Kia Sorento Complaints (2018)

255 consumer complaints on file.

#11720734February 26, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While on the road driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle started to "bog" and losing power and/or acceleration. Had to immediately drive off the road as there were several vehicles behind. As soon as driving off the road, the vehicle died down and would not start again. The check engine light came on. After several minutes the vehicle started again and drove to a secure area to call the tow truck. If the vehicle died down while in traffic, it would have caused an accident involving several vehicles. If it happened on the freeway, it would have caused a "major accident". The vehicle was towed to the vehicle dealership. It was determined by the vehicle dealership that the "high pressure fuel pump" was faulty and had to be replaced. It took four (4) months for the replacement part to arrive. Another similar dealer said that there were "55 other vehicle owners" waiting on the same part nationwide. It must be an "inherent problem" with the high pressure fuel pump. After replacing the high pressure fuel pump, the vehicle was operating normally.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720382February 25, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719842February 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle had abruptly attempted to merge into the opposite traveling lane and caused the front end bumper to crash into the Front Driver-side door of the other vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed away to a local tow yard. A Traffic Accident Information form was filed by the local police department. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the opposite insurance provider, and the contact was not deemed at fault. In addition, the contact was taken out of the vehicle safely by paramedics and was taken to a nearby UgentCare where he sought medical attention for neck and hand pains and severe mental distress. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11718665February 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My speedometer was jumping from 0 to 20 mph while in park. A couple weeks later it did it while I was driving, I was going 25 mph and it jumped to 55 mph. I took it to the shop that day and all 4 of my wheel speed sensors were out, which wasn’t accurately measuring my speed. The shop said it was common with this model and year. Also, my headlights do not work in auto mode. I will have shut my car off, made sure the lights were off, and hours later I have a text from my neighbors that my lights are on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715656February 4, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
2018 Kia Sorento 2.4 GDI. In late 2024 a Kia dealer performed an oil-consumption test and confirmed the engine was burning excessive oil. In Feb 2025 the engine long block was replaced. Within about 4,000 miles the vehicle began setting P1326 warnings, misfiring, losing power, and struggling to climb hills. On a highway trip from South Carolina back to Indiana, the vehicle could barely maintain 30–40 mph on grades with the accelerator floored while traffic was moving much faster. The check-engine light returned repeatedly. The vehicle eventually died on an exit ramp and had to be pushed out of traffic and towed. I felt it was unsafe to drive but was repeatedly told by dealers that it was “OK to drive” or that the issue was “bad gas.” After visits to multiple dealers, the current Kia service center finally diagnosed a severely clogged exhaust. They report the manifold catalytic converter and underbody converter have broken down internally and are heavily coated in carbon/oil deposits, and state this likely came from the engine burning oil before and around the time of the rebuild. Exhaust temperatures have been recorded at very high levels, and the engine will only run briefly with an O2 sensor removed to vent exhaust; with the exhaust sealed it will not stay running. The dealer has warned there may now be internal engine damage from prolonged backpressure. The vehicle has been undriveable for many months and the failed converters are being retained and are available for inspection. My concern is that excessive oil consumption on these GDI engines is causing secondary catalytic-converter failure, extreme power loss, stalling risk, and possible fire risk from overheated exhaust components, even after engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715353February 3, 2026
ENGINE
My car had an issue that was covered under a class action lawsuit. I even had an extended Warranty which was still valid at the time. I was intimidated by the warranty company when they said well if there is carbon build up in the engine the cost of the repair is on you. So I didn't have it fixed and the engine blew up and is now inoperable in my driveway. So bottom line I couldn't get KIA to help me or the extended warranty company when clearly it was KIA's responsibility to fix there defect in the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715069February 2, 2026
STEERING
I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car was made in April and the recall starts for cars made in June . Well now they are saying I need a new steering column when u turn the wheel u hear a load clunk noise my dash light go on and off when you turn the wheel and you lose power to the vehicle I also burn threw light bulbs monthly I think it’s also a electrical issue within this vehicle I have already had to get a new engine this vehicle in junk and has costed me a fortune and the keep denying to cover there at fault for any of it and it’s there fault it’s not just my car they are all like this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711622January 17, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707524December 29, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1. at night when i toggle hi beams the light black out and i have to jiggle the toggle 2. My HECU assembly is out, I have about 7 lights on my dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707059December 26, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706587December 22, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was heavy white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak coming from the engine. The contact had her son inspect the vehicle, and he discovered that oil was leaking onto the spark plugs in cylinder #1. The contact’s son diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The contact then stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and waited for approximately an hour before being able to restart the vehicle and drive to the destination. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the dealer discovered several oil leaks in various cylinders. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705969December 18, 2025
