Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

Vehicle caught on fire when driving, putting my mother's life and her passenger at risk. My mother is an elderly deaf woman, but was able to pull over in time for fire department to help contain fire. There were no warning lamps or messages of any problems with car, the car started smoking (smoke also entered cabin) and they pulled over where there was a fire under hood and bystander call emergency services. The car is currently at a tow lot and should be available for inspection upon request. We are waiting for car to be inspected by insurance.

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I bought a used 2020 kia Sorento lx 2. 4l in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. At 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done on this vehicle. I kept a log and now at 54,740 miles it is consuming 1 quart every 500 miles or so. I took it to the dealer on 10/19/2026 and was told that since I was not the original owner there was no warranty coverage on it. So that nullified the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I was told they could do a chamber cleaning for $800. 00 and if that failed I would need to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost to me of $9,000. 00 to $10,000. 00 I have to monitor the oil level constantly to avoid the engine seizing and breaking down in traffic . This auto is used by my spouse to drive my grand kids to and from school. There are no warnings or messages on the oil level so it is driven with uncertainty .

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The engine failed due to a manufacturing defect that is well known in the company but they aren't calling it a recall, they are calling it an improvement and therefore my car isn't qualifying and isn't being repaired.

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My 2023 kia Sorento has experienced continuous mechanical failures, including a serious engine fire in December 2025 while I was driving on the [xxx], which put my life at risk. Following that incident, my vehicle remained in the shop for nearly three months while the engine and related components were replaced, only to experience another failure in March 2026 requiring a transmission replacement, followed by electrical issues in April requiring a wiring harness replacement. In June 2026, my vehicle broke down again and required yet another transmission replacement, leaving me without my vehicle for several additional months. [xxx], my vehicle failed again while I was in houston and had to be towed, proving that nearly a year of extensive repairs has failed to resolve these ongoing mechanical issues. This vehicle is a serious safety concern, and I have completely lost confidence in its reliability, especially after experiencing an engine fire, repeated breakdowns, and dangerous acceleration issues. I have continued making monthly payments on a vehicle that has spent more time in the repair shop than in my possession, causing significant financial strain, stress, and inconvenience. After nearly a year of unsuccessful repair attempts, I am demanding an immediate and permanent resolution, including a vehicle buyback or replacement, as I should not be expected to continue driving a vehicle that repeatedly jeopardizes my safety. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The contact owns a 2016 kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was coolant intrusion into the engine. The failure was associated with technical service bulletin: 253 (rev 1, wty035 - warranty extension program). The contact stated that the issue was caused by a failure of the iron screws on the engine. The dealer was contacted and stated that the oil change records were needed before replacing the engine. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,764.

My car's check engine just started flashing and the ecu has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I removed the camshaft exhaust vvt sensor it indeed had metal shavings on it. A have a p1326 and a p0014 code which is basically telling me that my engine is having issue within the internal engine and oil consumption.

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Check engine light flashing going into limp mode.

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I am the original owner of a 2016 kia Sorento and have lived at my original registration address since purchasing the vehicle. The engine suddenly and catastrophically failed/seized due to internal rod bearing failure. The local kia dealership is denying the recall engine replacement because the ksds (knock sensor detection system) software update was not performed. However, kia America failed to mail me a statutory recall notice to my verified address. The dealership is weaponizing kia's own notification failure to deny coverage for an acknowledged safety defect. ".

Unknown. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.

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The engin cought on fire while driving. The entire car burnt. The engin burns 1 quart of oil per tank of gass consuming approximately 20 quarts beetween oil changes.

