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

The vehicle just had an oil change. It was driven after that approximately 25 miles when there was a loud noise and the wheels locked up. The vehicle was shifted into neutral and coasted to the end of a dirt road. Could smell oil burning. Upon inspection of the underside there was oil blown onto the exhaust and down the underside of the vehicle. After looking further, I noticed a semi rectangular hole in the narrow end of the oil pan just above the exhaust pipe. Some oil had drained out but the dip stick was reading full. This incident could have resulted in losing control of the vehicle when the tires locked up or caused a fire when the oil hit the exhaust. It could have cause an accident if another vehicle was following. No lights were on until after the incident when the check engine and oil light came on. It still has not been diagnosed by the dealer because they are all backed up until may. Have to rent a vehicle due now and probably look for an independent garage.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Car burns oil to the point it requires 1 qt/500 mile. Had oil consumption test when issue first started in 2024 by kia, was told there was no problem. Car has continued to have this issue and has now broke connecting rod due to engine starvation even through the oil is to the full mark. I lost all power while driving with no warning before hand. Kia has admitted these engines have oil consumption issues that can lead to this exact problem and many other consumers have complained of the same situation in which kia will not replace the flawed engine.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Engine knocking - car enters limp mode and has a known recall. Ksds was updated in prior recall and engine has failed at 118k miles. Car has been well maintained. Kia asks for maintenance records, records were provided and they will not take action. Kia avoided fixing the engine and just updated software to tell you when this happens and now that the engine is failing will not honor their warranty or do work on the car despite sending maintenance records of over 10 years.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Dear sir or madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint to the national highway traffic safety administration regarding my kia Sorento. Over the past six months, this vehicle has required replacement of the engine, transmission control module (tcm), and the entire transmission. Although the engine and transmission were replaced at no cost to me, the extent of these major repairs within such a short period raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s overall safety and reliability. In mid-January, shortly after picking up the vehicle from the dealership following the transmission replacement, the vehicle suddenly stalled while I was driving through an intersection. The engine lost power without warning, leaving me stopped in active traffic. To get the vehicle moving again, I had to shift into park, turn the engine completely off, and then restart it before it would drive again. This unexpected loss of power in the middle of an intersection created a dangerous situation with oncoming traffic approaching. Thankfully, my children were not in the vehicle at the time. After repeated major component failures and this stalling incident, I no longer feel safe driving this vehicle. A vehicle that loses power without warning poses a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists. I respectfully request a thorough investigation into this matter, including whether there are known defects, recalls, or related complaints involving this model. I am prepared to provide repair records and documentation upon request. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

I have less than 100,000 miles on my 2018 kia Sorento. When I reached probably 50,000 miles this car went down hill. I feel like I’ve replaced everything on this car. Now every oil change was saying no oil on the dip stick, so I take it to the kia dealership. They tell me that I need an entire engine. My car is less than 100,000 miles. I saw something that said if it was under that threshold, it could be covered but they said they couldn’t find anything. This car has been failing me. I still owe half of the car, what it’s not even worth on carfax anymore. And the engine cost is exactly 50% of what I owe on this car. I don’t know what to do, but never buy a kia again. This is a hazard for everyone around me the gas it is putting into the air. I don’t know what else to do. I even paid them to do an oil change and the oil light lit up as soon as I left the parking lot. There are no leaks whatsoever. I even had someone from the kia engine settlement verify my VIN # and told me that it was eligible and she told me that everything would be taken care of at the dealership without charge. She then told me to wait for the dealership to call and let me know because I was on hold while they were talking. But right after I received a call asking how I was going to pay for it because they could not find anyway to cover it. I don’t know how to ask for a second opinion. Kia is never available to speak with or try to resolve the issue. This has just been a nightmare.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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.

