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

I was driving and my kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the hendricks of kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Engine seized up while driving. I had just visited the dealership and had 5 recalls done.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine misfired due to a broken valve in one of the cylinders. This failure occurred approximately two months after completing the scheduled 100,000-mile service at a kia dealership. The affected parts (valve, cylinder components) should still be available for inspection by kia or a third party. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in the middle of the highway while driving at normal speed. This created a dangerous situation where I could have been struck by oncoming traffic while trying to safely exit the roadway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the issue was confirmed by a repair shop, which diagnosed the cause as a misfire due to a broken valve. I have service documentation of the diagnosis available. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but it was inspected by the servicing dealership and/or an independent mechanic who confirmed the valve failure. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? prior to the complete failure, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began running roughly (misfiring). These symptoms appeared very shortly before the breakdown, giving me no meaningful time to react before the engine stalled.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Excessively burn oil, have to put in a quart or more every 1,000 miles. Recently started sputtering like there was a miss in the engine when idling or barely pushing at acceleration pedal. Bad oil consumption started around 70k miles engine sputtering started around 100k miles.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired, and the mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a fuel injector failure. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts need to be ordered to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,880.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Dad, driving back with daughter, noticed a brief and unusual delay between shifts, but was able to make it home fine. A few minutes later, mom left for picking up son after school. On the way there, she noticed sluggish acceleration, louder engine sounds/effort on acceleration and mild slopes, and there was a lag in acceleration response. After powering off the vehicle and sit in idle to recharge battery, restarted trip home and was unable to get acceleration response up the hills, doing only 20 mph. Engine was struggling and not getting any acceleration response. No check engine lights were generated as usual. Dad called service manager at kia temecula and he said to call kia roadside assistance to come tow the car to them. He also said that likely we'll be out of pocket to do any car rentals until they have a car to loan to us.

August 18, 2025 at 3pm pt; my 2025 kia Sorento x-line was parked in my driveway facing the street. I had the engine on, and in park mode, ac on, back hatch door open. No one was in the vehicle. I was standing behind the vehicle when it then started to go in reverse, then stopped for 2 seconds. It then proceeded to go into reverse again. The garage door was open. The vehicle pushed me into the blades of our lawn mower (it is stored in the garage on its end, so the blades face the garage door), and continued to push me and the lawn mower into our gardening tool supply rack. I did all I could to stop the vehicle with my body and yell for help. I was trapped. The vehicle eventually stopped because the back hatch door was open and caught on the upper part of the garage frame. I got myself unstuck and got out to the right, and went straight to the passenger front door to check out the gear shift. It was still in park mode. All was captured on our ring camera. I called kia corporate customer service and received a case number (25476533) and was told I would hear back in 10 business days. This was after calling the dealership twice directly (elk grove kia) leaving a detailed message with no response.

The vehicle emits a strong fuel odor: seems to be around the rear of vehicle & front engine compartment of vehicle. Seems the fuel system, both low & high pressure fuel pumps and their pipes channels are leaking to emit a strong fuel odor. Extreme high volatile combustion & fire risk! remedy: the fuel system including both low & high pressure fuel pumps & their pipes channels need replaced with strong, better engineered components! a newer vehicle like this should not be having fuel system failures.

83,000 miles just changed oil and knock sensor and engine seized.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to exceed 18 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to the knock sensor detection system(ksds). The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was unreachable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,798.

My motor is knocking and losing compression.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

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

Kia Sorento has a well documented engine failure. The issue starts with the vehicle consuming engine oil. Subsequently the connecting rod bearings fail resulting in severe engine failure. This happens even with regular oil change maintenance. I experienced that with this vehicle. Kia was contacted but said this vehicle's VIN did not fall under the list of affected vehicles in their class action lawsuit.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Nhtsa complaint – kia Sorento vehicle: 2025 kia Sorento component/system: engine, fuel/propulsion system, power train date of incident: [xxx] location: [xxx] , southbound description of the problem: while driving my 2025 kia Sorento southbound on [xxx] , the accelerator did not respond properly both on a flat road and while going uphill. The engine failed to provide adequate power, creating a serious safety risk on the highway. The vehicle is currently at the dealer for inspection, which will take place on Monday. However, I am extremely frustrated that I have not been provided a loaner or rental vehicle, even though I need transportation immediately. Additionally, as a u. S. Citizen, I feel I am being treated unfairly and receiving discriminatory service compared to others in similar situations. No warning lights or messages appeared before the incident. The dealer has not confirmed or fixed the issue yet. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. I am reporting this issue to document the safety risk, service denial, and potential discrimination, and to seek proper investigation. Inspection availability: unknown – vehicle can be inspected upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2013 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop light, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power in the intersection. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed by the warranty company to aamco, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed of an engine recall, and the vehicle was then towed to a local kia dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the original owner would have received the recall and that the repair would not be covered. The contact was informed that the former owner should have notified her of the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

On [xxx], while driving home at highway speeds, I attempted to accelerate and the vehicle bucked and sputtered violently. The check engine light came on, and my obd scanner showed multiple misfires in cylinder 1. I have also experienced suspected transmission slipping from a full stop and during highway driving—rpms will spike (up to ~5,500) with little or no increase in speed, sometimes after releasing the accelerator. These issues have occurred multiple times prior to [xxx]. On [xxx], while traveling 80–85 mph, I released the accelerator and the rpms again spiked to ~5,500 while the vehicle rapidly lost speed and barely moved. Starting mileage at first occurrence is unknown, but kia should have this documented from a prior service visit. The condition is ongoing and worsening, creating a serious safety risk by causing loss of acceleration and unpredictable power surges while in traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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

I was driving and the vehicle shut off. All electric still on lights, radio, dash, etc. No issues or noises indicating that the engine was having faliure. Did not overheat, had oil and gas. Just bought car used 6 months ago with 140k miles. Had it towed to mechanic and was told the engine was locked. Engine repair is my only option that is going to cost 5-8k. Vehicle has been maintained regularly with only one previous owner and no major repairs ever needed to be done.