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On October 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p. M. , my 2019 kia Sorento, with fewer than 100,000 miles, experienced an unexpected engine failure while I was driving on the highway in the chicago, illinois, area. Component or system failure: the vehicle's engine failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being operated on the highway. The exact internal component responsible for the failure is currently unknown. However, the vehicle has since been inspected by an authorized kia dealership, and I have been informed that the engine repair was approved. The availability of the failed engine or its components for further inspection is currently unknown. Safety risks: what makes this incident particularly alarming is that my daughter was in the vehicle with me when the engine failed. We were traveling on the highway, surrounded by vehicles moving at high speeds, when we experienced this unexpected mechanical failure. This situation placed both my daughter and me in a potentially life-threatening situation. The sudden engine failure could have resulted in a serious collision, catastrophic injuries, or even the loss of both of our lives. As a mother, it is deeply disturbing to know that my daughter and I were exposed to such a dangerous situation while simply traveling in our vehicle. We could have been involved in a devastating accident through no apparent fault of our own. My concern extends beyond the inconvenience and financial burden of having my vehicle break down. This was a serious safety incident that endangered not only my life but also the life of my daughter and potentially other motorists on the highway. Dealer confirmation: following the incident, I contacted kia to arrange an inspection and repair. Unfortunately, the earliest available service appointment was October 8, 2026, five days after the engine failure. An authorized kia dealership subsequently inspected the vehicle and approved the engine repair. I am requesting the complete diagnostic finding.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and the engine seized, causing a crackling sound and a fuel leak. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 184,000.

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The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and the apple carplay, radio, and hvac system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil pressure switch was replaced under warranty. The dealer determined that the electrical system had failed due to the oil pressure switch leaking oil onto the wiring harness, and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

The contact rented a 2015 kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly seized in the middle of an intersection, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter out of gear. The local police department arrived on the scene and assisted the contact by disassembling components around the gear shifter in order to shift the transmission into neutral (n). The vehicle was then towed back to the rental business. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000. The VIN was not available.

Driving down the road and all of a sudden the red oil pressure light appeared then the engine light appeared. The car engine power then reduced and ultimately ended up stopping, turning the car off. The car now has a loud ticking and knock coming from engine. From previous recalls I see that this is a common problem on these cars. This was without warning and occured a couple of days after a oil change. Oil was in good condition and full. The car is drivable but not safe to do so. There's a loud rattling noise while accelarating. Leads me to believe possible lifters and rod knock.

1) the engine control system / ksds knock sensor system triggered safety recall code p1326, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle and components are currently at the dealership available for inspection under ro #148484 (issued on October 2) 2) a flashing check engine light and active p1326 code indicate a potential severe engine failure or severe misfire risk while driving, forcing the vehicle to lose power and rendering it unsafe for operation on public roads. 3) yes, the vehicle was towed to an authorized kia dealership on September 24th; however, the dealer initially refused to generate a repair order or diagnose the safety recall for over a week until corporate intervention forced ro #148484 to open on October 2nd. It is currently awaiting diagnostic testing. 4) no. It has only been towed to the authorized dealer facility where it awaits initial diagnostic testing under the active safety recall. 5) yes. A flashing check engine light and code p1326 appeared immediately prior to towing the vehicle to the dealership on September 24th.

Yesterday our car was making a knocking noise. It lost power temporarily. Upon pressing the gas pedal to the floor we were able to get up to 30 mph. We made it to a repair shop. They looked at it today. The dip stick showed no oil. The did an oil change and it was down 3 quarts of oil. We just had the oil changed 3 months ago on June 20. No check engine light came on. No warning at all . We were driving on a road with no shoulder, so this was dangerous if the engine were to fail before we got to repair shop. They said we need a new engine and it will cost just under $10,000. It seems that many people are having this exact same problem.

Driving at highway speed, the vehicle began to make a loud rattling noise that came from under the vehicle. A passerby pulled even with my car and began frantically gesturing. After a few seconds of confusion, me daughter said the she thought the man was saying "it's on fire. " we pulled over to the shoulder of the road, exited quickly and realized there was fire visible in the engine area, seen through the grill. A good samaritan attempted to suppress the fire with an exstinguisher but moments later, it was fully engulfed.

Kia completed recall sc250 via a software update only. The physical hardware has now failed (code p193b). Kia corporate and the local dealership are refusing to honor the safety recall remedy because the software update marked the recall 'complete,' leaving a failed, dangerous transmission unaddressed.

