2014 Kia Sorento: excessive oil consumption

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · SC

On XXX, the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine on our 2014 Kia Sorento (current mileage: 160,000) catastrophically seized without warning while my [XXX] was driving at interstate speeds at night. This caused an immediate and sudden loss of power, power steering, and braking assist, creating an extreme traffic hazard. No one was injured and the driver was able to safely coast to the shoulder, but it created a highly dangerous situation on a busy interstate. We had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who pulled the starter and confirmed a total mechanical engine seizure. The vehicle was then towed to a Kia dealership. This vehicle has suffered from the well-documented Theta II factory manufacturing flaw where debris destroys the connecting rod bearings, leading to high oil consumption and sudden highway seizure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 2, 2026 · Engine · TX

The vehicle's original engine suffered severe oil consumption and a blown head gasket, which contaminated the exhaust system. The Kia dealership replaced the engine under warranty but refused to replace the damaged catalytic converter claiming it wasn’t a part of the warranty even though it was consequently damaged. The dealership explicitly stated the vehicle should not be started or driven due to the blocked exhaust, but then did repair and release after I pushed for the catalytic converter replacement. They said I would have to follow up with Kia corporate. They released the unsafe vehicle anyway and I have been following up with Kia customer service for 2 months to request a CAT replacement. While driving, the blocked exhaust caused a severe rattling noise, immediate engine overheating, and complete mechanical engine seizure. The engine completely cut power and locked up while in motion, creating an immediate crash hazard on the roadway. The vehicle is now completely inoperable and will not turn over. This is a severe safety defect where a known blocked exhaust system directly caused catastrophic engine failure while operating.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Car burns oil to the point it requires 1 qt/500 mile. Had oil consumption test when issue first started in 2024 by kia, was told there was no problem. Car has continued to have this issue and has now broke connecting rod due to engine starvation even through the oil is to the full mark. I lost all power while driving with no warning before hand. Kia has admitted these engines have oil consumption issues that can lead to this exact problem and many other consumers have complained of the same situation in which Kia will not replace the flawed engine.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Engine · WA

We financed this 2014 Kia Sorento LX AWD from a used car dealer, and there has been nothing but problems with this vehicle. From the water pump, to insanely high oil consumption. I have verified that it is not leaking. Gaskets have been replaced, filters have been replaced, O2 sensors have been replaced, the water pump housing unit, impeller and pulley have been replaced, Spark plugs have been replaced and their boots, fuses have been replaced and renewed, even the brake light switch has been replaced. The coolant thermostat has been checked and it is functional, the MAP sensor is functional, the catalytic/exhaust manifold has been replaced, the in tank fuel pump/fuel sending unit has been replaced and the HPFP has been replaced and this vehicle still wants to consume oil like crazy and is flirting with deaths door step. It goes through fits of loss of power during acceleration in times when it really matters most, like trying to pass a vehicle. So most of the time I dont, because its not safe to try to pass vehicles and suddenly lose power and end up in a collision. I have checked all 6 recalls that have been opened and closed on my vehicle and part of me wonders if they were falsely closed. One of them indicates I should have had a partial, if not whole engine replacement at some point and I still have a VIN original engine in my vehicle. I have had this vehicle in my possession since August of 2025, and have done nothing but pour money into repairs on it, and i STILL feel like its going to leave me stranded on the side of the road. KIA needs to make good on their own warranty with as many issues as this year and model of vehicle that it has, and reinvestigate this vehicle. I believe the recalls on this vehicle were closed by a shady mechanic. Mind you, before it bought this vehicle, I had a mechanic look over it with an OBDII and no codes popped, none were stored and to this day, there still are none, but this engine is not behaving the way it should.

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Engine · 121,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to pull over safely. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine oil was a quart low. There was no indication of an oil leak or low pressure. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer was informed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Kia of Irvine (45 Oldfield Building B, Irvine, CA 92618); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Engine · OH

Burning Oil

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Engine · NC

My check engine light came on so I took it to the dealership (10/02/24) and the code was P2190. They did the recall for the 23V652. It was completed and light was off. The light came back on that Thursday evening with the same code. I took it back to the dealership on Friday morning. They kept it over that weekend. It was first the fuel injector but they wasn't sure so decided to keep it and check it again when it was cool. I called Saturday for an update and stated they needed to keep it til Monday. I called on Monday and received a text that I didn't have any oil in the car. Which was not accurate because everything was checked with them on Tuesday and they had the car the entire weekend. They stated they replaced the oil and the engine light was off. They said the car was burning oil and I needed to replace the engine for 10k. None of this made any sense. The light came back on a few days later and I have been checking the oil every day and oil is still in the car. The same code had been displayed for the check engine light. "System too rich at Idle Bank 2". I have not had any problems in this car since I had. I am still checking the oil because I am nervous it will blow up while driving but this is my only transportation. I just wanted you all to look into it before I have to give this car up. Thanks (I paid $180 for a diagnostic with no resolve).

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Engine · 152,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. While approaching a stop, the vehicle shut off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine oil was backing up through the muffler and the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the battery, alternator, and starter, and that an oil consumption test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact removed the battery. The contact noticed that rodents had been chewing on parts in the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

Filed May 16, 2024 · Transmission · TX

Engine bearings failed at 69000 miles only .excessive metal shavings in oil filter. Oil warning light flashing on and off even though the oil is full. Burning oil and gas. Mechanic checks it up and said crank shaft bearings failure. Common issue with this car model and year. He informed me that there are open recalls engine on this model. I called kia manufacturer customer support and said no there is no recall for this vehicle even though. Recall number: 17V224000 “ Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine. Recall consequence Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Filed Apr 20, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · ME

While driving car it suddenly lost acceleration. RMP's wouldn't go above 1.5. Speed wouldn't go above 20MPH. Check engine light came on. Was going up a hill with lots of cars behind me and suddenly could barely move. Made it to an Advance Auto and they ran diagnosis on the check engine light and it came up with 2 different codes, relating to fuel system and crankshaft. When I got the vehicle to my local mechanic they saw the codes also, and that the car had gone through 4 quarts of oil. I wasn't at the mileage for an oil change yet, so not sure why oil was almost gone. Mechanic did and oil change and issue was still not fixed. Stating engine needs to be replaced. I have several other people with Kia's who have also recently expirenced massive oil consumption and engine dying. Car was running fine prior to just going into "limp" mode randomly. However I have had a battery issue with this vehicle since day one of purchase. I have been to several mechanics including a Kia dealership with no one being able to pinpoint what is draining the battery. I have had to replace the battery 6 times in 3 years, with my vehicle being dead every other day and sometime every day from Oct-Mar.

Filed Mar 12, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Car started overheating and was using excessive amounts of oil. When trying to run my heat the smell of the coolant was coming into the cabin in which myself and my children could have inhaled it. I took it to my local Kia dealership and was informed after diagnostics that it was leaking both oil and coolant from the same spot, the head gasket is leaking, and the cylinder head bolts are stripped. In all a whole engine replacement will need to be done on 3.3 V6 GDI Lambda Il

Filed Dec 8, 2023 · Engine · 174,530 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine oil light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with excessive oil consumption and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised that the engine would not be replaced until the rod bearings had failed unless she wanted to pay for the replacement of the engine. The contact stated that she had recently experienced an additional failure with the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service engine light, ABS, traction, and tire pressure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rear wheel speed sensor. The contact was informed that the rear wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that soon after the repair the check engine warning light illuminated and had been illuminated for several weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,530.