10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 13
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,631 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Kia Sorento engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Kia Sorento Owner Comments (Page 13 of 15)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #41

Jul 282019

Sorento

  • 36,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to greenway Kia West palm beach located at (735 S. military trl, West palm beach, fl 33415), where the engine was replaced. About six months later, the vehicle stalled and lost power and was taken back to the dealer. The dealer replaced the wiring harness. The failure recurred and the same dealer replaced the knock sensor. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who kept the vehicle for a couples of weeks and was unable to repair the failure. The better business bureau told the contact that as a second owner, the vehicle did not qualify for a lemon law protection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

- Haverhill, FL, USA

problem #40

Feb 042020

Sorento

  • 77,000 miles
The car stalled while I was driving. No warning lights (no check engine light, temp, etc.) or warning. I pulled over, turned it off then back on and started to hear a low knocking in motor. It ran for a few miles, then stalled at a light. I turned off then back on then made it home. At home my husband checked the oil and it looked "milky". when he tried to drive it to the Kia it made a loud noise in the motor and died. We towed it to Kia. Kia tells us that because the oil is ""murky" they will not uphold the 100,000 warranty (under 80,000 miles on the car). We believe the change in oil is due to a defect.

- Walden, NY, USA

problem #39

Oct 112019

Sorento

  • miles
Feb 07 2020 - mileage: 59,211 - this is my last 'excessive oil consumption' test with dealership. My 2017 Kia Sorento was down 1.7 quarts of oil (more like 2 qts as the engine was hot and the tech agreed, more like 2 qts.) after 1002 miles, that averages out to about 1 qt oil every 500 miles. The tech said he would submit all testing results to Kia motors. He also said to check oil every 1000 miles and to add oil if needed, do not let it run out of oil. My next oil change is sch at 61176 miles, that's about 1965 miles, I will probably have to add 3.93 qts before my sch oil change if still 1 qt. Every 500 miles still applicable. The original dipstick was yellow, they replaced it with an 'orange' one ever since the testing began. They said the original dipstick was not reading correctly and all Kia having this 'excessive oil consumption' problem will have dipsticks replaced with the orange ones.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #38

Oct 112019

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

January 17, 2020, I am still under the excessive oil consumption testing. I went to the dealership as they told me to on Dec. 30 2019, I met my 1000 miles, it was down 1 qt. Of oil. The dipstick is 'sealed' to the electric harness, they claim it will not catch on fire. Hopefully it won't. so far with the testing, the oil is down 1 quart every 1000 miles, the engine only holds abt. 5 1/4 quarts of oil. The manufacturer recommends oil change every 7500 miles. The service tech said they are having excessive oil consumption problems with the 2.0 and 2.4 engines, I have a 2.4 engine. This vehicle is scary, I feel unsafe driving it, it may catch on fire. Service tech told me it will take a total of 4 sealed dipstick testing, I have two more to go.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #37

Oct 112019

Sorento

  • miles
I brought my vehicle to the dealership Dec 09 2019 (mileage 56176) as instructed by service tech in order for them to check reason this vehicle is using a lot of oil in between oil changes. Service tech checked oil and found oil was down 1.25 qts. Service tech opened tech line case and sent pictures to Kia. I was instructed to return to dealership to recheck oil level in 1000 miles. Today, Dec. 30 2019, (mileage 57231) I returned to dealership. Oil was down 1 qt. After 1055 miles. If you do the math, engine only holds 5.5 quarts of oil, if I go the entire 7500 miles in between oil change(as per owner manual) I would be out of oil.service tech added 1 qt. Oil and put in a sealed dipstick so I cannot check oil level. How am I to know oil level" I park vehicle in my garage. When I questioned tech about this he said it was on Kia's liability if something were to happen. I would know when the engine is out of oil, the engine will start knocking, and he made the knocking sound on the counter. That is really helping my husband and I comfort level, if someone gets hurt or killed, what does it matter" there are other people on the roads that could be injured or killed if something happens to my vehicle. My vehicle could catch on fire, cause injuries or death to us and / or others. Service tech would not say what Kia is doing about this matter when I asked him. He just said Kia is looking into it. He gave my husband and I the impression he knows what is going on, he said he was not at Liberty to discuss any further. The service tech also stated that it is up to the owners to check their own oil levels. Now I cannot check the oil level, it has a sealed dipstick. He is contradicting himself, make no sense.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #36

