Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Sorento - part 2

We purchased a 2017 kia sorrento awd 3. 3l v6 153,000 on may 9 2025. We made our 2nd payment on July 11th & on July 17th @5am we went and filled it up and got on the highway to head to work. We didn't even drive ½ a mile when all of a sudden it lost all power at 73mph. No warning lights nothing. Dash said "key fob not in vehicle". We had it towed to kia which cost almost $350 for them to call & tell us we need a new engine. No codes nothing. Also almost $200 for them to diagnose that. And that it will cost over 10k to fix. We paid under 10k to begin with. They are saying it isn't covered under any warranty. It's our only vehicle that we can drive in winter. We literally had the kia just over 2 months.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Oil consumption: flickering intermittent oil light at various times. Occurred after routine maintenance and oil changes. Various reasons were given when serviced including leak at the cap or via a screw. Multiple trips to the dealer for service. Engine has no oil and light did not remain illuminated, only flickering occasionally. Performed combustions clean out 4 weeks ago with top off of oil. Light came on, notified that the vehicle is very low on oil since that time again with light flickering.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion that caused the engine to fail. The contact was told that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was informed that documents of past maintenance records were incomplete, and the warranty had expired. The contact stated that in the past, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

In 2017, our 2013 kia Sorento was brought in for recall work associated with sc147. The work was completed, and the kia service department stated that even though we have a branded/salvage title, we would receive the extended warranty associated with sc147. Recently, while driving down a busy highway, the engine started knocking, at which point the check engine light came on, and the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The car had to be pulled off to the side of the road, and towed to a repair shop. Upon inspection, the repair shop indicated the issue was related to sc147, and would need to be taken to kia for further inspection and repair. Kia has indicated, now, that sc147 was closed due to the inspection and ksds update done in 2017, and that we are not covered by the extended warranty associated with sc147 due to the branded title, which contradicts what was previously stated by kia's service department. Kia has stated that they will not replace the engine. Even though this is a safety issue associated with sc147, kia is unwilling to take accountability and seems to be sidestepping replacement due to having a branded/salvage title.

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Unknown engine stopped in the middle of driving. The engine has a bad bearing. Caused the starter wire to be burned so can’t start vehicle what so ever. Chunks of metal in the oil.

Engine started to knock, had it towed to kia dealership it's been there for 6 weeks. Dealership stated needs new engine, warranty company refuses to honor coverage and replace engine. 2019 kia Sorento known for engine failures. Have provided oil receipts which is not needed. (nothing stated in our contract) if we continued to drive the car the engine would have seized or caught fire. There were no lights on the dash for oil change or engine lights on. There are reports on the internet/social media of many people having the same issue with this engine. There should be a recall on this engine. And it shouldn't be this hard to get kia or the warranty company to step up and fix a known problem. We paid for the warranty and expect it to work for us. Right now the car is still at kia of huntington. We have made a complaint with the bbb and with kia headquarters in CA hopefully this will be resolved soon.

Car suffered catastrophic internal engine failure due to rod bearings. Began having problems with engine stuttering then knocking July 2025. Car was taken to local mechanic stated that the engine failed. Followed up with local kia dealer and they verified that the engine had indeed failed. Car is in my possession and available for inspection. My safety and the safety of other drivers was compromised in that all engine systems failed rendering me incapable of driving vehicle and needing to push the car manually. Dealer has reproduced and confirmed the engine failure. Car inspected by dealership only. No warning lights came on. The only lights that have ever come on in my vehicle are the low tire pressure sensor and the scheduled maintenance light. Neither of these sensors came on during these events.

