2015 Kia Sorento: misfire or rough idle

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 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 Nov 9, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

My vehicle has a slow speed pick up and I’m getting code p0018 and has very rough idling !

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Engine · PA

After hearing a knocking or rubbing sound when turning left or right, I made an appointment to have my 2015 Kia Sorento checked and also to have it inspected. The auto repair shop was in the middle of road-testing the vehicle when it suddenly began running poorly and the SES light turned on. The vehicle started to misfire and was unable to accelerate past 30 - 35 MPH. Upon inspection the car was found to be very low on oil, although there had been no prior alert nor was it time for the routine oil change. Vehicle also shut down unexpectedly on road, putting driver and other vehicles in danger.

Filed Aug 13, 2019 · Engine · 70,000 miles · IN

Vehicle continually flashes check engine light and once read at dealership shows engine misfire codes, however once code is cleared issue does not come back for months. Misfire causes decreased engine poser and eventually if code is not cleared will result in loud dinging noise. Kia has not been able to find any issues or find anything that can explain this. There are multiple people online with this same issue and yet no recall for this issue. Kia needs to do something. Vehicle can be sitting or in motion under normal operating environments (no off-roading).

Filed Feb 18, 2019 · Engine · 41,000 miles · MD

Sitting at a red light I noticed my check engine light flashing. The light turned green and when I pushed the accelerator I had zero power. It was able to go up to 20mph and I was able to make it up the hill and into my work parking lot. I called kia and luckily was able to get towed to the dealership. They stated its probably an engine misfire, we'll have you up and running in no time. The next day, I called the dealership (bc I didn't hear from them) and was told "were ordering you a new engine". 6 days later I called again because I still haven't a reason as to why.. I was informed the update they did on my computer did something to my engine and thats their only solution. Mind you the vehicle only has 41k miles on it! Apparently that happens alot to kia's but I wish I knew before I purchased this vehicle! Total piece of junk and I don't feel safe. Side note: my transmission has always shiftted very hard in the morning (even after a 20min warmup) their looking into that now.

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Engine · 70,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia sorento. The contact purchased the vehicle on august 15, 2018. A couple of days later, the check engine indicator illuminated, the vehicle would not accelerate on the highway, and the vehicle shook. Galeana chrysler jeep kia (180 greystone blvd, columbia, sc 29210, (803) 779-7300) performed a diagnostic test and cleared some of the codes that appeared; however, the failures recurred. On another occasion, when the vehicle was started, a booming sound was heard from the engine compartment. An independent mechanic stated that some screws detached from the cam timing shaft and the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, but they stated that they could not assist since the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was referred to the manufacturer who also stated that the vehicle was out of warranty since it had over 60,000 miles. The dealer stated that the vehicle had a history of code misfires and needed a new engine. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Driver assistance · 71,880 miles · MD

2015 kia sorrento sxl engine check light and vehicle verbal warning that my truck has a serious engine problem that needs to be checked. I took my truck to the dealership service three times in one week to research and repair the engine issue. I paid over $300 for repair. I was told my engine has metal flakes and it's nothing the dealership service can do to repair it. I was told to live with the engine check light basically. My engine has low take off speed when getting on the highway and it runs rough.