2017 Kia Sorento: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · TX

Yesterday our car was making a knocking noise. It lost power temporarily. Upon pressing the gas pedal to the floor we were able to get up to 30 mph. We made it to a repair shop. They looked at it today. The Dip stick showed no oil. The did an oil change and it was down 3 quarts of oil. We just had the oil changed 3 months ago on June 20. No check engine light came on. No warning at all . We were driving on a road with no shoulder, so this was dangerous if the engine were to fail before we got to repair shop. They said we need a new engine and it will cost just under $10,000. It seems that many people are having this exact same problem.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · NY

On February 16, 2023, the engine in our 2017 Kia Sorento SXL developed a sudden, loud knocking noise while driving. No dashboard warning lights illuminated at any time, including no oil pressure warning, check engine light, or other engine-related alerts. The vehicle remained fully operable and did not lose power or seize. I continued driving approximately 20 minutes home, including highway speeds up to ~75 mph. The following day, with the knocking noise worsening but still no warning indicators present, I drove approximately 25 minutes to an independent repair facility. The vehicle was then diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure attributed to oil starvation and was towed. Because the vehicle had fewer than 100,000 miles and was within the expected powertrain warranty period, we pursued a warranty review through Kia. Kia requested maintenance records, which we provided in full after gathering documentation from all service providers over a two-week period. Despite this, the warranty claim was denied, first citing gaps in initial records and later questioning oil type based on older receipts that did not explicitly state “synthetic oil.” At Kia’s recommendation, we authorized an oil pan inspection at our expense. Kia concluded that the oil filter appeared to be more than two years old, which conflicted with our documented maintenance history showing multiple oil changes during that period. Kia denied warranty coverage and quoted approximately $10,500 for engine replacement. We were advised that the replacement engine would be a remanufactured unit and that it was on backorder with no estimated delivery timeline. After approximately ten weeks without resolution, we located a compatible replacement engine at another Kia dealership and arranged transport of the vehicle there. The engine was replaced within three days for approximately $9,000. The repair included installation of a replacement engine, new spark plugs, and a passed state inspection.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Engine · MD

While driving on the highway on Mother’s Day weekend with my wife and daughter, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and engine power while traveling on a 5-lane beltway. The vehicle would not accelerate and I was unable to maintain normal highway speed. I had to coast to the side of the road with the hazard lights activated because of the safety risk. The vehicle was eventually restarted after being towed to a dealership, but it continued to have severe loss of power and could not safely travel above approximately 45 mph. The suspected failure involves the engine and emissions system. The vehicle has a history of engine-related issues and previously received engine-related repairs. The current engine has developed excessive oil consumption. This condition has resulted in fouled spark plugs and a catalytic converter becoming severely restricted/clogged from oil contamination, causing significant loss of engine performance. A dealership inspected the vehicle and documented the oil-burning complaint and catalytic converter-related fault. The dealership performed diagnostic work, including spark plug replacement, but the problem continued. An independent repair facility also inspected the vehicle and confirmed excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter restriction. The vehicle remains available for inspection. This condition presents a safety concern because the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while traveling at highway speeds and was unable to maintain normal traffic speed.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Vehicle has a recurring P0018 fault code (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A). Dealer diagnosed loose cam pins on Bank 2 requiring major engine repair. This fault creates a safety risk as improper camshaft timing can cause unexpected engine stalling while driving, resulting in sudden loss of power, power steering, and brake assist. The manufacturer has denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle being within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This appears to be a known widespread issue on the 3.3L V6 engine. Vehicle has 96,000 miles and is still within warranty coverage period.

