general problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sorento - part 2

Engine was consuming large amounts of oil, attempted to conduct oil consumtion test per kia request was unable to complete due to volume of oil consumption . Engine locked up after kia telling me they couldnt help me since the oil consumtion test couldnt be completed.

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2018 kia Sorento equipped with the 2. 4-liter engine. The vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption—approximately one quart every 400 miles—which I believe may be indicative of a manufacturing defect. Based on similar issues reported with more recent kia models, including those involving potentially defective piston oil rings, I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by a similar issue. As you are aware, defective piston rings can lead to long-term engine damage, sudden loss of power, and even an increased risk of engine fire. Given the severity of the symptoms and potential safety implications, I respectfully request that this matter be formally investigated and that kia consider extending the recall or offering a resolution for affected 2018 Sorento models. I look forward to your prompt response regarding this issue.

Engine had catastrophic failure without warning. No warning lights or performance issues. 110k miles on it. Well taken care of and taken in for oil changes at regular intervals 6k-8k.

Oil leak was diagnosed as bad oil pressure switch that is under extended warranty for certain kia Sorento models with gdi system, but not my car.

Previous complaint# 11618337. Additional information: engine is full of oil yet oil light comes on due excessive crankshaft & connecting rod bearing wear and knocking loud. Yet the recalibrated knock sensor will not pick up the issue and put the vehicle into derate with a code p1326 as it did before the kia dealership performed this recalibration. This is consumer fraud by purposely hiding a known defect and preventing the warranty from replacing the engine with a redesigned new engine that corrects the issue with larger oil ports. It is also a safety issue!! now that the oil light is coming on and the engine has a bad knock, it can fail at anytime while driving causing lose of power steering, brakes and the ability to safely pull the car over to a safe location. The original p1326 code automatically determined the engine developed wear from lack of oil volume based on the known defect of too small oil ports. This recalibration doesn't address the wear the engine already has and based on what the dealer stated, they will not replace the engine until that code comes back. Which now can't happen due to this parameter change and elimination of the knock sensors ability to perform it's job correctly. Please investigate and resolve, thank you!!.

Engine is burning oil. Engine only has 116,000 miles on all maintenance has been kept up to date - has never missed an oil change, only ever used full-synthetic. Should not be consuming this amount of oil. Also dash board lights pertaining to engine or oil never come on.

Car is burning 3/4 a quart of every 1,000 miles.

The engine seized as we were driving onto the freeway. Everything just stopped. The car had to be pushed to the side of the road. It failed to restart. When we checked the dipstick, it was completely dry and starting to burn on the bottom. There was no visible signs of an oil leak. There were no lights or other notifications that the car was out of oil. We were lucky the car wasn't hit and someone seriously injured or killed. The car had to be towed to our home. Kia corporate office was closed. The kia dealership said I could have it towed at my expense and have it looked at when they had time the following week. It was just under 100k miles a different kia dealership offered to give me $5000 towards a trade-in on a new car. That was half the trade-in value, but I couldn't be without a car. When I inquired three weeks later about what the service department found out was wrong with the car, I was told they hadn't even looked at it and would probably just use it for spare parts.

I have a 2018 kia Sorento that I absolutely love. As of late, I have noticed that 1,000 to 1,200 miles after my oil changes- I am getting my engine oil light on, on the dash. Upon checking, again after only 1,200 miles after an oil change- my engine oil was completely gone. The dipstick was almost bone dry. I took my vehicle in to have an oil leak test, because I instantly thought I had a leak due to that being an excessive amount of oil missing. However, there is no leak. It passed the leak test, and there is also no oil in my driveway. Upon talking to the kia dealership this is apparently a very known, and prominent issue with this vehicle. I am "out of warranty" with kia- so I am unable to file a claim with them to have this repaired. This is unacceptable for them to know that this is an ongoing issue, and they are not standing behind their products. I have thankfully purchased an extended warranty with an outside agency, that I am filing a claim for. However they will only cover the issue at kia if the "engine oil consumption test identifies the failure" from what the service man said to me, from kia- the two "failures" that they have, are either needing to have a combustion chamber cleaning done, or an entire new engine dropped in. Both of which leave me without a vehicle for weeks. As a mother with young children, and also a mother that works and has a one vehicle home- this leaves me needing to rent a car for however long that may take. Looking into this further I have seen that kia Sorentos with the gdi motor (like mine) from newer years, have a recall on their engines for a very similar case and very similar situations with them burning excessive oil in their vehicles. I strongly think that the lower year makes and models need to be investigated, as well. I absolutely think that my vehicle needs to be included in this recall as I have gotten and maintained every single oil change, and service needed to my vehicle since I have purchased it in 2020.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and making a rough sound. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and lost motive power. A piston failed, causing oil to spray out with enough force to damage the catalytic converter. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but found to have issues with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

