Kia Case #[XXX] I am filing a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding their failure to resolve a serious safety issue with my 2016 Kia Sorento. Kia confirmed my engine failure was covered under recall due to a known manufacturing defect, yet my vehicle has remained unrepaired at Allentown Kia for over four months, with no resolution from Kia corporate. Incident Details: On [XXX], while driving on [XXX] between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia with my young son, my engine seized without warning, leaving us stranded in heavy traffic, creating a severe safety hazard. My car exhibited no warning lights or issues beforehand. This issue stems from a known defect affecting the connecting rod bearings, which can lead to engine seizure, stalling, or even fire—a defect Kia has already acknowledged under a class-action settlement. Kia’s Negligence & Ongoing Harm: Despite multiple efforts to seek resolution, Kia has failed to act: Over 15 calls to Kia customer service with no resolution. Multiple visits to Allentown Kia with no repair timeline. Multiple written complaints ignored by Kia corporate. Still paying my car loan for a vehicle I cannot use. No loaner vehicle or reimbursement for transportation costs. Severe emotional distress, especially for my wife, who struggles with anxiety and depression. Requested Action: I demand immediate action to hold Kia accountable: A definitive resolution—either a full repair or replacement of my vehicle. Immediate provision of a loaner vehicle or reimbursement for transportation costs. Financial compensation for ongoing loan payments on an unusable vehicle. Agency Action Request: I urge the federal safety agency to: Investigate Kia’s mishandling of Recall Case #[XXX]. Hold Kia accountable for failing to prioritize consumer safety. Ensure Kia provides a resolution within a reasonable timeframe. Supporting Documentation: I have attached records of my communications with Kia corporate and the dealership, al INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
2016 Kia Sorento engine complaints
Page 5 of 25: complaints 101 to 130 of 722, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Received a notice of extended coverage regarding engine block concerns in September of 2024 took the vehicle in regarding a constant coolant smell when driving the vehicle. At that time the dealership checked out the vehicle and then proceeded to charge us for the appointment, even though the warranty extension clearly stated there was to be no cost incurred. After receiving the vehicle back we still experienced coolant smells while driving and informed the dealer accordingly. On [XXX] while driving to Henrietta Ok, the vehicle actually overheated while driving. We had to have the vehicle towed to our home. On Monday morning I contacted our Kia dealer and let them know about the event. On [XXX] we trailered the Kia back to the dealer, after I had performed the appropriate tests the dealer would be performing to verify a block issue with the vehicle. Once the vehicle was at the dealership they performed the same test with the same results I had received. They submitted their video evidence to Kia motors , at which time Kia motors requested a second block test be completed as they questioned the results. The dealership tried to duplicate the results to no avail. At this point Kia is not authorizing an engine replacement. We are three weeks into a process that Kia is well aware of the issue, but they will not authorize a repair. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine failed while driving. The dealer noted in case details they observed excessive scoring on the cylinder wall and damage to the piston ring, as well as a significant reduction in compression. Despite these findings the dealer and manufacturer said the repair "would not be covered under the PI campaign for engine failure" and "was not related to an engine rod bearing failure." Note that the dealer did not inspect the rod bearings. Worn or damaged connecting rod bearings can significantly reduce compression by allowing excessive piston movement and causing a leak in the combustion chamber. Moreover, excessive scoring on the cylinder wall indicates that the metal from failing connecting rod bearings has been scraping against the cylinder wall, leaving deep scratches and grooves, likely due to excessive wear on the bearings, causing significant damage to the piston and cylinder assembly. This model vehicle should have been included in the recall concerning connecting rod bearings that affected other Kia model vehicles.
We experienced a large oil leak from the vehicle. Towing it to the dealer, we are told the oil feed pipe to the turbo charger part number 282402gta1 has failed spewing oil out of the turbo area. There are many recalls for similar parts on other Kia / Hyundai Models with 2.0T and 3.3 engine models. The dealer is telling me this is not covered by KIA. This is a safety concern of oil spewing from the engine which can get on hot exhaust components as well as burning from the engine compartment. My vehicle is currently at the dealership waiting to escalate the concern.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Car stalled in middle of road. Would not start. When did get it started told me there was engine problem. Took it to Smith Kia, told me my engine burning oil shutting down important sensors. No low oil light. Nothing no warning or anything. There used to be a recall for 2015 for same issue but my car isn’t covered because of year but you can’t tell me my engine is any different than the 2015.