While driving my 2021 kia Sorento, the electronic power steering suddenly failed/intermittently cut out while the vehicle was in motion. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making the vehicle very hard to control and creating a serious risk of a crash. I had to muscle the wheel to get out of traffic turn the vehicle off and on several times before steering worked again. Because the steering failure occurred while driving three times in the last two weeks and could recur without warning, I considered the vehicle unsafe to continue operating and had it taken to a kia dealership for inspection. The vehicle has also experienced repeated electrical/electronic issues, including difficulty starting and recognizing both key fobs. Every time now, the engine requires approximately 3–4 attempts to start. There have also been problems with the climate-control system and other electrical components. I am concerned these issues may be related to a broader electrical, voltage, control-module, or electronic power-steering problem. The vehicle is currently available for inspection by the dealer/manufacturer upon request. The exact cause of the steering failure has not yet been confirmed. I have requested that the dealer inspect the electronic power steering system, retrieve any stored or historical eps/ibu fault codes, and evaluate the vehicle’s battery, charging system, grounds, wiring, and related electronic control modules. The steering failure created an immediate safety hazard because normal steering assistance was lost while the vehicle was moving. There was little or no meaningful warning before the steering became extremely difficult to operate. I am reporting this because I am concerned the condition could recur and result in loss of vehicle control. I have two small children and this is my only means of transportation.

Upon a catastrophic engine failure tasca kia replaced engine under theta ii settlement. I picked up my kia on 9/12. Engine is not running properly. It’s jerking and there is loud mechanical knocking. I don’t feel safe driving. I’ve contacted kia corporate beginning 9/16 who contacted tasca to arrange for tow and loaner. They said tasca service mgr would contact soon to set up. They never did. I called corporate again later that day and after they called tasca they were told service mgr went home for the day. As of this date tasca kia has not contacted me. I again called kia corporate 9/17 asking to please escalate and allow me to use another service dept. The only other service location with loaner is a half hour away and I cannot afford another tow or another rental. I am stranded with a car that is not safe due to installation failure or another defective engine. No one from kia will help in a reasonable time frame. I’m now told it can take up to 48 business hours for any assistance. In the meantime I’m being forced to decide on whether to risk driving an unsafe vehicle to the service dept or to continue waiting for kia to contact me.

The car is running rough, losing power and knocking. Unable to drive it safely. The more you accelerate the less power it has. It has been sitting ever since the incident.

Vehicle equipped with 3. 3l v6 lambda ii engine, covered under active kia warranty extension campaigns wty035/wty039 for engine block head bolt/gasket failure. In July, the vehicle experienced a cooling system issue and was brought to authorized dealer westgate kia. Despite explicit campaign guidelines mandating a coolant pressure test and chemical combustion block test for cooling complaints on this engine, the dealership failed to follow the TSB protocol. They attributed the issue solely to an external hose, recommended unrelated peripheral repairs, and released the vehicle without performing the required campaign diagnostics. A few months later, the unchecked progressive manufacturing defect resulted in catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle exhibited intermittent overheating, blew heavy white smoke from the tailpipe (indicating a massive head gasket breach/coolant entering combustion chambers), and ultimately suffered a total loss of cylinder compression, requiring it to be towed back to westgate kia. The dealership is currently trying to evade the 15-year/180,000-mile wty035/wty039 campaign coverage. The service department is refusing to follow the mandated diagnostic flowchart to check for stripped engine block head bolts, instead claiming the failure is due to a "melted radiator. " they are attempting to blame the consequences of the extreme engine overheating on peripheral parts to avoid performing the required engine sub-assembly replacement under the federal campaign.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle had started independently. While the vehicle was in the driveway, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been running for a while. While driving at 45 mph, the vehicle shut off but restarted independently. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed by aaa to the local dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch was melted. The vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The dealer stated that the failure was a fire hazard. The contact was informed that the wiring harness and the pigtail starter button needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the part. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

My 2018 Sorento is consuming oil excessively. I’m having to add oil between changes, and I’m now experiencing reduced acceleration under load. I have been told by a few different parties that this has become a common problem with kia’s. I want an oil-consumption test performed and I want the VIN checked for all engine campaigns, warranty extensions, ksds coverage, and open recalls.

