2015 Kia Sorento: sudden loss of power

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 Feb 8, 2026 · Engine · AZ

I am filing this complaint regarding a suspected safety defect involving the Theta II engine in my 2015 Kia Sorento. The vehicle developed progressive engine failure symptoms including: Engine knocking and abnormal mechanical noise Loss of power while driving Misfire conditions Excessive oil consumption Progressive deterioration of engine performance These symptoms began at approximately 150,000 miles and worsened over time. Given the documented history of Theta II engine failures involving rod bearing defects, sudden engine seizure, loss of power, and fire risk, I believe my vehicle is experiencing a progression of the same known defect. 2) Safety Risk to Driver and Public The engine condition created serious safety risks, including: Potential sudden engine failure while driving Loss of power in traffic or at highway speeds Increased risk of collision Potential fire hazard associated with Theta II engine failures Despite these risks, Kia and its authorized dealership advised me to continue operating the vehicle. I was explicitly told to “drive it until it fails.” This guidance was given despite Kia’s documented knowledge of Theta II engine defects and associated safety hazards. 3) Manufacturer Response and Denial I reported the engine failure to Kia and its authorized dealership. Kia denied coverage, stating: The vehicle had “too many miles,” and The failure was allegedly “not rod bearing related.” However, Kia and the dealership refused to provide: Complete diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Technician notes or inspection reports Compression or leak-down test results Oil analysis or evidence proving bearing failure was ruled out Without this information, Kia’s conclusion that the failure is not related to the Theta II defect is unsupported and unverifiable. 4) Concern of Misdiagnosis and Defect Misclassification Based on the symptoms and known Theta II failure patterns, I believe Kia may be misclassifying a progressive bearing-related engine failure as a non-covered

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Engine · OK

I was driving down a very busy road and with no warning my car lost power. It would turn over but not start back up. I was stuck in the middle of a busy road way causing traffic’s to back up. I had to call the police to sit behind me so I wouldn’t get hit from behind.

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Engine · MN

Driving on highway and suddenly heard loud tapping/rattling sound from engine and then engine died resulting in total loss of power steering and acceleration. Was able to coast through an exit and into a parking lot. My entire family was in the vehicle and if we had not been able to coast to a safe spot we could have been involved in a high speed accident. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership and they diagnosed it as connecting rod failure. No other inspections have been done. No warning lamps displayed before the incident occurred.

Filed Aug 17, 2025 · Engine · TN

I had catastrophic engine failure while driving with no warning lights indicating my engine was losing oil, the engine and power shut off at 55 miles and hour causing me to lose power steering and power assisted breaking.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · CO

1. The engine seized and lost total power at 74,795 miles due to faulty rod bearings manufactured by KIA and due to metal shavings left within the engine compartments. Yes, I have the vehicle in my possession. It is stored at my apartment garage and it is available for inspection. 2. I was driving my vehicle on the highway prior to sudden engine seizure and loss of power. The check engine light appeared for the first time on [XXX]. I immediately took my vehicle to my mechanic (same day on [XXX]) where it seized and lost complete power on the road. It had to be pushed into the mechanic's garage by hand. Total loss of power of my vehicle could have resulted in a catastrophic accident and injuries to myself and others. I could have lost control of the vehicle and I could have been rear-ended or side-swiped at a high speed on the highway or the street. Additionally, my vehicle was recalled due to a faulty HECU/ABS Module, which could have resulted in engine fire and it was recalled due to increased theft risk because my vehicle was manufactured without an engine immobilizer. KIA did not notify me of any recalls nor did they notify me of their self-proclaimed and self-manufactured KSDS and "Product Improvement Campaign - P11802". KIA Corp (Irvine, CA) only provided a SAMPLE letter on 11.13.23. 3. Yes, the defect was confirmed by my mechanic, KIA Corp, and by the Grand KIA dealership in Thornton, Colorado. 4. Yes, the vehicle was inspected by the Grand KIA dealership in Thornton, Colorado. Grand KIA confirmed that there was no rotation of the crankshaft and no power or codes detected upon scanning the engine. Grand KIA confirmed that the engine failure was due to their faulty rod bearings, but denied engine replacement because I did not upgrade my engine with their KSDS/"Product Improvement Campaign", although they upgraded my car with the KSDS upon diagnosis to cover up. Grand KIA stated that engine seizure is not a safety issue. 5. Yes, check engine light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Engine · AZ

•The engine of my 2015 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic failure, leading to a loss of power and abnormal sounds while driving. It is available for inspection upon request. •The sudden failure of the engine posed a significant safety risk to both me and others on the road. Without any warning lamps or messages, this malfunction could have led to a complete loss of control over the vehicle, endangering lives, particularly if I had been driving at high speeds on the highway. •Yes, the issue has been confirmed by the Courtesy Kia service center in Messa, where the vehicle was inspected and diagnosed with a crashed engine requiring replacement. •While the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, it has undergone evaluation by the authorized dealer service center, Courtesy Kia in Messa. They told me that they have contacted manufacturer and that they declined any support because I am second owner and therefore their engine warranty only covers 60000 miles. •No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms were present prior to the engine failure. Despite diligently maintaining the vehicle and conducting regular services, there were no indications of any issues until the sudden loss of power and abnormal sounds occurred while driving. Even upon towing my car home and parking the vehicle at garage, no warning lights were illuminated, further highlighting the unexpected nature of the malfunction.

Filed Dec 13, 2023 · Engine · CA

Car suddenly had a knocking sound, check engine light came on and as I was driving, the car loss power suddenly died and woudn't start back up. Mechanic diagnosed that head bolts came loose and damaged engine. Has been at mechanic since 11/27 with the engine being rebuilt. Aprox cost at $7,600.