On may 1, 2024, I noticed my 2018 kia Sorento making a knocking sound and smoking heavily from the back exhaust. I turned it off, thinking it might be overheating, and planned to check it the next day. On may 2, 2024, while taking my daughter to school, the vehicle was knocking but no indicator lights were displayed, the main display screen suddenly showed an engine control system issue, and the car spoke and said to take the vehicle to the closest service center I immediately headed to the kia service center. About 2-3 miles into the drive, the car shut down completely on the interstate. I managed to coast to a stop on the access road but was still partially on the road, so I called for a tow. The police later helped me move the car further off the road because I was a hazard for morning rush hour traffic. After waiting for three hours, the tow truck took me to the kia dealership, where the mechanic found that the engine had seized. Kia refused to repair the damage, citing that I hadn't done a ksds recall. The repairs are estimated to cost over $7000 needing long block replacement from hole in block (ksds requirements not met). I was not aware of any issues with my car, as I had not been informed about a ksds recall or any suggestions regarding it. I feel this situation put me in danger, first with the potential fire hazard and then being stranded on the highway and nearly struck in multiple occasions. . I currently have no working vehicle, and kia is not taking responsibility for these engine issues but my make and model has no listed recall. I am not considered a part of the ksds recall therefore I also get no claims to the millions awarded to others due to this recall.

Around 90,000 miles, the engine started leaking oil regularly, took it in for warranty. After repairs for gasket, then started burning oil and running of oil every week or two weeks, and I have to constantly refill oil. Took it again and dealer told me I am out of warranty, then I called kia USA and reported problems. They told me that they will get back to me and I am still waiting.

Vehicle seems to be stalling when you stop and then try to pull out. It takes minutes to accelerate after stopping.

The vehicle started knocking. We took it to kia and they share saying we needed an upgrade part that is on a safety”notice” and not a recall. It’s to prevent engine failure. They refuse to put in the part because they said the engine is already failing. They said we need to pay 6k. The best part is that we took the vehicle in last year (2023) for the hitch and the anti theft upgrade and kia didn’t tell us about this feel part. Why wouldn’t we get the free upgrade on the engine???? they are not telling consumers and it doesn’t come up when you search by VIN.

Me and my wife were traveling north on [xxx], left lane, 18 wheeler in right lane, cars directly behind us, 70 mph, when there was an abrupt thud, and slight skid, then lost all power from the engine. There were no warning indicators at the time. When the engine failed, we almost hit the tractor next to us. Looking in the mirror to try to determine what to do, as steering was hard to perform, there was a large cloud of black and blue smoke, the car behind us being covered in smoke and most likely oil too. The car behind us aggressively braked and ducked in behind the 18 wheeler just before a rear impact would have occurred. We finally got to safety on the side of the road as the traffic stacked up behind us was able to reduce speed in time. I had my car towed to the kia dealership in springfield, mo. One interesting point, the wrecker operator said that unfortunately a big part of his business was hauling kias. We almost died. Upon review of social media, I see there are literally thousands of kias placing families in danger. Why hasn’t mr. Budegedge acted on it. After experiencing this, it’s likely there will be deaths. My car had 120,000 miles on the engine. Kia said it was my problem as they met their warranty obligation at 100,000 miles. There are so many incidents, even with 6 cyl engines. Customers need to be warned. At least they can be prepared for the failure when it happens. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle lost all power while depressing the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that white smoke began to emit from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact saw flames coming from underneath the vehicle as oil began to leak from the vehicle. The flames eventually dissipated and authorities were not called to the scene. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed initially to the contact's home and later to the dealer. Once in the dealer's possession, the contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine block which had lead to engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but had yet to offer any assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximatley 81,000.

My vehicle is consuming a lot of oil. At my previous oil change I mentioned this to the dealer as I had to put in 5 quarts of oil. The oil canister light came on which I believed was just warning me to my upcoming oil change but my dipstick indicated otherwise when I checked. The light would only come on when I made turns in the road. It did not stay on consistently. As I was driving my engine sounded bad and I was worried something more was wrong which is why I checked the oil. When I brought it in for the oil change, the service advisor said they would check for leaks which was not located. I asked them to set my oil change for 3k miles instead of the 5k miles they have been setting it as I was worried about engine damage. The oil canister light came on recently once again (still only when I take turns on the road) with still 1100 miles left in the current oil change and when I checked there was no oil in the engine reflected on the dipstick. I gradually added oil and had to add 5 quarts of oil once again. I set up an appointment for further investigation but I fear that by the time they run their tests my vehicle will surpass any warranty. I’m currently at 77700 miles. This much oil consumption is not normal and I shouldn’t have to keep a constant stock of oil available to fill up every 2k miles. I understand a little bit of oil but having to add 5 quarts of oil at a given time is way too much.

Engine failure.

In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to car pros kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.

The whole engine needs replaced without warning. I have been driving it with oil spraying, a hole in engine and not sound or engine light or anything as a warning. Very unsafe and many others in the same boat.

