2016 Kia Sorento: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Engine · 1,500 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle returned to normal operation after the contact added oil to the engine. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine was operating as designed. No repairs were recommended by the mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Engine · 75,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle vibrated while being turned off. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where unknown diagnostic codes were retrieved. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was flashing continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed, and the cylinder #6 spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the engine and the cylinders. Additionally, the contact was informed that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The dealer determined that the cylinder block assembly and the engine needed to be replaced; however, an unknown spark plug was replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where a scope with a camera was used to inspect the cylinders, and no oil was found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle needed to undergo an oil consumption test. The contact was advised to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles. The contact had parked and had stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. Â The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · CA

Since 2019, the power steering for my Kia Sorento has failed on at least 30 occasions while my vehicle is in motion, placing vehicle occupants and nearby drivers at significant risk of a serious accident. All failures have the following in common: - Vehicle becomes very difficult to steer and requires significant arm strength to turn the wheel to either the left or the right - The red EPS warning light illuminates, no other warning lights nor alarms - The steering wheel feels a minor shudder before fully locking - Upon stopping them vehicle, placing in park, turning the engine off, and then turning the engine back on, the EPS warning light is no longer illuminated and the steering is restored ("as if nothing happened") - There no known common causes, such as vehicle speed, temperature, nor any other triggers which cause this error, as a driver, there is the distinct chance that it can happen at ANY time Documented instances8 with video include: 11/20/2021 8/2/2022 8/4/2022 8/18/2022 (highway speed, specified in Additional Details) 8/24/2022 3/13/2024 Kia America issued an "MDPS Warranty Extension Notice" on January 7 2022 which appears to be specific to this problem sine it references EPS warning light, however this is a categorically insufficient response by Kia since it offers no clear remediation to address the actual acknowledgment by the manufacturer of their problem, offering coverage "if the diagnosis indicates the condition" but stating "vehicle steering will continue to be operational" after EPS illuminates. This is false since a person of my size is unable to operate the steering I have taken the vehicle to a Kia dealership for this problem on several occasions, including 2/7/22 after receiving the above "warranty notice," however their equipment is incapable of finding any record of the problem using any advanced OBD scanners, nor able to replicate the problem through driving since the problem is random, hence Kia will not repair under warranty.

Filed Dec 3, 2021 · Engine · WV

have a 2016 kia Sorento, 4 cylinder, 2.4 L engine with 74.5k miles. The ecu upgrade was performed in 2019. This month while driving, the engine lost power and the car would shudder. The oil dipstick showed no oil and the oil light and check engine lights were illuminated. The car was towed to the local dealership. The dealership mechanic found that cylinder #2 had only 30psi of pressure and 90% leakage and a possible burnt exhaust valve. Error code P030200 was also present. Their recommendation was to replace the engine. HOWEVER, they say these repairs are NOT covered by my extended warranty OR the lifetime warranty coverage resulting from the Kia Theta II class action lawsuit. I feel this engine failure is covered by the Kia engine class action lawsuit and the dealership and warranty company are not honoring the class action settlement.

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · Engine · 95,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact called on behalf of a friend who owns a 2016 kia sorento. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shuddered intermittently without warning. The contact had stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to and independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an engine misfire. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Upon further investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. An unnamed dealer was contacted in regard to possible recalls on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.