2015 Kia Sorento: check engine light

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · 207,000 miles · OH

The contact rented a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the headlights and tail lights intermittently failed to illuminate or shorted out, and the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly seized in the middle of an intersection, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter out of gear. The local police department arrived on the scene and assisted the contact by disassembling components around the gear shifter in order to shift the transmission into neutral (N). The vehicle was then towed back to the rental business. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · MS

My car's check engine just started flashing and the ECU has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I removed the camshaft exhaust vvt sensor it indeed had metal shavings on it. A have a P1326 and a p0014 code which is basically telling me that my engine is having issue within the internal engine and oil consumption.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

1) The engine control system / KSDS knock sensor system triggered safety recall code P1326, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. The vehicle and components are currently at the dealership available for inspection under RO #148484 (Issued on October 2) 2) A flashing check engine light and active P1326 code indicate a potential severe engine failure or severe misfire risk while driving, forcing the vehicle to lose power and rendering it unsafe for operation on public roads. 3) Yes, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership on September 24th; however, the dealer initially refused to generate a Repair Order or diagnose the safety recall for over a week until corporate intervention forced RO #148484 to open on October 2nd. It is currently awaiting diagnostic testing. 4) No. It has only been towed to the authorized dealer facility where it awaits initial diagnostic testing under the active safety recall. 5) Yes. A flashing check engine light and code P1326 appeared immediately prior to towing the vehicle to the dealership on September 24th.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · AZ

I was driving my 2015 Kia Sorento on [XXX] south of the [XXX] junction when the engine suddenly started making severe mechanical noise and the vehicle seemed to have significantly reduced power. This is a remote stretch of highway with no usable shoulder. I had my son with me and had to immediately navigate with reduced speeds and power until I could reach a pullout and get safely off the highway. The sudden engine problem at highway speed created a serious safety concern because I could not immediately get the vehicle out of the traffic lane, and had no immediate shoulder I could pull onto. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by Oxendale Kia dealer. The dealer diagnosed catastrophic internal engine bearing failure. The vehicle has approximately 160,000 miles. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the Kia dealer. Availability of the failed engine/components for inspection: UNKNOWN pending confirmation from the dealer. Prior warning lamps or warning messages: No engine lights. An airbag light was illuminated. There were no other warning immediately before the failure. The failure has been confirmed by the Kia dealer. Kia America has also opened a corporate case and is obtaining the dealer's diagnostic information, but to my knowledge Kia corporate has not separately physically inspected the vehicle. I am aware that the federal safety agency has previously investigated loss-of-motive-power issues involving 3.3L Kia Sorento engines, including model years around mine. I am submitting this complaint so this catastrophic bearing failure and highway safety event can be evaluated with any similar reports. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 5, 2026 · Engine · TN

My 2015 Kia Sorento is experiencing a catastrophic structural failure of the exhaust system where the front manifold catalytic converter has internally collapsed This is a severe safety hazard because the physical blockage of the exhaust flow creates massive engine backpressure stalling when trying to drive even a small hill on highway, risking sudden engine stalling, unprompted deceleration, and power loss at highway speeds, which increases the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the blocked exhaust gases generate extreme temperatures under the hoods if it's running hot presenting a distinct vehicle fire hazard. I have maintained this vehicle and had all previous safety campaigns addressed, including a complete engine replacement and the required engine control software updates. Despite these recalls being fully completed, the vehicle has still suffered this severe exhaust system failure. The Check Engine light was on, and diagnostic scanning shows fault code P2096.I thought it was my transmission but a professional dealer assessment confirmed a manifold catalytic converter," "contamination of honeycomb on front of rear catalytic converter," and severe "contamination on the O2 sensor."He could not fixed An oxygen sensor replaced had to be fixed by someone else Abrasive ceramic dust from the melting manifold structure is actively being drawn back into the engine cylinders, threatening to destroy the newly replaced engine that Kia replaced but . this failure mirrors the exact physical mechanics and safety risks outlined in Kia's previous safety campaign SC176 (the federal safety agency Campaign 19V‑120). Despite experiencing the identical defect and safety threat on a fully updated vehicle, my VIN was excluded from the recall I am filing this complaint because this known safety defect poses an active threat to my safety.my husband was a 100% disable vet who passed in April 2025,I can'a afford to have this same item repaired that Kia suppose to have repaired,Please help me

