpected loss of propulsion significantly increased the risk of a collision. The nature of the failure appears to be consistent with **internal engine component failure (such as connecting rod bearing failure)**, which is not typical for a properly maintained modern engine at this mileage. Importantly, my vehicle was manufactured in **November 2016**, placing it within an early production period for this engine. There is evidence from technical service information and consumer reports suggesting a **pattern of premature internal engine failures** in this engine family, particularly involving * bearing wear leading to catastrophic failure**. This raises concern that the issue may represent a **systemic defect** rather than normal wear and tear. I am concerned that other vehicles with this engine may experience similar failures **without sufficient warning**, potentially resulting in dangerous driving situations, especially at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA: • review this incident as a **potential safety-related defect** • evaluate whether similar complaints exist involving the **3. 3l kia lambda v6 engine** • determine if an **investigation or recall** is warranted I am able to provide supporting documentation, including maintenance records, diagnostic findings, and repair estimates upon request.

Driving up a small hill when you hear this knocking noise. The car got to the top of the hill and shuts off no engine no turn over spent 198 to get it towed then comes to find out that it is because the car had no oil from what the mechanic told me. The car had oil but apparently only this model has issues with not having oil and you have to do an oil change every 4 months rather than 10,000 miles and I just brought the car.

I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. It was like a nigthmare.

Oil light in past week would come on for short time then go out, I brought to kia cape coral, FL. See video attached from kia. Oil went up no oil on ground. Then the oil went past switch for oil light up to next hose that had wires for injectors. $5,000. 00 for this wire alone and 7 hours labor. Total quote $6,700. 00. The 2017 Sorento with a 3. 3l engine has an extended warranty to 150,000 miles. My 2017 Sorento not covered as it is a smaller engine. Danger of engine failure known oil switch problem.

Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle, and immediately after, "did your engine go? kia has that problem. " me and my sister were left stranded on the side of the interstate in the extreme cold. Luckily, 2 gentleman stopped to see if we were okay because they had seen fire under the vehicle. Purchased the extended lifetime warranty and kia will not honor it. No I have no vehicle and a car payment.

To whom it may concern, I am the owner of a 2017 kia Sorento and have recently experienced excessive oil consumption with the vehicle. The engine is losing approximately 4 quarts of oil per 1000 miles, with no visible external leaks or exhaust smoke. I am aware that many kia vehicles equipped with the 2. 4l gdi engine have been affected by issues related to piston ring defects, which can cause abnormal oil consumption and, in some cases, premature engine failure. I also understand that kia has issued recalls, service campaigns, and extended warranties on similar models and engines. I am requesting the following: 1. ) confirmation of whether my vehicle is included in any recalls, service campaigns, or warranty extensions related to this issue. 2. ) a dealer inspection and oil consumption test to formally document the problem. 3. ) information on any coverage, goodwill repairs, or warranty extensions available if my vehicle is determined to have this defect. I respectfully request your assistance to resolve this issue promptly. Please provide me with any relevant documentation or service campaign numbers in writing for my records. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Daughter was driving home from getting her kids from daycare and said she couldn’t see behind her from smoke and her boyfriend told her the car was on fire and she said the engine light came on and then all the lights came on and it started smoking more and a lady pulled over and told them get out because the car was on fire and 911 was called and she got out and got kids in the lady’s car and called me at work and I left and got there and the fire department was hosing down the car for about 45 minutes. They finally got the fire out which was contained under the car engine and insurnace checked it out and gave me the estimate that was uploaded and told me that it was a mechanical failure from the engine so they won’t cover anything and I have to put a new engine in it because it has a big hole in it underneath. I am not even sure if they really looked at it because they told me they will give it back to me and I can’t afford to have it looked at. I had a warranty but was told it would be totaled out because a fire is a total loss and the warranty said even though I had coverage the day it caught on fire they won’t cover because they said the claim had to be placed before it got canceled which makes no sense to me but them and insurance said because there are recalls on engines for other same models of my car that kia should have to make a recall for it since the engine is what caused the fire. I still have a payment on the car and waiting for them to get it back to my house and not sure when that will happen because it snowed and they keeps saying they can’t tow it back to my house. But I feel if other 3. 3l engines within 2017 kia Sorento then there needs to be a recall. I don’t see how there are absolutely no recalls on a car. I have yet to find a car that does not have a recall especially kia’s and I have 2 of them and my other one has several recalls on it. Then magically this specific one that’s catches fire has no recall on it.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while coasting to a stop light, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stopped driving as needed. During the failure, the vehicle had not shut off. After turning it off and restarting the vehicle, the failure failed to self-correct. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Driving home from work car started making a slapping noise, no engine light on. I stopped and the motor shut off and spit out oil. Found out that a connecting rod had broke off and went through the oil pan. Now the car needs a new engine with only 166,000 miles on a 2017 kia Sorento. The car has had all maintenance done on it.