Component/system affected: unknown – suspected fuel system or related component due to strong gasoline odor. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. What happened: there is a strong gasoline odor specifically at the front driver’s side wheel well/tire area. The odor is also noticeable under the hood. The smell is present while the vehicle is parked (I had to move it out of the garage) and after driving. No visible fuel leaks or puddles have been observed under the vehicle. Safety risk: gasoline fumes create a potential fire hazard and pose a risk of accident. The odor is now also noticeable inside the vehicle, which increases concern for occupant safety. Confirmation by service centers: the problem has been reproduced and confirmed by independent service centers. Two separate auto mechanic shops inspected the vehicle and both confirmed smelling gasoline, but neither could identify the source of the odor or any mechanical defect. Inspections by others: the vehicle has been inspected by two independent mechanics only. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning lamps or symptoms: no warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared. The only symptom is a persistent gasoline odor. Timeline: the odor was first noticed on 02/19/2026 and has continued since that date. Vehicle information: 2020 kia Sorento VIN: [xxx] mileage: approximately 87,438 miles used for local commuting to work and school. Vehicle is garage-kept and receives regular maintenance at certified auto mechanic shops. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The engine stalled while driving on the expressway. Myself and my daughter and her friend were in the car. The vehicle started right back up, and I was able to drive the car home (less than 2 miles away). The following day, my wife got an oil change, and went on the expressway, and the engine stalled again causing her to have to navigate the car, with no engine power, to the side of the highway and wait for myself and a tow truck. Both times were very dangerous. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, who said the crank shaft & rods and bearings for the engine look like they failed and seized up, causing the engine to complete lock up and stall, requiring a full engine replacement. Kia is refusing replacement saying we are not covered by the previous complaints and concerns, stating our vehicle is not covered specifically, stating that the 3. 3l engines were not covered under the previous recall/extended warranty offered on engines in the same yr/make/model as our vehicle. The check engine light came on, and there was a slight knocking sound as the car was idling just before the engine stall, and as the engine stalled, the oil lamp and the battery light came on. This happened both times. The symptoms appeared just before complete engine failure. We get the vehicle serviced at kia, and had the oil changed by strickland brothers the day of. We were concerned that the engine light came on due to potential of the oil needing to be changed. We do not have any electronic files or reports for this issue yet.

While driving the engine stops running and only runs on battery power. The only remedy that is partially successful is to stop and restart the vehicle. Problem often repeats itself and makes driving unsafe as the battery cannot fully power the engine. Upon restart the check engine light will be on and report this error: "powertrain p112000 a possible condition with your engine control system has been detected. A full system check is recommended to be done when convenient. Please contact your local dealership to schedule an appointment. " this is the 3rd time this has happened since December. Has been at dealership twice and they essentially just reset the error condition, only for it to happen again after a couple weeks of driving. Most recent occurrence was yesterday morning.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the "low oil" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately pulled over and called for assistance. A service technician arrived at the scene and added engine oil, and the vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the bolts on the oil pan were loose, causing oil to leak from the engine. The bolts were tightened. The mechanic then informed the contact that certain kia vehicles were under investigation for failures with the oil pan and that the vehicle was possibly affected. The contact stated that approximately 4 hours after the oil service, the "low oil" message returned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. The dealer was unaware of any investigations regarding the engine oil pan, and the vehicle remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, she entered the post office; after 3 to 4 minutes, she was alerted by a consumer that the vehicle had caught fire. The contact noticed fire emerging from the undercarriage. The tpms warning light had been illuminated prior to the incident. Post office employees attempted to extinguish the fire. The fire department was called and successfully extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries. Police were also present at the scene. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number 23v-652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Our 2016 kia Sorento had 96k miles on it, my 2. 4 liter, v4 gdi engine. I was driving it to my house on the streets, when the vehicle it completes died on me in the middle of the streets, it won't turn on, had it tow to my house. Made an appointment to take it to body shop on 2/12/2026, when it died while driving it to the auto shop, won't turn on, had it tow to auto shop. It has been burning oil for quite a while, keep putting engine oil very often. Auto shop confirmed vehicle found no codes, inspect engine oil, engine oil is very dark, manually rotated engine crankshaft, found engine seized. Vehicle has internal engine damage, possible connecting to the rods and bearings damage. Estimated repair is 9k. It is available for inspection.

On Saturday February 7th, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly caught fire without any warning. Within moments, the fire intensified, and I was forced to jump out of the vehicle to save my life. Shortly afterward, the vehicle exploded. The car was completely destroyed. Every item inside was charred, and I barely escaped with my life. A police report was filed. Both the manufacturer and insurance company were notified as well as the bank that the vehicle was purchased from. There were no warning lights or messages prior to. When the vehicle caught fire, all warning lights came on at the same time. Following this incident, I began researching similar cases and was alarmed to learn that fires and engine?related failures appear to be a common issue in this model. Despite this, I was never notified of any recall, safety advisory, or service campaign related to fire risks. Had I been informed, I would have taken immediate action to prevent such a catastrophic and dangerous event.

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).

3 times head gasket has been replaced and repaired and every time oil is changed, they say I am losing oil.

I am reporting a loss of propulsion event in a 2025 kia Sorento s awd. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power when pressing the accelerator. The engine did not respond normally and the vehicle entered a reduced power (limp mode) condition. Stopping in the middle of major intersections, [xxx] and then [xxx] and [xxx] at 4:30 pm. This vehicle is subject to recall 25v548 involving engine connecting rod bolts, which warns of possible engine damage and loss of propulsion. The dealership (gettel kia of bradenton, FL) stated they were unable to duplicate the issue. The recall language states that engine damage or loss of propulsion may occur and could create a safety hazard. This event occurred at approximately moving from a stop position to ? mph on [xxx]] with approximately 1,936 miles on the vehicle. As I drove it home it would disengage and reengage. I am concerned about the safety of continued operation given the recall notice and the propulsion failure experienced. VIN: [xxx] please advise. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 80 mph, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

