About this problem
Engine fires usually start when fuel or oil leaks onto a hot exhaust part, or when an electrical part overheats. On some engines, a cracked cylinder head, a failing fuel line or an engine failure that throws oil can all lead to fire. Warning signs include a burning smell, smoke from under the hood and fluid leaks. Several of these cars have fire-related recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Kia Sorento since 2012, 295 (4.1%) describe engine fires, the second most reported problem we track on the Sorento. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2016 and 2017 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 60. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 59,000 and 125,000 miles. 154 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 3 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Sorento owners report engine fires, smoke and burning smells, and Kia issued several fire-related recalls on these years, including for engine failures and for an electrical short in the hydraulic unit. The 2012, 2016 and 2017 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Check the VIN for open fire recalls; repairs are free. Some recalls advised owners to park outside until the fix.
Typical cost: Recall repairs are free.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"UNKNOWN Possible head gasket, radiator or water pump damage. Light smoke from engine. Constantly have to fill car up with antifreeze & water every few miles."
2016 Kia Sorento, 149,286 miles
"I have only recently seen articles regarding the Hyundai/Kia engines catching fire. I had a 2012 Kia Sorento that the engine caught fire in 2014 hence totalling the vehicle."
2012 Kia Sorento, 35,000 miles
"After 650 miles: merging onto a highway: engine rattled. Engine died. We coasted to the shoulder. We stopped. I put the vehicle in park. Smoke was coming from under the hood. Looking underneath, we saw the car was on fire."
2017 Kia Sorento, 650 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 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 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
Kia has sent dealers 3 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.
Pitstop: dtc p0315 - crankshaft position (ckp) sensor variation not learned - when encountering a customer complaint of engine misfire with a malfunction indicator light (mil) on in the dash, check for the presence of dtc p0315...
DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT Kia MEDIA REPORTS - Dear Kia Retailer, You and your customers may have seen recent media reports regarding thermal incidents in Kia vehicles or NHTSA's announcement of the opening of a Defect Petit...
DEALER COMMUNICATION - RECENT Kia MEDIA REPORTS, OCTOBER 26 2018 UPDATE - Dear Kia Retailer, We wrote to you in late August to provide you with an update regarding news reports regarding non-collision fires in Kia vehicles and ...
Government investigations
Defect petition DP18003 · 2012–2014 · opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019
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
- Check by VIN for open recalls before buying.
- Look under the hood for oil leaks and burnt wiring.
- Avoid cars with burning smells after a drive.
Questions
Which Kia Sorento years have engine fires?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2016, 2017 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 60 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 90,000 miles, and half reported it between 59,000 and 125,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Recall repairs are free.