I was driving and heard a loud noise. The car started to hesitate and was making a knocking noise. I pulled over and had it towed where I was told it was a rod bearing failure and I needed a new engine. It had 130,000 miles. I have been reading online and found a lot of vehicles with the same engine as mine where this has happened and there are no recalls. Engines size 3. 3l v6. Right now the car is sitting. I still owe on it and can’t afford to have it fixed. The oil was changed regularly. It was changed four weeks before this happened. No warnings.

My 2017 kia Sorento is experiencing significant engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and ongoing oil leaks. The kia dealership initially told me I qualified for an oil-consumption test that could result in a free engine replacement if the results met the criteria. After inspecting the vehicle, they refused to perform the test because they said it was ‘leaking too much oil,’ charged me $600 for a gasket, but the vehicle still leaks and burns oil. Now the dealership claims the engine is not covered and wants $5,000 for a replacement, despite previously stating testing could qualify me for a free engine. This appears to be a common issue with kia gdi engines and a safety concern due to risk of engine failure and fire. I believe kia is improperly denying required testing and coverage, and I request NHTSA review this pattern. I included the invoice fr the gasket repair and pictures from the oil change I got last week showing pictures of it still leaking oil despite the repair at kia.

I was driving our 2017 kia Sorento 2. 4 liter, on I-94 in detroit, mi when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 . . We towed the vehicle to the auto repair shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the auto repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the auto repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the service rep did not sound promising to date.

Check engine light came on, oil light came on after, vehicle stalled on expressway. Engine is knocking.

I am reporting a serious defect involving my 2017 kia Sorento 2. 4 liter gdi engine (VIN [xxx] ) at approximately 84000 miles, while still under the powertrain warranty, I brought the vehicle to the dealership from which I purchased it (hutchinson kia in macon GA) due to engine hesitation and abnormal performance. I was initially told the engine might need replacement, but the dealer later claimed the issue was only a relay/software problem and performed a software update (likely the ksds knock sensor update) at approximately 94000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden catastrophic failure while driving on the interstate, the failure was abrupt and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The vehicle is now inoperable. The engine is equipped with the theta ii gdi engine, which has a documented history of bearing and connecting -rod failures, fires and sudden engine seizure. Kia is refusing to cover the failure, even though the symptoms began during warrantly and the ksds update was reportedly completed. This appears to be consistent with the widespread theta ii engine safety defect previously investigated by NHTSA. The sudden failure of the engine posed a significant safety risk to myself, passengers and other motorists. I am requesting the NHTSA review the incident and evaluate whether kia is properly honoring required safety-related engine replacements for thet ii gdi equipped vehicles. Thank you. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

1. The snow white paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto braking system and lane departure turns off at random.

I am reporting a serious engine defect in my 2017 kia Sorento. The has failed and presents an ongoing safety concern. The issue is while driving on the interstate, the vehicle began shaking violently, started making a knocking noise and the check engine illuminated. The rpms also began spiking so I slowed down and got off at the next exit. Now every time I start the vehicle it continues to shake, knock and cannot accelerate properly -- the rpms climb as high as 5000 with very little power. This is a clear safety hazard and makes the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads.

I am reaching out regarding a challenging situation with my vehicle. On October 24, 2025, my engine seized up while I was driving. After conducting research on my vehicle, I discovered that there was a recall related to a component of the engine which was issued in 2018. I purchased my vehicle from carbone Honda in June 2021 and was not aware of this recall until recently. Unfortunately, this incident occurred during a particularly difficult time for me, as my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer (stage 4 glioblastoma) in the same week. In addition, I am currently a nursing student facing significant financial constraints. I waited two months for an appointment at destination kia to determine whether my vehicle would still be eligible for an engine replacement. During this period, a mechanic kindly allowed me to store my vehicle at his facility. My appointment took place on December 22nd, and the following day I was informed that I did not qualify for repairs because the recall that was sent out prior to purchase of my vehicle was not addressed prior to the engine failure. I understand the requirements for recall-related repairs; however, my engine failure appears to be linked to a known defect. I would appreciate any guidance or assistance regarding possible solutions or eligibility for support in this matter. VIN # [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car is burning more oil than it should. We fill up oil multiple times between oil changes. When checking oil it has a burnt smell to it.