Mar 262019

Sorento

  • 30,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator flashed. The contact took the vehicle to metro Kia of madison (5442 wayne terrace, madison, wi 53718) and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 18V907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine). The dealer replaced the knock sensor. On another occasion, while traveling 45 mph, the same failure occurred with the check engine warning indicator flashing. The contact returned the vehicle to the same dealer and was informed that the VIN was included in a new unknown recall. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

- Stoughton, WI, USA

problem #35

Dec 192019

Sorento

  • 37,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

December 19,2019 our 2017 Kia sorrento with 37K miles on it would not start. The temperature was below zero and thought that has something to do with it. Initially the car tried turning over but after a few attempts, it stopped doing anything. We worked through a number of problem solving steps and after a while called roadside assistance and they towed the car to the Kia dealership where we leased it from. On December 23, we called for a status and were told the engine is seized. The service department said the oil drained was black and sludge. They went on to say we did not change the oil and will be responsible for a new engine and labor. The oil was changed on time as the Kia reminds you of the service. There was no notice or indication that there was an issue, just seized. At approximately 20,000 miles on the car, the transmission blew and needed that repaired as well. Seeing others describe a similar issue makes me think this is a design flaw. Kia should make this a recall and provide restitution.

- Ballston Lake, NY, USA

problem #34

Oct 102019

Sorento

  • 47,000 miles
On October 10 2019 my wife was driving the kids to school in our 2017 Kia Sorento and before she could get out of the neighborhood the car started to jerk uncontrollably and lost all acceleration before it cut off. She then tried to restart the car several time but was unsuccessfully it it starting back up before it stalled out. After the car was left alone for a while I went out to the car and it started back up and seemed like it drove fine. We did not take it to the dealership that time. After that my wife said that she felt the vehicle was not driving like it should. She said that you basically had to floor it for it to get up to cruising speed. Approximately 6 weeks later my wife started to have more problems with the vehicle. She stated that the acceleration problem was very noticeable and was scaried that it was going to stall out again before she could get home that day. She was able to get home safe that time. Later on that day she had to go back out and she said that it started up fine and drove fine until with out warning it just shut off while she was driving in the middle of business intersection. The car started up just fine once it shut off and my wife drove it to a nearby parking lot where it sat until it was towed to the dealership. The dealership has had the vehicle about 3 weeks now and are unable replicate the problem. The dealership said that they have done everything possible to see if there was a problem with the car. Since they cannot replicate the problem and there is no codes then they think that the vehicle is fine. Sin E the car cut off on my wife twice in six weeks she is scared to drive the car in fear that it will shut off on her again. This is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed by Kia. I am not the only one complaining about this problem with this car this could have very easily resulted in a major accident

- Dunn, NC, USA

problem #33

Oct 112019

Sorento

  • miles
8/19/19 I had a scheduled oil / filter change at dealership, mileage 50280. 10/11/19 I checked my oil and there was no oil on the oil dipstick. There were no leaks, no oil on garage floor, no oil warning light. I brought it to the dealership same day, 10/11/19, I thought maybe the tech did not put correct amount of oil, I only had an addtl. 2700 miles and was not scheduled for an oil change yet. One of the techs put about 1 1/2 - 2 quarts of oil in it and told me to keep an eye on it. Saturday, 12/07/19, it happened again, no oil was showing on the dipstick. I was going to have dealership do the oil change, I was close to the mileage to get one, but not quite, but instead of dealership doing oil change, he said to bring it back Monday 12/09/19 to have a 'tech line' opened. I am the original owner of this 2017 Kia Sorento and it is still under warranty.

- Dahlonega, GA, USA

problem #32

Dec 032019

Sorento

  • 85 miles
Was driving from work to home. (approximately a 10 mile trip.) there was no indication of engine trouble or any warning lights on at all. About half way my car began to rumble and not shift. Now an engine light indicates along with an oil pressure gauge. As I find a safe place to pull over my car shuts down. There was no prior indication that my car needed oil or service.

- New Florence, PA, USA

problem #31

Nov 202019

Sorento

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After oil change, within 1500miles missing 2 quartz of oil. Not normal.

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

problem #30

Aug 112019

Sorento

  • 65,000 miles
I was stopped at a red light on a city street and struck head on by another vehicle. The damage is shown below in the uploaded image. My airbags did not deploy.

- Bel Aire, KS, USA

problem #29

Jul 122019

Sorento

  • 19,000 miles
Car stalls for no apparent reason while driving. The dealer can't find anything wrong because it's not showing any codes. First time car was towed to dealership. Second time the car started back up so I drove it to the dealer. This can cause a major accident.