Recall sa512 was previously completed on my vehicle. The problem is happening again. Since there are no open recalls, I am unable to get it fixed under the recall.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Driving on highway and suddenly heard loud tapping/rattling sound from engine and then engine died resulting in total loss of power steering and acceleration. Was able to coast through an exit and into a parking lot. My entire family was in the vehicle and if we had not been able to coast to a safe spot we could have been involved in a high speed accident. Vehicle was towed to kia dealership and they diagnosed it as connecting rod failure. No other inspections have been done. No warning lamps displayed before the incident occurred.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

On June 5, 2025, I was driving my 2025 kia Sorento. I proceeded to get onto the highway from an on ramp. At that moment, the engine stalled. The car would not accelerate. I could not go faster than 20-25 mph. This was a huge safety risk to me, to my passengers, and to others on the highway. Eventually I exited the highway and drove home very slowly, since the car would not accelerate beyond 20-25 mph. I was pressing the gas pedal as far down as it would go. I even tried turning off the car and restarting it. The check engine light was on. The car was towed to a kia dealer. The kia mechanics noted that the fault log in the car's computer system noted that the stalling/failure to accelerate event did occur, but that they were unable to reproduce it, even after several attempts driving it around in various conditions. The kia mechanics told me there was nothing they could do or fix, since they were unable to reproduce the stalling event. Then just yesterday, on July 6, 2025, the Sorento stalled again while it was being driven on the highway. I am having it towed tomorrow to the same kia dealership to have the same mechanics look at it again. At this point, this is an extreme safety issue for anyone driving the car, in the car while it is being driven, or on the highway when the car is on the highway. Imagine if the car stalls again and another car behind us traveling at a high speed slams into us. We could potentially suffer mortal or grave physical injury.

Vehicle hesitation, transmission slippage at low speeds for up shifting and hard shifting. Pulled out of a parking lot onto a main road from stop and my vehicle would not upshift and sounded like I was in neutral and would not accelerate. I had a vehicle behind me that almost rear ended me, I pulled over and had to put the vehicle in park. Once restarted, it would shift again.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

My son was driving on the hwy and a banging sound started- lights started flashing on dash and it lost speed. Stranded on road. Read that 2016 kia Sorento v6 engines have this prob but apparently ours doesn’t??? according to kia these run quite a while so 160k isn’t many miles! and all maintenance done at same location the life of vehicle. Makes no sense that it states everywhere I’ve read 2016 v6 have this problem, why not ours?? now we battle with putting a new motor in a vehicle I just bought less than a year ago for the same price that I bought it for! it’s very nice interior and body but that does me no good with no engine! unfair kia!.

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I’m driving down the road my engine started knocking like head gasket lifter and rod was knocking.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55–60 mph, the engine overheated and the vehicle stalled while making a turn. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v877000 (engine). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was determined that the battery and bracket needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the engine and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

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Kia motor sized up after an oil change at a little over 80,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Engine seized kia denied warranty extension b/c of maintenance records changed oil myself had 3 years of receipts for oil and filters.

While driving on the highway, the vehicle engine began to shake violently. The check engine light came on. The car was driving normally prior to this moment. The car has been well maintained and is in excellent condition. I looked it up and found tons of cases that reference a judgement directive from the theta ii engine class action settlement (case no. 8:17-cv-00838-jls-jde), where the warranty coverage has been extended due to known engine issues. The ksds software update (sc260) was installed in 2023, by kia of orange park. The vehicle now has approximately 127,121 miles. We towed the vehicle to daytona kia who diagnosed the engine as failed, but declined to initiate a warranty claim or submit the case to kia corporate because diagnostic trouble code p1326 was not present. I purchased this diagnostic for nearly $200 from daytona kia and they verified the second cylinder failed. They blamed it on a sticking fuel injector, but did not verify that this was the issue. Only stating that they believed this to be the case in their review. They did not conduct testing to rule out rod bearing failure or to verify fuel injectors were to blame for the issue. I asked for that. They checked to see if the service manager would be willing to do a bcs test on the vehicle. It was denied. I asked for definitive verification of the cause of the failure. They said I would have to pay for additional diagnostics to start that process. I contacted kia corporate and asked them to intervene. Kia has denied my warranty claim, stating that the failure either doesn’t qualify under their extended warranty or that the lack of formal documentation disqualifies my case. In a recent interaction with the dealership, they also cited the lack of a specific diagnostic trouble code (dtc) as a reason not to proceed with warranty repairs…despite the fact that many vehicles with this engine fail without triggering that code, and the software update (sc260) was already applied.