Car started shaking, white smoke out of tail pipe, abs/tcs lights went on. Oil on spark plugs my wife was stuck on side of interstate.

Often, service managers like [xxx] from kia university dealerships will unlawfully charge you for diagnostic tests or other unrelated issues that should be free or try to persuade you to purchase repairs as a condition for completing the free recall work; however the repair is a standalone obligation, and the we should have the right to decline any additional, non-recall-related maintenance that the service department might recommend. Seven (7) months ago, I spoke with a kia customer service agent that informed me that there may be another recall or another product improvement campaign coming regarding my 2017 kia sorrento; therefore, please be on the lookout for issues with your vehicle and the engine. Therefore, when I took my vehicle to the kia dealership on university drive “which I had been going to since I purchased my vehicle” and informed them my engine light was just on, the gentlemen informed me that they needed to see the engine light on before they could input the product improvement campaign/recall. I ask the gentlemen why is this situation different, usually they just install the part and I just move out. Once again, I was informed they had to see the engine light on before they could install whatever they needed to install. Between the seven (7) months, I drove the vehicle to kia and just before I got there, the engine light would go off, they still would not install whatever I was informed needed to be installed. I offered for them to take the vehicle and take it as long as you need to in order to get the engine light on, I was informed they did not have enough space in there shop. I started taken pictures that showed I was right around the corner from the shop; often three (3) minutes from the shop, they indicated they would have to emulate the engine light on before they could install whatever needed to be installed. Finally, after never pass seven (7) months, I was able to get the 2017 kia sorrento to the dealership and the first thing [xxx] info information redacted pursuant to the freedom.

Engine oil consumption test,did 3 at kia dealership and was confirmed engine was bad,we don’t have all the maintenance records so we are denied. Kia should stand by their product and change this engine under warranty and recall.

Engine burns oil excessively and kia has this marked as a known issue. The oil is leaking inside the engine around the pistons and into the combustion chamber. Because the engine is direct injection, it now has to go through a combustion cleaning every time this happens at $700 a pop plus diagnostics which makes it over $900 every time this happens. Happens so often that it won't even get to the milage for an actual oil change to be due. Kia refuses to do anything until the connecting rod or connecting rod bearing fails and I have a complete engine failure. I feel like that is very dangerous and could cause serious harm to myself or others if I have an engine failure and cause an accident.

I came to this website because it was suggested to me to look for a recall. While there is an active recall with my car, the interesting part to me is the fact that the issues I'm having with my car match a recall for the same model as mine, just a different spec. To me that seems odd, I'd have the same type issues. . . I was wondering how to get this examined.

It’s been a month since I did an oil change. However, while I was driving the car, I heard a noise like the engine had no oil in it. I stopped and after 15 minutes I checked the engine for oil when I discovered that the engine was empty. I then checked for a leak and there is no leak detected. I took it to a valvoline to get an oil change. This is when I discovered that the engine is burning the oil. This is most likely to happen due to a manufacturing problem. I am submitting this complaint and would like to have an investigation done on that matter because it is a safety concern when a car keeps burning oil without any leak detection.

To whom it may concern, I am the owner of a 2017 kia Sorento (VIN ending in [xxx] ) and have recently experienced excessive oil consumption with the vehicle. The engine is losing approximately 2 quart of oil per 1000 miles, with no visible external leaks or exhaust smoke. I am aware that many kia vehicles equipped with the 2. 4l gdi engine have been affected by issues related to piston ring defects, which can cause abnormal oil consumption and, in some cases, premature engine failure. I also understand that kia has issued recalls, service campaigns, and extended warranties on similar models and engines. I am requesting the following: 1. Confirmation of whether my vehicle is included in any recalls, service campaigns, or warranty extensions related to this issue. 2. A dealer inspection and oil consumption test to formally document the problem. 3. Information on any coverage, goodwill repairs, or warranty extensions available if my vehicle is determined to have this defect. I respectfully request your assistance to resolve this issue promptly. Please provide me with any relevant documentation or service campaign numbers in writing for my records. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

1) my vehicle incurred catastrophic engine failure. The engine stopped running suddenly. It does not crank over. It is available for inspection. It does not run. 2) I am thankful that no one was injured and that the vehicle did not catch fire. 3) there is a safety-related defect in certain 2017 kia Sorento vehicles. 4) my vehicle was towed to the house and has not been inspected. 5) there were no signs of leaking oil or oil burning. No dashboard lights came on to signal overheating or low oil level. No check engine light ever appeared.