- Lindenhurst, NY, USA

problem #28

Jul 232019

Sorento

  • 65,660 miles
Bought the car in 2018 March I have a 2017 Sorento. Have done regular 5000 oil changes. Kia said it was sludge in engine, however there are metal shaving inside the the oil and sludge caused by crank shaft. As of now no recall. Out of warranty by 5000 miles. Current situation waiting for "good faith" help appeal. Was denied stating not maintaining oil changes. Got proof provided to service dept and waiting for decision. This could have gone real wrong. No engine warning light no oil lights ever came on. Thankful I was not driving on highway( with baby )and engine could have shut down. I heard knocking and took it directly to Kia.they Kia service dept advised not to drive so I left it there. I have a rental and its been a week today. Still waiting for answer. The whole reason buying this Kia was for a reliable car for my family. It is 2 yrs old no reason engine failure. My problems are similiar to other reports I have read so there is a major issue with Kia motors.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #27

Jun 022019

Sorento

  • 56,000 miles
We drove home from a weekend out of town. The trip took 5 hours. When we arrived home I let the dogs out of the car, grabbed two suit cases and brought them into the house. When I went outside to finish unpacking the car (5 minutes later) the car was completely engulfed in flames at this point I had my wife call 911 and tried to get things out of my car this was impossible. We lost the Kia and another car it was parked next to as well as significant damage to our home. The car was parked in the driveway and was turned off 5 minutes prior to discovering the fire. Within 15 minutes both cars and my garage were in flames.

- Elsberry, MO, USA

problem #26

Jul 022019

Sorento

  • 29,000 miles
While exiting a highway, heard a noise. Steering became difficult. Engine stalled, all warning lights lit up. Smoke seen in rearview mirrors. Came to a stop and discovered a fire under the engine. Car was engulfed within 7 minutes. Total loss, nothing left.

- Egg Harbor Township, NJ, USA

problem #25

May 102019

Sorento

  • 53,178 miles
Check engine light started flashing and engine speed became restricted. Took to Kia dealership and said Kia agreed to replace engine under warranty. 2 months later ive gotten no info from Kia as to when to expect a new engine. It was 3 weeks then 6 weeks may be as long S 4 months

- Ocean Springs, MS, USA

problem #24

May 312019

Sorento

  • 67,000 miles
Engine is severely slugged and there was no warning ever. Found out after an oil changed at 67K at jiffy lube when I took it to the ourisman Kia dealer in chantilly, va. There is no warning that any of this situation was starting to happen even after a previous oil change at Kia dealer at 58K miles. The dealership denied my claim with the 100K mile warranty because I don't have proof that I did all 9 oil changes. They proceeded to tell me that I need a new engine but that they are on backorder nationwide and who knows what date tbd that will become available. The repair shop I took it to piedomont in haymarket, va says they think it is something like a year before it might be available. So in the mean time no loaner was ever offered to me and no I have a unusable vehicle that I have submitted a claim for with geico. I do not have funding for a new engine and the fact that the Kia motor company has no engine to even supply to me is completely unacceptable practice for a business. Also 1 year ago my battery just died according to the Kia dealer due to a parasitic drain. That seems suspicious to me since the vehicle was only a year old and had to be replaced with one I bought at walmart. Also, the fuse for the driver seat continuously blows.

- Gainesville, VA, USA

problem #23

Feb 242019

Sorento

  • 10,000 miles
Had recall for PI1802 knock sensor update. 2 weeks later went to get up to speed on highway and went into limp mode. Told engine needed to be replaced. Wait a month and pick up car. Turns out only wiring harness was replaced. Another few weeks and I go to get on another highway in fast lane and it happens again - limp mode. Told engine not replaced, now it will be and without the car again and engine back ordered. Do not qualify for lemon law - 2 years and under 11,000 miles. How does shutting down the engine to save the engine be of higher concern than the passengers in the vehicle"??" not happy and not much I can do since lease. If and when I get it back its being traded - I refuse to sit in it again.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #22

Oct 172018

Sorento

  • 45,000 miles
When driving vehicle for more than 30 minutes, engine begins to overheat. Vehicle is fine while driving but when waiting at stop sign or red light engine begins to overheat rapidly. Also, when driving uphill same engine heating problem occurs. After engine starts over heating from issues mentioned above problems worsen, after wards issues extend to engine over heating while driving in constant speed or C cruising at same speed

- South Gate, CA, USA

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