Engine. Review the 360 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports14 fire reports13 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

113 reports

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Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021

StructureUnknown Or Other

The paint is blowing off.

NHTSA ODI #11428659

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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I am making a complaint due to the paint chipping above the windshield. The paint started to chip and now in growing larger. Every time it rains the paint chips more and more. I have noticed not only that my car pillars on the siding around the windshield peeled that I have repainted but now it is above the wind shield. There are alot of Kia Sorentos in my area that the top of their vehicle are peeling as well so this has to be a manufacturer problem. I have spoken with a few shops in the area and they stated to inform Kia that is an ongoing issue with all the kia's. I have pictures of the top of my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11426444

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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Intermittently and unpredictably, my V6 Sorrento just loses all power when trying to accelerate. This occurs when trying to accelerate from a stop or slow roll, but not when moving along at over, say, 20 mph. Obviously, this can be a very dangerous thing when trying to cross or pull out onto a street when there’s oncoming traffic. The car will move just enough to place it in the path of oncoming traffic and then nothing more until after I’ve released and depressed the accelerator enough times for it to finally decide go. The car has been to the dealer several times for this, and they’ve had no remedy. They said that they couldn’t do anything because they couldn’t duplicate the problem, which is no surprise because it’s totally unpredictable. I’ve had the car into the dealer for this enough times that they finally opened a case with Kia corporate, who also had no answers. My private mechanic found a service bulletin (online, and not from Kia) that said a hose in the fuel system was the issue. After I took the car back to the dealer yet again and told them about the bulletin, they supposedly checked the hose and said that it was okay, but they didn’t try replacing it. After all that I’d been through dealing with this, the dangerous situations it has put me in numerous times, and the fact that they had no answers, it seems to me that they should at least have tried replacing the hose. I’ve been dealing with this for years, and it's disconcerting and dangerous to not be able to trust the car. The car is a 2015 Sorrento SX V6 that I bought in July of 2017 with 31,094 miles on it, and I paid extra to have it “certified.” There is a thread on Kia-Forums.com where others have expressed having the same issue, also with no resolution. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11426366

123,050 miles · Jul 19, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space and making a left turn, the contact heard an abnormal popping. The contact felt the vehicle was dragging something underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle however, the engine was shaking and the contact saw that there was oil leaking on to the ground. The contact put the vehicle in neutral and had her son push the vehicle to her residence. The dealer was contacted but the service department was unavailable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,050.

NHTSA ODI #11425429

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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In July of 2019 I purchased a 2015 Kia Sorento from Haley Toyota of Richmond. About 7 days after purchasing my Sorento, it was cutting off on me while driving and not starting. It was during the hot summer and I would be in the car with my kids sweating stuck hours away from home until the car decided to start up again. It would cut off on us while we were driving!! One day it was almost a terrible accident. Someone almost slammed into the back of us I had to swerve into the ditch!! And ALL of my children were present and my mother. It would start back up like after 30 minutes sometimes hours!! The first time this happened, when we finally got it to the dealer they had it for a while. They said they replaced a computer system and that that should fix it. It didn’t. We kept taking it back they kept not fixing it. And now the car is just not working whatsoever. And I’m still paying for it. The engine shouldn’t be cutting off while the car is in motion. And I’ve looked and there are so many recalls on this car but why isn’t mine included in any engine recalls? The engine is no good. Toyota should not have sold me that car. The vehicle was inspected by Toyota AND Kia and they both acted as though they didn’t know the issue. Then the car just stopped working. We took out in so many times with no resolution. And not I’m stuck paying for a car that doesn’t even run. $333/month plus car insurance. And it was dangerous to drive. No warning Lights or warning signs popped on it would just cut off in the middle of no where. And then after that the engine light would come on, but never before cutting off I never had any warnings. I’ve been given no resolution, and I really need help.

NHTSA ODI #11421819

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2021

Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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This is a continuing problem. I have previously reported this issue to KIA and it has fallen in silent ears. For whatever reason my vehicle has been bone dry of oil. There is no warning that the oil is low. No indicator comes on., nothing! This can happen immediately after an oil change. The oil does not leak on the ground and it is known where the oil goes. The only way I know that there’s is no oil is that the car smells as though something is burning. I have spent hundreds of dollars in oil trying to keep up with when it dry’s out. Also, the rear brake light (right) burns out at least twice a month. At one point the light burned into the housing unit and had to be pulled out with needle nose pliers. I have again spent a lot of money on replacing bulbs. This car is extremely unsafe and I feel at anytime the car will catch on fire.

NHTSA ODI #11421726

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2021

Unknown Or Other

After engine replacement the car has a major loss of power that occurs intermittently. When accelerating the car will stutter and slow down I live In The mountains and there are a lot of blind corners that are safe to Navigate when the vehicle responds properly. I have almost been tboned by oncoming vehicles traveling at an exce…

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NHTSA ODI #11420922

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2021

StructureUnknown Or Other

I have a pearl white Kia Sorento and the paint is peeling and flaking badly in several areas. It is progressively getting worse and it makes the vehicle look terrible.

NHTSA ODI #11420595

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2021

Unknown Or Other

Head light low beams keep burning out on a frequent basis. have to replace couple times a year. have tried led lamps but no after market led lamps seem to fit correctly. have not found any suitable led lamps to use. Halogens continue to burn out. sometimes one light goes out and then will come back on. but always will eventua…

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NHTSA ODI #11420544

87,000 miles · May 3, 2021

Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

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MONITOR THAT DISPLAYS DEFOGGER & DEFROSTER IS NOT DISPLAYING INFORMATION.......... THIS MONITOR IS PART OF THE VEHICLE'S "MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM"......WHICH DISPLAYS :: GPS, RADIO CHANNELS, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONS, DEFROSTING-DEFOGGER..... I PAID $700.00 & $65. 10/05/2018 TO REPLACE THIS SAME "NAVIGATION/ MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM".....VEHICLE MILEAGE THEN WAS 48,600.... THIS UNIT STOPPED WORKING/ NO LONGER DISPLAYING INFORMATION JANUARY 2021. THEN MILEAGE OF 87,000.. ELK GROVE KIA SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PERSONALLY PAY TO HAVE THE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM REPLACE. THE NEW SYSTEM ONLY LASTED APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS..... I ASKED THE KIA DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE OR OFFER DISCOUNT TO REPLACE THIS NEEDED SYSTEM.....THE ANSWER WAS NO ! I SAID TO KIA DEALER THAT OBVIOUSLY THE PRODUCT INSTALLED WAS INFERIOR..(LASTING LESS THAN A YEAR....THE REPLY WAS THE DEALER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTS INSTALLED IN KIA VEHICLES. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE BBB NATIONAL PROGRAMS- AUTO LINE...RE: KIA2115737....BBB SAID MY COMPLAINT DOES NOT QUALIFY PER THEIR GUIDELINES.. I AM STILL WITHOUT VISUAL ASSIST OF THE "MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM".....DEFOGGER/ DEFROSTER.., GPS,

NHTSA ODI #11415038

Official recalls

21V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

May 10, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

20V519000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Aug 27, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21002 · Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 26, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor

Engine

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

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