Filed May 25, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI

While I was driving my 2017 Kia Sorento, the R.P.M suddenly maxed out and then it rapidly went down to zero. My car lost power completely and stopped. There was a burning smell. Now it is dead. There is no clicking sound. Repair place tells me I need a new engine now.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MO

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **abruptly while driving at highway speed**, resulting in a **sudden loss of power**. This incident created an **immediate safety hazard**, as I was traveling in active traffic and was forced to quickly maneuver to avoid surrounding vehicles. The unexpected loss of propulsion significantly increased the risk of a collision. The nature of the failure appears to be consistent with **internal engine component failure (such as connecting rod bearing failure)**, which is not typical for a properly maintained modern engine at this mileage. Importantly, my vehicle was manufactured in **November 2016**, placing it within an early production period for this engine. There is evidence from technical service information and consumer reports suggesting a **pattern of premature internal engine failures** in this engine family, particularly involving **rod bearing wear leading to catastrophic failure**. This raises concern that the issue may represent a **systemic defect** rather than normal wear and tear. I am concerned that other vehicles with this engine may experience similar failures **without sufficient warning**, potentially resulting in dangerous driving situations, especially at highway speeds. I am requesting that the federal safety agency: • Review this incident as a **potential safety-related defect** • Evaluate whether similar complaints exist involving the **3.3L Kia Lambda V6 engine** • Determine if an **investigation or recall** is warranted I am able to provide supporting documentation, including maintenance records, diagnostic findings, and repair estimates upon request.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2017 Kia Sorento with approximately 175,000 miles experienced engine failure involving the engine and engine cooling system. The vehicle began showing symptoms including engine shudder, reduced acceleration, and a check engine light. These symptoms worsened and were diagnosed by a Kia dealership as internal engine damage, specifically a failure in cylinder 4. The dealership advised that the engine would require full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,600. The failure creates a potential safety concern because the vehicle experiences loss of power during acceleration, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially when merging into traffic or driving at highway speeds. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Kia dealership, Community Kia, after performing diagnostic testing. The dealership completed multiple recall and service campaigns but determined that the engine was not eligible for replacement because a required diagnostic code associated with the knock sensor detection system did not appear. To my knowledge, there is no clear documentation confirming that the knock sensor detection system update was installed on the vehicle prior to the engine failure. If this system was not installed, the diagnostic code required to qualify for engine replacement may not have had the opportunity to trigger. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed warning symptoms including a check engine light, engine vibration, and loss of power. These symptoms appeared before the dealership inspection and diagnosis. This complaint is being submitted due to concern that the engine failure occurred despite known issues associated with this engine type, and that the failure creates a potential safety risk due to sudden loss of power while driving.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK

I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the Engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. it was like a nigthmare.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Engine · VA · fire

Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my Kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle, and immediately after, "Did your engine go? Kia has that problem." Me and my sister were left stranded on the side of the interstate in the extreme cold. Luckily, 2 gentleman stopped to see if we were okay because they had seen fire under the vehicle. Purchased the extended lifetime warranty and Kia will not honor it. No I have no vehicle and a car payment.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine, Steering · MI

I was driving our 2017 Kia Sorento 2.4 liter, on I-94 in Detroit, MI when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 ..We towed the vehicle to the Auto Repair Shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the Auto Repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but Cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 Kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the Auto Repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the Service rep did not sound promising to date.

Filed Dec 7, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Car is losing power, won't go into gear, slipping

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Engine · CA

Engine seized with zero warning lights, cautions, check engine lights, or low/high indicators. It started knocking and was driven 3 miles to our mechanic who said it was a failed engine. I called the Kia dealer who recommended I tow or drive it to the dealer. ~3 miles from our house, less than a mile from the dealer the car lost all power. We had it towed. The service manager chastised me for not towing but also told me irregardless of how it arrived that the engine was no longer functional. It is out of warranty w/ 143,000 miles but without any indication of a problem how was I supposed to mitigate any risk. From the start of the knocking until the engine failed it was less than 6 miles. The mechanic had to put 3 quarts of oil in the car and it still failed on the way to the dealer. I get regular oil changes and have never been told it’s running low on oil. I’m asking that somebody please look into this issue. Thank you. R/ Aaron