The vehicle has less than 75k miles, and I am the second owner. I was driving, and the vehicle lost power. Creating a traumatic experience that could have been fatal. After kia had inspected the vehicle, I was informed that I needed a new engine and it would cost 8k or more, and my extended warranty would not cover it. Kia has current recalls for similar issues.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. The vehicle was towed to the residence and failed to restart. A mobile technician diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 98,954.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The oil pressure switch on my 2019 kia Sorento comes on when coming to a stop. This has occurred even after an oil change and checking the oil the dip stick showed full. I understand that kia had a recall on these sensors for kia Sorentos up to year models 2018 but evidently the problem with this sensor has not been resolved and presents a major possibility of fire occurring due to oil leakage. I believe kia for safety sake should be required to replace this faulty sensor at no cost to the owner.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 128,405.

On January 30, 2026, I was driving with my daughter from kansas city to platte city when the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure. As we approached our exit, the engine unexpectedly revved and the vehicle rapidly decelerated to approximately 30 mph. When I attempted to accelerate, the vehicle was unable to properly gain speed. Upon reaching the top of a hill at an intersection, the engine completely shut off and the vehicle became disabled in the roadway. The vehicle was towed and inspected by two independent repair facilities. Both repair facilities confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. A bore scope inspection identified a broken valve in cylinder 4, along with severe internal engine damage. The first repair facility estimated the cost of engine replacement at $9,600. The second repair facility confirmed the same diagnosis and recommended full replacement of the long block assembly. Copies of the inspection reports and repair estimates are attached. Due to the extent of the internal damage and the high cost of repair, the vehicle is considered mechanically inoperable and beyond reasonable repair. The cost of repair is substantial and exceeds our ability to proceed with repairs. At the time of the mechanical failure, approximately two years remained on the finance agreement, with an outstanding loan balance of approximately $12,000. As a result of this catastrophic mechanical failure, the vehicle is unusable, and a financial deficiency remains on the loan. Although the engine carried a warranty, we were informed that the specific failure was caused by internal component failure and material shedding, which is not covered under the warranty terms. Supporting documentation, including diagnostic findings, repair estimates, and photographs of the failed engine components, are attached. Due to the sudden and catastrophic mechanical failure, the vehicle has sustained a total mechanical loss and is no longer operable.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Sorento. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 20v750000 (engine) and 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving into a parking spot, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. The contact later replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that, due to the vehicle not having the sensor changed before the failure, the engine could not be replaced. The dealer informed the contact tha,t due to the mileage, the vehicle would not be covered and would not qualify for the extended warranty coverage for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

I was driving my car, while at a stop light I noticed some smoke coming from under my hood. I thought it might have been the cold I turned off the main road onto my street and noticed the smoke increasing, I pulled over turned off my car opened the hood and a fire started at the back of my engine.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

We do our oil changes routinely. We had one done not too long ago. We were driving to the store and all of a sudden the oil light came on, but the engine light never came on. And then about 30 seconds later, we heard almost like a thump sound like we had hit something but we didn’t. We pulled into the grocery store parking lot about a minute after that, and there was oil leaking out of my car. We tried to put more oil in, but it just kept coming out. We have tried to see what’s going on. We can’t tell. We plan to get it towed and looked at. I don’t know if it will turn back on because I didn’t want to risk it and my engine locking up, but this seems to be an issue as I have read some of the other complaints.

1. The engine consumed its own oil and a rod bearing failed and destroyed the engine 2. This happened while my wife was traveling on i20 at 70mph and almost resulted in a wreck when the engine died and she lost power to the wheels 3. Nalley kia in lithonia, GA has confirmed that the engine consumed its own oil which cause a rod bearing to fail and ultimately led to the engine failure 4. No warning lights prior to this happening, just a knocking sound as she merged onto i20.

The engine check light is on and the car is using more oil than it should. I had the oil changed and had to add quarts before 2000 miles. I called kia and was told my VIN is not part of the recall. I got an inspection and cylinder 2 is misfiring and has low pressure so the entire engine needs a replacement.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an engine oil leak on the driveway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured oil pan, causing the engine oil leak. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being under recall. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign: 19v101000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.

I have 2019 kia seranto . In November 2024 started leaking oil the oil filter casing was cracked. January 2026 oil light came on. Oil was changed 2 months before. Took it to the shop and no oil was in the engine. No oil under the car to tell it was leaking. Shop had to run oil leak detector on it. Several gaskets in engine had to be repaired. There was some other issues with engine concerning oil. $1800. After changing gaskets the oil light kept coming on and off. The oil light sensor and switch had to be repaired. $1500. Car had 107,000 miles only. The auto shop in my town fixed it. This auto shop reports everything to car fox. I would not drive it when oil light came on.

Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine.

Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.

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.