Purchased this vehicle in June 17 2025 from a used car dealer, as I was driving from time to time, I noticed that the vehecle would hesatate, and at times would stall, I had the spark plugs and coild replaced along with a new high pressure fuel pump, it still hesatates when pulling out into traffic, from a stop, this places the vehicle in a very dangerous position in that it can be broadsided, or another form of collision with on comming traffic, I looked on line on various sites and there are quite a number of kias with this issue, some contacted the mfg and were told that it is withing the 8 speed transmission, something about the servers inside it, this appears to be an issue with several year models, and the mfg does not repair or replace the defective part, so I am quite sure they are awar of it, I am not aware of any loss of life for this priblem, I have also seen that by placing the selective system out of eco, economy or comfort mode into ( sport ) mode that it does not do it as often, but at time does, this mode also has a determental effect on millage. I am sure that many kis Sorento owners have the same issue and shoudl be fixed under a nationwide recall, ASAP before anyone is hurt or killed like stalling out when pulling out into highway traffic.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while attempting to open the doors, the remote failed to unlock the doors. The contact used the key and opened the door manually. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start, and the battery terminal cables were tightened by the contact’s boyfriend. While the contact’s boyfriend was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled, and the rpm increased to 2,000 rpm. The contact stated that the engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty or recall coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

I have had nothing but issues with my kia since I purchased it may 30th, 2023. It's continually stalling, completely looses power, sometimes won't operate at all. My kia is very unsafe and completely unreliable. I had to have it towed to the dealership before my first payment was even due. My kia has has to be taken to the dealership a total of 5 times and still nothing has been resolved, other than oil change, diagnostic testing, spark plugs replacement, "fuel system service", hecu fuse installed. As of today's date (June 19th, 2025) I still owe close to $12,000 on it. This is utterly ridiculous and needs to be resolved ASAP. It has been continual issues from may 30th, 2023 through current date (June 19th, 2025). In 15 months I have only been able to drive it 4,876 miles. That's how unreliable it is. I need help getting these issues resolved ASAP.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road. However, upon further inspection, the engine oil dipstick had an abnormal fuel odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to a lack of maintenance records and the costs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

My wife was taking my granddaughter to her dance recital on 06/14/2025 she went to pass a car and the Sorento started missing out then died. She had to get to the side of the road and call for help. Once I arrived, I noticed oil on the ground under the vehicle. After I had my mechanic look at the car it was determined that it threw a rod out bottom of motor and the car was towed home. This is a 2016 kia Sorento lx with the 3. 3 motor. We have had no issues with this car and it has had regular maintenance perforemd since we purchased it at 27000 mikes. It now has 11000 miles warranty ran out at 100000.

My Sorento burned oil excessively, without warning, and now has a damaged engine, requiring replacement. This is a serious problem and common. There are two other kia vehicles with the 3. 3l lambda engine in weston kia for the same problem - low/no oil and no “low oil” light. Those two vehicles and mine now require new engines. When my car experienced the problem, the car shook and the engine vibrated with a significant loss of power. This would’ve been extremely dangerous if towing anything or driving uphill. This is a common problem among kia forums and kia is unwilling to assist.

I was driving my Sorento sxl on a highway, at approximately 50 mph. With no warning, the engine began to run rough. The check engine light immediately began flashing. I was able to drive the car approximately three more miles to an auto service center. The engine ran very rough the entire time, wanting to stall when slowing down. The mechanic determined that my car’s oil reservoir was 4 quarts low, yet no engine oil light ever illuminated on the dashboard. It holds 6. 2 quarts, and had only 2. 2 quarts in it. Again, there was no illuminated light whatsoever telling me my car was dangerously low on oil. Because of this low oil condition, one of my timing chains skipped, and the cam rotated approximately 62° out of center. That’s what caused it to run rough. It appears my only options now are to have the engine apart, and hope no real damage was done, or replace it entirely. The engine for my car has been discontinued, with seemingly no suitable replacement from kia. This could have been completely avoided if my car had alerted me to a low oil condition sometime before. This is very dangerous and it seems it is a common ailment among some kia cars like mine. A low oil light would have informed me immediately that my car was in need of oil, a critical fluid for proper and safe operation. If I were towing a trailer when this happened, or on a winding stretch of road in snow or ice, this could have been catastrophic.