Sorento is not working properly due to transmission oil pump. This has been recalled by kia but my car does not fall under the warranty.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Was on my way back from picking up my child father from work. My 2 kids were also in the car [xxx] & [xxx] old. My car started smoking and another motorist pulled down his window to let me know that my car was on fire from underneath. I immediately got all of us out of the car and my child father went to go pop the hood and noticed that fire was coming near the engine !! made an insurance claim and they deemed the car as a total loss. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Out of no where engine light starts flashing and had it checked code p1326 knock sensor detection system. Now need a new engine. This is a common issue for this make and model but somehow my VIN isn’t on the recall. This isn’t right.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

We have been having problems with the speed control not functioning. Sometimes we couldn't set the speed or slow it down. Now it doesn't function at all! when it was working the cancel switch would also not work and we had to use the brake pedal to shut it off. Later on while driving through town with the cruise control still on, I stopped at a traffic light and the engine began to race at a high rpms. I took my foot off the gas pedal not knowing exactly what it would do and rpms settled down. Luckily the SUV didn't accelerate into the vehicle in front of me. The engine has done this a couple of times with or without the cruise control on. My wife drives this vehicle with our grand children onboard and I am highly concerned about their safety.

My 2022 kia Sorento keeps loosing power while I’m driving. Now the check engine light is o w.

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

The engine light came on and then two hours later the entire system started flashing and the engine started stalling. The car would not accelerate and had to be taken to kia. This is the second time this has occurred. The first time, the engine froze and I could not accelerate on the highway. I barely got to the side and had to get towed to kia. Please, please investigate this vehicle and the power train.

Growl on cold start.

I don’t understand how my 2017 kia Sorento doesn’t have a recall on its engine. I bought the car in cash and 1 month the car doesn’t want to start. . I don’t understand I wasted money… I need engine replaced and don’t have $10000.

My car will sometimes completely stall at a light when stopped and not restart with the automatic stop system it has happened about 5 times almost causing a wreck.

The contact owns a 2024 kia Sorento. The contact stated that during a routine oil change, the mechanic added an unknown oil additive to the vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power and drove sluggishly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change, and the mechanic observed metal shavings in the oil. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, but it had not yet been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

I now believe I've had a lemon. Since I purchased my car in 2016 they have been trying to diagnose a smell from the exhaust and started replacing parts, this was in miami. Then for a few years in vegas the car spent months at the dealership trying to fix a burning oil issue which I've been told there is a known problem with the turbo still isn't fixed. From the first year I had paint peeling on my snow white pearl color which has numerous forums about kia/Hyundai paint issues especially with my color. I had them repaint the hood which took twice after the bad job the first time. I saw little bumps in the paint which I thought was over-spray from that incident and now I have peeling from one of those spots which is how they form from what I read. My car is 2016 but only has 65k miles. The spot now is getting bigger by the week, the rain isn't helping. There are other spots around the edges and a big spot on the roof and others I've already filled in with a paint pen which looks ugly. If you see my car, inside and out it looks pretty close to new from the way I've taken care of the car. The paint started in August of 2016 but most recently 2025. The engine issues were day one but most recently 2024 they fixed a cylinder that got a hole in it after consuming all the oil and it seems to be headed down that path with the remedy they are offering at kia. The engine and paint should be convered under a class action lawsuit or recall to hold them accountable and fix the issues.

Oil consumption.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

On July 25th when I started my car , 2017 kia Sorento, to leave work, it made a horrible knocking noise when it was starting, but once it started the noise stopped, no alert lights came on, so I drove it home 7 miles and parked it for the weekend. When my husband and I took it out again on Monday, July 28th, we had driven under 10 miles and gotten up to 70 miles an hour on the toll/express road, the check engine light started flashing as the power produced by the engine drastically declined and acceleration seemed capped or limited. We were able to safely exit the toll road without causing or being involved in an accident. We drove it 6 more miles home and parked it. A week later we had it toed to a kia mechanic who confirmed that the engine had been using oil, had metal shavings in the oil and the rod bearing had failed. The engine would have to be replaced. Once the engine was replaced, it was determined that the turbo had also failed on the impeller side and would have to be replaced. We did not take it to a dealer. We had both components replaced by a kia mechanic at our own cost.

While driving, the engine warning light suddenly turned on and the vehicle began shaking violently. I was forced to pull over, and the car had to be towed. The dealership diagnosed engine failure caused by excessive oil consumption. Despite routine maintenance, the manufacturer refuses to cover repairs under warranty. This creates a serious safety hazard, as engine components like spark plugs can fail without warning, potentially leaving drivers stranded or causing accidents.