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The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. A local dealer was contacted, and the contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle until the engine was blown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,000.

I am filing this complaint regarding a 2016 kia Sorento, VIN [xxx]. The vehicle suddenly broke down while my [xxx] daughter was driving in [xxx] and was taken to sooner kia in [xxx]. The dealership diagnosed the engine as seized and stated that it failed because there was no oil, requiring engine replacement. We dispute that conclusion. Within approximately five minutes of the breakdown, my daughter checked the oil at her father’s direction, and the level appeared normal. A mobile mechanic later inspected the vehicle and also reported that the oil level was normal and appeared clean. Sooner kia now claims the engine was “bone dry” and that lack of oil caused the seizure. We have requested documentation showing how much oil was found, whether any oil was drained, what testing was performed, what internal damage was identified, and what evidence proves that oil starvation caused the failure. We have not received documentation establishing the cause. This is concerning because NHTSA previously investigated loss of motive power involving 2016–2017 kia Sorento vehicles with 3. 3l lambda ii engines under pe23-019. Kia later created extended warranty campaign wty035 for certain related failures. Please document this complaint and review whether this engine failure may be related to those known issues. We are being asked to authorize an expensive engine replacement without evidence supporting the dealership’s conclusion. Vehicle: 2016 kia Sorento VIN: [xxx] dealership: sooner kia, [xxx] manufacturer: kia America information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving my 2015 kia Sorento on [xxx] south of the [xxx] junction when the engine suddenly started making severe mechanical noise and the vehicle seemed to have significantly reduced power. This is a remote stretch of highway with no usable shoulder. I had my son with me and had to immediately navigate with reduced speeds and power until I could reach a pullout and get safely off the highway. The sudden engine problem at highway speed created a serious safety concern because I could not immediately get the vehicle out of the traffic lane, and had no immediate shoulder I could pull onto. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by oxendale kia dealer. The dealer diagnosed catastrophic internal engine bearing failure. The vehicle has approximately 160,000 miles. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the kia dealer. Availability of the failed engine/components for inspection: unknown pending confirmation from the dealer. Prior warning lamps or warning messages: no engine lights. An airbag light was illuminated. There were no other warning immediately before the failure. The failure has been confirmed by the kia dealer. Kia America has also opened a corporate case and is obtaining the dealer's diagnostic information, but to my knowledge kia corporate has not separately physically inspected the vehicle. I am aware that NHTSA has previously investigated loss-of-motive-power issues involving 3. 3l kia Sorento engines, including model years around mine. I am submitting this complaint so this catastrophic bearing failure and highway safety event can be evaluated with any similar reports. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

When traveling up an incline or when gassing the car to accelerate quickly my car registers a spike in heat causing my car to go into limp mode creating a dangerous situation where I can not accelerate at the cars normal rate. When I lift off the gas the temperature normalizes and the car goes back to normal. I have taken the car to two kia dealerships and they both charged for an assessment and gaslighted me saying they don’t see the issue even tho there are reports all over the internet with the same issue. I also presented a video showing the problem. Two years ago around 35000 miles I had the same issue and the dealership replaced the itm module which corrected the problem. The problem returned at 82000 miles and now they are saying my car is fine which it is not.

Complete engine failure inspected by westgate kia service dept, wake forest, nc service manager confirmed that known issue and recall in effect for 2018 kia sorrento same issue but because manufactures parts are only covered when made in certain locations. Mine not covered. He did agree it was exact same issue but declined to assist. Warning sign / flashing check engine light.