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Engine · OK

My 2015 Kia Sorento is experiencing a catastrophic structural failure of the exhaust system where the front manifold catalytic converter has internally collapsed and broken apart. This is a severe safety hazard because the physical blockage of the exhaust flow creates massive engine backpressure, risking sudden engine stalling, unprompted deceleration, and power loss at highway speeds, which increases the risk of a crash. Furthermore, the blocked exhaust gases generate extreme temperatures under the hood, presenting a distinct vehicle fire hazard. I have proactively maintained this vehicle and had all previous safety campaigns addressed, including a complete engine replacement and the required engine control software updates. Despite these recalls being fully completed, the vehicle has still suffered this severe exhaust system failure. The Check Engine light was on, and diagnostic scanning shows fault code P2096. A professional dealer assessment confirmed a "collapsing manifold catalytic converter," "contamination of honeycomb on front of rear catalytic converter," and severe "contamination on the O2 sensor." An oxygen sensor replaced in December 2025 has already been destroyed by the upstream ceramic debris. Abrasive ceramic dust from the melting manifold structure is actively being drawn back into the engine cylinders, threatening to destroy the newly replaced engine. This failure mirrors the exact physical mechanics and safety risks outlined in Kia's previous safety campaign SC176 (the federal safety agency Campaign 19V‑120). Despite experiencing the identical defect and safety threat on a fully updated vehicle, my VIN was excluded from that specific campaign, and Kia corporate has flatly denied goodwill assistance. I am filing this complaint because this known safety defect poses an active threat to vehicle control and occupant safety. I've attached the current repair assessment, and can provide the assessment of the previous replacement of the O2 sensor when warranted.

Filed May 18, 2026 · Engine · WA

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle developed progressive engine knock, reduced power, and check engine warnings while driving. Diagnostic trouble codes include P0017, P0014, and P0340 relating to crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation and camshaft position faults. A Kia dealership performed diagnostic testing using Kia diagnostic equipment (KDS) and documented abnormal knock activity across all cylinders. The dealer repair order specifically states: * “Found data PIDs for additional knock noise” * “All registering knock on all cylinders” * “Recommend replacement of engine sub assy based on knock detection” The vehicle experiences engine knocking and loss of power that create concern for sudden engine failure or stalling while driving, which could increase crash risk. This complaint is being submitted because the symptoms appear consistent with the known Theta II engine defect involving connecting rod bearing failure, engine knock, seizure, and potential engine failure.

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MA

I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was heavy, it was raining and getting dark. I needed to push my car off the road with the help of another driver. A Hyannis ambulance was a few cars behind me and the EMT's also assisted with the traffic and moving my vehicle out of the road. I called AAA and had my car towed. I was told in writing by the Kia dealership that the engine needed to be replaced. I was told verbally by Kia that it was a rod knock issue. When I asked how it was diagnosed with rod knock she said the mechanic put something down in the engine and said its rod knock. I requested through Kia corporate that the car be inspected for the WTY039 extended warranty and corporate said they would reach out to the dealer and ask that it be checked. I have not received any further communication from the dealership or Kia corporate. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was an issue because the car stopped so suddenly in heavy traffic. I was not able to slowly decelerate or steer to the side of the road. I felt like a sitting duck. We were extremely lucky that we were not hit from behind at 35 mph resulting in injury to us and to the drivers behind us. Prior to this event there were no warning lights that had come on and no strange noises from the car. They first appeared when it stopped in traffic.

Filed Mar 18, 2026 · Engine · NC

Was driving vehicle and it began to run hot, check engine light came on then started to make a knocking sound when getting to 30-35 mph. Was inspected by a service center. There it was confirmed an issue with the motor/head gasket

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Engine · VA

Dealer driving car 35mph. Check engine light started flashing. Burning plastic smell from under hood. Car cut off. Did not restart. Towed to mechanic, was told engine locked up.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Engine · 128,405 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. There was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed the local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 128,405.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OR

I was driving on the highway when I proceeded to the turn lane to turn left crossing two lanes of traffic and the vehicle just shut down no warning whatsoever no check engine lights no oil lights nothing and it wouldn’t turn back on when trying it but after about 5 times it turned on and I was able to get it off the highway but couldn’t go any further as the vehicle was making a loud noise and the car was shaking