I was driving my Car when it stalled the police helped me to get my car towed to my home I then had it towed to Gilbert Az Kia Dealership where it is now and waiting for Kia to approve Engine Replacement
Failed engine - piston rings broke randomly while driving down the road. Fourth cylinder not holding any compression. Not even 100k miles on the vehicle. Mechanic stated there was no contributing factors to the engine failing. No warnings and/or engine lights that something was wrong with the vehicle. One minute it was running fine, then the next minute it wasn't. Car is unrepairable without putting an entirely new engine in it.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine, oil pressure, and the low tire pressure warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer; but received no response. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,500.
Vehicle check engine light came on, vehicle lost power, sputtered and died. Will not run. Towed to dealer.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove the vehicle for a mile to the workplace. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket and upper radiator hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on 8 occasions. The contact stated that the engine overheating had persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
I was driving on the Thruway and suddenly my check engine light came on and a large plume of black smoke came from the exhaust. The car was misfiring badly. I nursed it home and the next day took it to my mechanic, hoping it was a coil or plug. I had almost zero compression in cylinder #2. I then took vehicle to his engine repair shop. The owner told me the next day that I needed a new engine. I picked it up the next day and took it to my dealer, and they also told me I needed a new engine as well as a new intake manifold. Cost was $10,550.00. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident. There was a 1" X 1" hole in my intake manifold.
The engine was smoking. I had smoke coming through the vents in my car. The turbo is leaking and now it’s dangerous to drive. The dealership isn’t even recommended fixing it. The car is not safe to drive and has not been since I purchased it.
Kia is refusing to fix the engine. The car is supposed to have a lifetime replacement on engine. Kia is saying that I did not get a recall done, but none is listed on your website for what they said I needed done. I have been trying to reach a supervisor at Kia Corporate for 1 week without success.
Blown head gasquet and stripped head bolts repaired 2023 Blown engine December 2024
Car only has 89K miles on it and is garaged and maintained. Went to run an errand yesterday and all of a sudden engine started knocking and sputtering. I then experienced loss of power and the engine light came on. That was the first and only time the engine light has ever come on. Pulled over, checked oil and it seemed very, very low and a burnt smell. It had only been 4K miles since the car was serviced. Husband came and added oil, allowed to idle for about 5 miinutes to see if it improved. It did not. The knocking continued. Shut it off and called AAA and had it towed to the dealership. I just learned this was a known issue and there was a class action lawsuit that I apparently missed out on because I never received the notice yet I have lived at the same address for 20 years.I checked for recalls with the VIN # and nothing comes up, however, clearly there is something wrong with an engine that gets driven less that 10K miles per yesr. Dealer says they're not sure if Kia will replace the engine but they suspect that is what needs to happen. I am furious!
Unknown component or system failed. My car suddenly stalled while on the highway, not allowing me to increase speed (over 40 mpg) and then stopped. I was scared to death when that happened on the highway as we could have been hit by other vehicles. I was able to restart it but it kept doing it, gradually reducing my speed to 20mpg then a lamp warning sign appeared. The car only has 50,000 miles on it and no warning light or prior failure before this happened on 11/29/2024. I took it to Kia for inspection and they told me if the engine will have to be replaced, it will take 3 months. They took my car in for inspection and I am now 10 days without a car and I have not yet heard from Kia.
I have warranty and extended warranty for my engine which completely died on my after 8 years.I went to file the warranty claim and it was denied now they are reviewing my extended warrenty.
timing chain broke, destroyed the engine
Engine just stop and it was maintance monthly
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, the vehicle lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine had recently been replaced due to the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.
There is a problem with the engine in my Kia. I believe that this is a similar problem to other recalled Kia vehicles from the same production year, 2016, that caused metal to be present in the engine. My local Kia dealership informed me that I need a new engine due to this issue, after other issues had been ruled out as the cause of continued check engine light warnings were fixed.
In our experience, roughly 1 quart of oil is displaced per 500 miles. Kia corporate stated that the vehicle does not display any safety concerns and would not honor the recent 150k warranty. After speaking with the service manager and consulting with the Kia dealership mechanics for proper diagnosis, the manager shared that there are several premature failures with engine components. They will not honor a repair. It is obvious that Kia has significant issues with their GDI engines. A simple search on the internet provides overwhelming evidence of this. Who is holding Kia accountable?