On multiple occasions, my 2023 kia Sorento has experienced an intermittent failure where numerous dashboard warning lights and alerts illuminate and the engine will not start. During the failure, the brake pedal becomes very stiff and the vehicle cannot be shifted out of park. The problem is unpredictable and has left the vehicle disabled. The vehicle was taken to a kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer initially stated that the battery was not properly secured and was moving around, possibly contacting nearby electrical components. They told me the issue had been repaired. However, when I returned to pick up the vehicle, the exact same failure occurred again in the dealership parking lot before I was able to leave. The warning lights came on and, after the vehicle was turned off, it would not restart. The dealer has therefore been able to directly observe the repeated failure. The exact component causing the malfunction is still unknown. I am concerned that this may be an electrical or grounding issue and that the vehicle could become disabled unexpectedly while in use.

I own a 2021 kia Sorento 2. 5l turbo awd with approximately 150,000 miles. In the evening, while driving home after dinner with my daughter in the vehicle, I was traveling in the area of [xxx] and [xxx] when the vehicle displayed a “stop safely immediately” warning. The vehicle unexpectedly slowed down/appeared to brake on its own while I was driving. There was no check-engine light at that time and the warning did not remain on, so I did not initially know what caused the incident. Approximately two weeks later, the vehicle developed delayed shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Rpm increased from about 2,000 to 3,000 before the next gear engaged. Switching from eco to comfort mode initially seemed to help, but later that day the problem worsened even in comfort mode and also began occurring from 2nd to 3rd gear. The check-engine light then came on. O'reilly auto parts scanned the vehicle and reported codes p0868/p086800 (transmission fluid pressure low) and p193b79 (high pressure electric oil pump performance). Kia has not yet diagnosed the current problem, and the vehicle is available for inspection. Kia checked my VIN for recalls sometime in 2025 and advised there was no open recall. I am aware of kia safety recall sc250/NHTSA recall 22v-760 involving the 8-speed dct electric oil pump on certain 2021-2022 Sorento vehicles. I am concerned because my vehicle experienced the “stop safely immediately” warning and unexpected slowing and now has worsening transmission symptoms and related diagnostic codes. I am concerned the vehicle could unexpectedly lose drive power while being driven. I request NHTSA review whether my vehicle's condition may be related to the existing safety defect and whether additional vehicles should be investigated. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2025 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph, the rear windshield wiper was moving with the switch turned off. The contact turned the rear windshield wiper to high, then low, and the wiper finally turned off. The contact continued driving and the vehicle suddenly stalled, and the message press button to start engine message was displayed. The vehicle continued to coast in neutral, and then decelerated to approximately 65 mph. The contact pressed the start button and the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to move immediately. The contact stated that after several attempts, the engine revved as needed. The contact stated that while continuing to drive, the steering wheel was hot, the radio screen was blacked out, and the horn failed to sound. When the radio screen was illuminated and displayed the information on the screen, the contact became aware that the gps had reset to an erroneous location. The rear windshield wiper independently activated again. The contact noticed a burning odor while continuing to drive the vehicle. After the contact arrived to the destination, the contact had to press the button four times before the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

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Engine seized per kia inspected by kia after aaa towed and could not start car warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.

Vehicle: 2018 kia Sorento VIN: [xxx] kia corporate case #: xxx my 2018 kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic engine failure (“holes in the block”) while under warranty. The vehicle lost power, emitted heavy smoke, and became completely inoperable. Kia America has refused to repair the engine and has delayed providing the required written denial for my warranty claim. This vehicle has also suffered five break-ins, and kia has two active recalls for my year and model that were never performed, including a theft?prevention recall. My vehicle is part of a nationwide class?action lawsuit involving engine defects and theft vulnerabilities. Because kia America delayed resolving my warranty case, the vehicle has been sitting at kia vacaville accumulating predatory storage fees. The dealership is now threatening a mechanic’s/storage lien sale, which would destroy the vehicle and eliminate evidence of the manufacturer defect. I cannot afford any repair costs, storage fees, or loan payments for a vehicle that failed due to manufacturer defects. I am requesting NHTSA’s investigation into kia’s handling of engine failures, recall compliance, and the dealership’s attempt to sell a vehicle that is part of an active defect case. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).