Excessive oil consumption, burning oil.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had sustained a lost of compression in cylinder four and oil had leaked onto the spark plugs. The contact was advised that the engine was faulty put no repairs would be made until the engine rods had failed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the instructions given by the dealer. The failure mileage was 138,500.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a loss in engine compression in one of the cylinders. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

After inspection, the service agent, jeff, came and informed me there was “good news and not so good news”. Good news - he said there was a 999,999-mile warranty on the engine for the oil pressure stick problem. The not so good news is that kia will not replace the engine until it locks. I was shocked to say the least. I asked him, how in the hell is that safe? why isn’t the fact that the car started shutting down on me (power steering) enough of an indication that it needs to be replaced? that along with the amounts of oil I’ve had to replace. All the years I’ve had my kia, I’ve never had to add oil. He said those warnings were not enough. He said the engine light would come on as well as others, the engine would start knocking as well. Then you get to the side of the road. I told him as I’m going to state here, that is the most asinine thing I have every heard! so essentially, before kia will replace my engine, I have to possibly kill myself, any passengers and any other drivers on the road first? what if I’m in heavy highway traffic and cannot get over, cannot get to an inside grassy area or shoulder and my car just stops? he said his hands were tied unless these things happened.

The car stalls any where when the temp is over 108 degrees, I have to wait about two minutes and it will start, sometimes it cranks then it starts, no codes come on the code reader. It has never happen since I bought the car 5 years ago. The car is not over heating, it stays on the same temp and no antifreeze comes out.

While driving my 2018 kia Sorento on interstate 95 at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly started to knock. The noise got louder and before I could safely pull onto the shoulder, the engine totally failed without any warning lights whatsoever. Large amount of blue smoke came from the exhaust and I lost all power to the vehicle. Engine parts and motor oil were scattered all over the highway from the violent nature of the failure. This also caused vehicles behind me to swerve and brake in order to avoid hitting the metal engine debris. My right rear tire ran over such metal and it immediately went flat. I was able to coast the vehicle onto an exit ramp where I raised the hood to check for fire. The engine continued to leak oil while parked on the off ramp shoulder. I called my insurance company to let them know what had happened and a tow truck responded approximately 1 hour later and the vehicle was placed in an auto storage lot.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated that oil needing to be added the engine every two weeks. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,136.

Vehicle is consuming oil at an extraordinary rate. About 1qt per 750 miles. There are no oil leaks present.

On 3/23/2023, the oil pressure warning light flashed on and off. I was lucky to be near a gas station that could check my oil and determined there was less than 2 quarts left. They added almost 4 quarts of oil and told me to immediately contact my kia dealership because I could have an oil consumption issue. I researched the issue online and found that there is a class action lawsuit over Hyundai-kia oil consumption defect. On 3/28/2023, I brought my vehicle to mastria kia to have an oil change and have it checked for an oil leak. There was no oil leak. Thus, they told me to return in 1,000 miles (oil consumption test). If it passes the oil consumption test, they told me that they could do a combustion chamber cleaning for over $500, which I was also told does not fix the defect. They also informed me to check my oil level regularly and add oil as needed. The vehicle is not reliable or safe to drive. I was lucky that I was near a gas station, and I saw the warning light that flashed only once. This is a safety issue and this vehicle's reliability is questionable. I hope that NHTSA can help not only myself, but other kia owners that are experiencing the same engine defect.

My car is using more oil then it should and I’m getting bad gas mileage. I have no leak you can’t smell anything and it doesn’t run hot! but we have to add a least 2 quarts a week.

2018 kia sorrento died suddenly on the highway. We heard a loud rattling noise, then a pop followed by the engine stopping with some smoke coming out under the hood.

Catastrophic engine failure with no signal or warning from the car after being well maintained for 5 years. This occurred while driving 60 mph on a desolate stretch of vt highway while on a trip from our home in NJ. Engine died with no warning and we coasted to a dangerous narrow shoulder of rt 9 and were almost killed by a truck. We also had no cell reception to even call for help. The engine then started to smoke and burn and I was forced to put my two children out on a snowy embankment for 30 minutes risking hypothermia. We bought this 2018 Sorento new and only discovered the vast extent of kia’s engine defect after this experience on 2/22/23. I am in complete awe and shock that your agency has allowed them to continue putting people in grave danger. I want to understand how kia is not applying a more exhaustive effort to notify customers and rectify a deadly product defect that they are well aware of. I would like to direct your agency to a very active facebook page called “engine failure - kia” that contains a plethora of stories just like ours. This company does not care about the safety of families, nor do they have any interest in making this right. In an effort to reduce the expense of their deadly mistake, they choose to victimize their customers again by declining valid claims for an engine replacement if all service documentation is not available. They are fully aware of their responsibility and choose to act like corporate criminals. It is up to agencies like the NHTSA to address this behavior and prevent further injury and death.

Ive been experiencing engine failure with my vehicle since December of 2022. The car was assessed and repaired and less than a month later my engine has failed yet again while driving. My vehicle year is not listed in the kia settlement class action even though I have a theta ii engine 2. 4 l gdi.

My vehicle had 4 recalls on it and caused engine to blow. The dealer I purchased car from would not fix recalls, so had it towed to a kia dealer, my car has been there since Dec long story short recalls fixed but they won't replace engine, nor will dealer I purchased it from. So they're saying over $8000 that I would be responsible for.