About this problem
Engine failure complaints describe engines that knock, seize or stop running entirely, often with a sudden loss of power on the road. The usual mechanical cause is wear in the connecting rod bearings, which can follow from manufacturing debris, low oil or oil starvation. Once a bearing fails, the engine usually needs to be replaced. Some failures on these engines are covered by recalls or extended warranties.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Kia Sorento since 2012, 1,486 (20.5%) describe engine failure and engine fires, making it the most reported problem we track on the Sorento. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 327. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 73,000 and 123,000 miles. 106 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 5 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Sorento owners report engines knocking, seizing, losing power and catching fire, many with the 2.4-liter Theta II four-cylinder. Kia recalled hundreds of thousands of these engines for bearing wear, and the 2012, 2013 and 2016 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Kia offers inspections and engine replacement under recall and an extended engine warranty for affected cars. Check the VIN.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free. Otherwise an engine replacement costs $5,000 to $8,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Friday 9/18/15 10:40 am, backing out of parking spot slowly into a road. Engine suddenly failed, engine light came on, and the brakes completely failed."
2012 Kia Sorento, 43,000 miles
"I experience a loud knocking in my engine, upon bringing to the dealership for further inspection, the engine is believed that the rod bearings failed and the engine has metal debri insode of engine."
2013 Kia Sorento, 118,000 miles
"While passing, sudden loss of all power. The check engine light came on. From that point on, very low power. When I got home, there was a fairly loud engine knock and oil coming from tail pipe. Took car to independent shop who diagnosed the issue as rod knock."
2016 Kia Sorento, 82,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles.
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles.
Kia America, Inc.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Kia has sent dealers 95 bulletins that mention this problem on the Sorento. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin provides information associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY035) to diagnose a coolant leak from the cylinder head gas...
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY035) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
ENGINE SUB ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY039 REVISION 6) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
Dealer parts and service manager memo: wty008 - 2012-2014 my Sorento 2.4l gdi engine - effective immediately, Kia motors america, inc.
Request for reimbursement form: wty008 - 2012-2014 my Sorento 2.4l gdi engine warranty extension program - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligible for reimbursem...
Government investigations
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019
Defect petition DP21002 · 2015–2017 · opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023
Engineering analysis EA21003 · 2012–2014 · opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024
Preliminary evaluation PE19004 · 2012–2014 · opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021
Before you buy a Sorento
- Ask for oil change records; long gaps are a red flag on these engines.
- Listen for knocking or ticking at idle and when accelerating.
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls and for any extended engine warranty.
Questions
Which Kia Sorento years have engine failure and engine fires?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2016 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 327 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 99,000 miles, and half reported it between 73,000 and 123,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free. Otherwise an engine replacement costs $5,000 to $8,000.