Timing Tensioner Problems of Kia Motor Sorento

Upon a cold star, engine rattles loudly. This was determined to be a timing chain tensioner. This is a known problem I kia's across many models. Somehow the Sorento was excluded. Of course our vehicle is at 101,000 miles and kia not only refuses to cover it, the want $3100 to make the repairs. I contacted kia corporate, the led me on and changed their story 3 times over 2 weeks and ultimately declined to help. This is a know problem and there are other advisories with other models. It's the same tensioner, I don't know how they can pick and choose.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Loud engine rattle noise when starting engine that has been shut off overnight. Sounds like the camshaft chain hydraulic tensioner is bleeding down. Tensioner does not maintain a correct initial position. Noise diminishes within a minute or so of stationary engine run.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Between oil changes, the engine on this vehicle burned through / consumed all of the full synthetic oil causing a massive failure with the timing chain and all the tensioners. Repair estimate: $2800. I've never had a car that consumed oil like this. It was unpredictable. If I had caught this later, it was have likely caused a more catastrophic failure requiring the replacement of the entire engine or rebuild. The vehicle is under 75,000 miles. Had I been the original owner of the vehicle, a 100,000 mile warranty would apply. However, subsequent owners lose 40,000 miles of warranty coverage. My warranty is expired as a result. Kia has had other recalls on prior year Sorento models, but the 2015 is yet to be recalled as of the writing of this complaint. I hope that changes in the near future.

The engine makes a high pitch whining noise. Have not had any repairs as of yet. Kia thinks it's the timing chain tensioner. Kia states this will cost 4000 or more to fix.

See all problems of the 2008 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Driving in rural eastern colorado when the battery and brake warning lights came on. Drove on to the next town with a repair shop (brush, CO) and checked under the hood. Belts were loose and the bottom pulley was lying in the bottom of the engine compartment. Had to have it towed 70 miles to the kia dealership in windsor, CO ($375). They did the repair and charged $1303. 85. Had to rent a car while the repair was completed ($343. 57). Harmonic balancer had failed and caused damage to timing belt, tensioner, crank sprocket, etc.

See all problems of the 2005 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

In September 2012, traveling at 35mph my kia came to a stop. At first glance it was determined the drive belts had unfastened and the cam shaft bolt was laying on the engine pan. After inspection at kia service shop the specialist identified that the cam shaft bolt had sheered off due to the defective part: cam shaft sprocket-c, part # 23120-35701 cost $60. 00. The final suggestion was to replace the bolt set, sprocket, crank angle sensor, damper pulley, auto tensioner and all drive belts a total of $2,000 repair cost. In 2014, the cost repair is now 4,000 to replace the engine because of the same exact issue but traveling over 40mpg causing more damage. The main cause of this defect derives from the small pin attached to the sprocket that turns the harmonic balancer and grinds the steel with the force of the engine into nothing. The result of this defect causes the harmonic balancer to come lose, sheering off the crank bolt first, then if traveling at low speed will follow with the repair above, however if at high speed will result in engine damage in the valves making it necessary to replace the engine at a cost of $4,000. You may refer to the following resources for more information: the kia Sorento engine defect class action lawsuit case is robinson el al v. Kia motors America inc. Case no. 13-cv00006 us district court of new jersey. . Read more...

On 9-3-12 bought a new 2013 kia Sorento with the base 4 engine. Next day noticed a vibration when idling in drive. The car shakes. Notified dealer immediately. Dealer noticed concern but could not address. No applicable service bulletin. In December dealer notified me of a possible solution. Dealer installed a new tensioner and alternator pulley. Changes did lesson the vibrations. But an unacceptable vibration still exists when idling in drive. The vibration disappears when the transmission is put in n when idling in drive.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.