Engine started making loud sounds after oil change at 128, 000 miles and began to slow down while driving having a hard time engaging to next gear. Engine light did come one and stop at closes atuo parts store to have it checked for engine light test. Safety risk to drive and passagers if car fall to move on highway causing accident. Problem was reported to kia and we were told to bring it in and it would be looked at for 200 dollars.
We purchased our 2016 Kia Sorento brand new in 2015. From the start, we had problems with the car burning oil at a rapid rate. We would get an oil change and less than 2,000 miles later the oil would be very low. After one year oil was low after 1,000 miles or less. No oil light warning would ever come on and there were times when the dipstick had no oil on it. I called Kia customer care several times over the years regarding this issue and was told there was nothing Kia could do unless the engine blew due to the connecting rod and the engine needed to be replaced. We are now well past the 100k warranty and have dealt with this problem for the last 9 years. 2 weeks ago the engine started making a knocking noise and would not accelerate. We checked the oil and it was low and the coolant was also empty. We took it into the Kia dealership and we were told the radiator was empty and burning and that the coolant was leaking into the cylinder and that the engine needed to be replaced. Never once did an engine light, oil light or coolant light come on. There were no visible leaks. The car never overheated and the temperature gauge never changed from the middle. This engine has had constant problems with burning oil from the start. I have done my part to reach out to Kia customer care numerous times. This model Kia has had known problems with oil consumption and coolant leaks. I know there is a reported problem with the 2016 Kia Sorento V6 regarding coolant leaking into the cylinder heads, while I do not have a V6 I had the same problem. This engine has multiple problems which lead to its failure not just the coolant leak. Oil consumption, coolant leak and worst of all there was no warning that there was a problem with the engine (i.e) no engine, oil or coolant light. While there is a lifetime engine warranty on the rod bearing failure which I believe we had along with the coolant leak. Kia is not honoring this warranty and will not reimburse us.
I was driving down the interstate and my car made a loud noise and then it lost power. I was able to steer it off the exit. Tried to start it it turned over but wouldn't start . Before this happened my car was using up oil like crazy I took it to a mechanic and he said it wasn't leaking it and it isn't burning it so where is it going? I paid 10,000 cash for this vehicle and was only able to drive it 2 months the engine is gone. No warning, nothing... Kia needs to replace my engine along with all the other people that are having this problem, it's obviously kias fault too many of these 2016 serentos are having the same issue. I found out about all the other cars when I put it on the market place trying to sell it as is two different people told me that Kia had a recall and replaced their engines . How do you fix some and not all that are having the same issue?
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel had seized and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 76,800.
We were driving down [XXX] near Toledo Ohio during rush hour on our to Michigan, when the car, with no warning at all, stopped running. There were no lights on the dash, no warning at all. The car just stopped. We were able to steer it to the shoulder and stop. There was no indication of what was wrong. After having it towed to the Kia dealership I was informed the engineer blew. There was no knocking, no oil use, no indication at all that there was anything wrong with the car. I had to rent a hotel until my son could come and get me and then the next day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On [XXX] was driving home approx. 30mph all of a sudden my 2016 Kia Sorento EX loss power! Vehicle went into limp mode and no lights came up on the display at all. I was only 2 miles from home and got it home. It is now making a knocking noise and I was told by two mechanics that the engine is blown. The car was bought new and has had regular oil changes by dealer in Prince Frederick, MD except for the last change was done by a local mechanic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
driving @ nite on[XXX] [XXX] doing 70mph on cruise control all of a sudden my 2016 kia sorento loss power! then the instrument cluster lit up like a x-mas tree. check oil, check engine, and everything else in between was blinking on and off. very lucky there was an exit ramp up ahead and no vehicles on the right lane. safely got off the freeway and parked on the side of the road. very fortunate it was late nite because the area is usually busy during the day and vehicles usually be going 10 to 20+ above the 70 speed limit and my whole family was with. we waited about 10 min. to see if the vehicle would start back- up but no luck. called for a tow truck and a family friend came and pick up the wife and kids. kia service guy @ the dealership says the engine ceased and is waiting to here from kia hq. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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