This 2017 kia Sorento with the 3. 3l v6 lambda ii engine appears to have had possible rod bearing failure or connecting rod failure. This vehicle has 107,987 miles on it when the incident happened. 2 hours into a drive on the highway, the car began to sound like it had a possible exhaust leak, however this was followed shorty by knocking which prompted us to pull over and just as we made the shoulder as the engine quit and began to smoke heavily. Went to quickly open the hood and the smoke died down in about a minute. Most likely due to the oil hitting the exhaust from the hole the rod left in the block. There were no oil lights or other indications that anything was going to happen prior to this. The vehicle has been maintained meticulously with all maintenance items. This vehicle is available for inspection. Let me know if this needs to happen prior to kia getting ahold of it. Our entire family was in the car (5 people including our dog) and we were at highway speeds when this happened. Fortunately we were able to get over just before the engine blew. Also fortunate enough to open the hood fast enough to get it cool before it started a fire. We are going to take it to the dealer for inspection, however both the dealership and kia customer care said this is not currently under any warranty for engine failure. I have yet to inspect myself to take pictures from under the car, so no inspection has been thoroughly performed. As previously stated, there was no warning lights, the car did sound like it started to have an exhaust leak no more than a minute or two before the knocking started.

Engine seized with zero warning lights, cautions, check engine lights, or low/high indicators. It started knocking and was driven 3 miles to our mechanic who said it was a failed engine. I called the kia dealer who recommended I tow or drive it to the dealer. ~3 miles from our house, less than a mile from the dealer the car lost all power. We had it towed. The service manager chastised me for not towing but also told me irregardless of how it arrived that the engine was no longer functional. It is out of warranty w/ 143,000 miles but without any indication of a problem how was I supposed to mitigate any risk. From the start of the knocking until the engine failed it was less than 6 miles. The mechanic had to put 3 quarts of oil in the car and it still failed on the way to the dealer. I get regular oil changes and have never been told it’s running low on oil. I’m asking that somebody please look into this issue. Thank you. R/ aaron.

On 8/16/2025 my 2017 kia Sorento experienced major engine failure which resulted in loss of power and severe engine misfiring. I submitted a warranty claim with full maintenance documentation to kia cooperation but was denied coverage on 8/27/2025. This denial is improper because 1. The engine type is covered under recalls and/or the kia engine class action settlement, which extends coverage to 15 years / 150,000 miles and my vehicle currently has 94423. 2. I complied with all maintenance requirements and have already provided numerous records. 3. Engine failure presents a serious safety hazard and has been widely reported.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the contact heard a clicking and banging sound coming from the engine. The contact mentioned that while looking through the front driver's side mirror, she noticed smoke coming from the engine. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off and then exited the vehicle and opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the engine. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention. The contact dialed 911, but there was no police report filed. The fire chief showed up at the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from under the hood. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was due to the detached crankshaft bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer disassembled the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released back to the contact, several parts were missing from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that several of the parts of the vehicle were missing. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact stated that she had owned three kia vehicles, and each vehicle experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

My 2017 kia Sorento has developed intermittent safety-related engine issues that have resulted in loss of acceleration and stalling. December 2024: after a two-hour drive, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Roadside assistance confirmed the engine oil level was low, despite no external leaks. After approximately two hours, the vehicle restarted. [xxx]: after driving about 30 minutes and parking for 10–20 minutes, the engine started with loud rumbling/knocking noises, and the accelerator was unresponsive. The problem resolved only after shutting the car off and restarting. Video is available. The kia dealer performed a rod bearing test which passed, but the symptoms match early failure stages of the known theta ii engine defect covered under kia’s lifetime warranty (pi1802 settlement). Kia attributes the issue to “low oil” as a maintenance problem, but the oil consumption appears to be internal and abnormal. This defect creates a serious safety risk because it causes sudden loss of power, which could lead to an accident if it occurs while driving in traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).