I have had many issues where my car will completely shut off after the auto start-stop function causing me to almost get into accidents with my toddlers in the vehicle. There was one incident where I was at a stop light, when the light turned green I started my car again to go and another vehicle continued to bypass me. When I halted for the other vehicle, my engine shut off again almost the cause of a horrific accident. I have had many incidents after this with the related cause of engine shutting off.

While traveling to va from TX, [xxx] and on [xxx] the vehicle hesitated to accelerate multiple times. Some were from a complete stop, and other times it occurred when accelerating to merge on the highway. On [xxx], I pulled out of a driveway onto a very busy road and upon increasing pressure on the gas, the vehicle shook (similar to the behavior of a manual when letting up off the clutch and not applying even pressure to the gas. Due to the vehicle's hesitation, I as almost hit by a large truck traveling on my exact path. This was the sole instance that warranted a call to kia corporate, as I feel the issue is a significant safety concern. I placed the vehicle in service 11-12 Jun and the attached receipt highlights that the dealer was unable to replicate the issue. As of 16 Jun, the vehicle is still exhibiting the same issue intermittently, along with the break pedal popping when ascending or descending on a hill/ramp. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Gdi engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

My 2017 kia Sorento is not included in the engine safety recall regarding the crankshaft failure in the engine. But I am experiencing the exact same problem so I do not see how it is not included in the recall. I am requesting the recall be expanded to include more vehicles because it is not safe to drive and is currently being held hostage by the dealer who wants $10,500 to repair my engine. I refuse to pay for negligence on the part of the manufacturer. Kia corporate has been very dismissive and not helpful. Please advise.

Unknown.

The kia was using to much oil, the engine light came on and it’s the cam shaft sensor…just got it replace but still doing the same thing as the rpm’s is fluctuating ….

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Have had an issue of losing power while on an interstate traveling back from work twice now. After the second time I reported to my local dealership. While driving home, my vehicle lost power and was extremely slow and unresponsive. Check engine light came on but when checked under the diagnostics of the entertainment system, showed no issues present. Light turn off but still was having issues with responsiveness. When arriving home connected my personal odb scanner tool to the vehicle and showed 1 code p0301cylinder 1 misfire. Had take. Pics of the code and of my obd tool and cleared the code. Car started functioning correctly again. But still took to dealership for analysis. Dealership could not find any issues or codes, probably cause I cleared the code which allowed the vehicle to run normally again.

I was driving and out of no where the battery light pop up and than car turns off on in the middle of traffic. . Surprisingly there was no accident it was scary I had my two babies in the car with me. There’s no recall it’s a safety hazard . .

The contact owns a 2011 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 mph, the axle popped out of the transmission, and fractured the lower ball joints and steering system. There was an abnormal burning electrical odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while being turned off. The vehicle was taken to autozone, where unknown diagnostic codes were retrieved. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 40 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was flashing continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed, and the cylinder #6 spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the engine and the cylinders. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The dealer determined that the cylinder block assembly and the engine needed to be replaced; however, an unknown spark plug was replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where a scope with a camera was used to inspect the cylinders, and no oil was found; however the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to undergo an oil consumption test. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles. The contact had parked and had stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns.  the failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 95 mph. The check engine and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off the vehicle and was able to stop the vehicle on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the throttle shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following day, and while driving at 55 mph, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 80 mph. The contact pulled over to the side lane and turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle gradually slowed to a stop. The check engine warning light and hazard light were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and slowly driven back to the same deale,r and the contact was informed that additional diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.