ENGINE
The engine suddenly failed while I was driving on the highway. The vehicle lost power without warning, which created a dangerous situation. I had to pull over and have the vehicle towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704410December 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is burning oil at a rate of almost one quart per week. The engine can be felt shaking when driving. The engine light came on and states there is a P0303 Cylinder 3 misfired detected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701287November 24, 2025
ENGINE
Started the car and heard a knocking sound. No check engine or low oil light on the dash. Dealership said the bearing clearance test was too great, causing the connecting rod to knock inside the engine. Dealership said I need an engine replacement. Engine is 3.3L Lambda II engine which has been reported to have this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700588November 20, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving from richlands coming home and my vechial kept trying to die on me like i didnt have any gas and then i had to suddenly pull off the side of the road without any power and i sat their and even try to restart the vechial and it wouldn't start back then a woman come out of nowhere in an ambulance and i was trying to tell her that it was alright and she was trying to tell me that the vechial was on fire underneath the vechial and i didnt see that it was a fire at all i though i was overheating so i was sitting in the vechial waiting on it to cool down thank god i was not hurt really bad if this would have happened somewere else i know i would be dead i already have smoke in my lungs from breathing in all that smoke i though was just steam but i still dont know what in my engine caught on fire but i do know it started from either in the engine or under it somewhere then everything caught fire and it was all melted the whole thing is completely gone even the tag melted i have never seen that kind of fire before ever and i have own alot of vechicle and they usally break down but this was the first time one caught on fire and thus happens to kia alot even the day this happened the fire dept told me they just put another kia out just the week before how is it that kia are keeping these vechicle on the road it is awful and im trying to do something about it but noone will help me and i dont know what i need yo do to make kia pay for this i only had this vechial almost 6 months and it didnt have alot of miles on it 100000 thats not alot but the kia everything i have read have flew apart after the warranty has expired so its great for them i say they are happy and they have had a few recalls on this vechial and know about the fire but have something stupid like a tow hitch its saying my vechial has that recall but i didnt see a tow hitch anywere but it still caught fire so i would love for someone to take these vechial off the road they are not safe not what kia
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11699701November 16, 2025
ENGINE
My Vehicle’s Problems Excessive Oil Consumption My engine kept losing oil far more rapidly than normal. I was regularly checking and had to top off the oil, even though mileage suggested it should not be that frequent. However, there was no “check engine” warning light or low-oil warning light even when the oil level was dangerously low. Despite the oil being burned or lost, none of the sensors ever alerted me. Eventually, before my next scheduled service, the extreme oil loss culminated in catastrophic failure: the engine seized, and the car is now completely undrivable. Engine Failure / Seizure The engine’s seizure was sudden and without any prior warning. There was no indication via “check engine” light, oil light, or other dashboard warnings. I have obtained an estimate for replacing the engine, and regrettably, the cost of a new engine exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This is deeply unfair, given that the root cause appears to be excessive oil consumption, not misuse or accident. Lack of Responsiveness / Remediation I feel that despite my efforts to maintain the car and monitor oil levels, I was left to fix a major and very expensive defect. I request that Kia take full responsibility: cover the engine replacement (or provide a buyback / repurchase option), reimburse me for costs, or find another equitable remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697964November 6, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic sign or stop lights, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started making the knocking sound again. The check engine warning light illuminated and was now constantly illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the sounds and check engine warning light being illuminated, the contact was constantly adding engine oil, even after an oil change. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was replaced in 2019 by the same dealer. The dealer requested that the engine be replaced; however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that the request was denied. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact requested an escalation to review the engine replacement and was informed that the escalation had been denied. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694100October 17, 2025
ENGINE
Started with check engine light coming on then having problems with engine knocking last winter. During oil change and oil filter change there were gold "sparkles" throughout the old oil and the filter was completely covered. It appears some component of the engine is being "chewed" up and destroying our engine. It is now undrivable. I was told by our local mechanic shop to contact KIA or NHTSA regarding a special extended warranty from KIA specifically for engine issues. I am not finding anything specific online, so wanted to reach out. I am waiting to hear back from local KIA dealership service department as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688792September 22, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other problem is a glass issue. For no apparent reason, when I shut my driver side door a few weeks ago. My entire rear window shattered into pieces. There were no signs of damage to the rear window. Happened in my drive way. But, it could have happened anywhere. Filed a insurance claim and had the rear window replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685959September 9, 2025
ENGINE
KIA Sorento 2018 The vehicle experienced engine failure due to piston ring damage at approximately 111,500 miles. A Kia dealer diagnosed the issue with codes P0301 and P0304 and confirmed the engine requires full replacement. This creates serious safety concerns, including engine misfires, loss of power, and risk of stalling while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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