2018 Kia Sorento: excessive oil consumption

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2018 Sorento is consuming oil excessively. I’m having to add oil between changes, and I’m now experiencing reduced acceleration under load. I have been told by a few different parties that this has become a common problem with Kia’s. I want an oil-consumption test performed and I want the VIN checked for all engine campaigns, warranty extensions, KSDS coverage, and open recalls

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · NC

2018 Kia Sorento, under 88,000 miles, with Theta II engine defect. KSDS update installed. Oil consumption issues requiring adding at least one liter of oil every 1,000 miles in between regular oil changes/ maintenance. Oil warning lamp does not illuminate at all or only blinks on for a second then stays off, even when oil is less than 1 liter. Noticed slight jerking/hesitation at acceleration for a few days, then experienced shaking and heard vibrations when breaking and idling. Within a few minutes, MIL appeared with audible warning, "Take this vehicle to a Kia dealership." Immediately parked car. Towed to Kia dealership. No record of DTC P1326 found, which would have qualified vehicle for new engine under PI1802 Y/Z Theta II Extended Warranty. Diagnostic found misfiring cylinder and fouled spark plug. Technician in the video stated "oil consumption." Due to absence of P1326 code, service manager suggests we replace fouled plug and return with the vehicle when the same issue happens again. This does not follow Kia's own guidelines in PI1802 Y/Z campaign for a couple of reasons. First, activation of the MIL in conjunction with the audio warning indicates the Knock Sensor P1326 code should have been generated and stored, but the warning system must have malfunctioned. Service dept. did not to inspect the knock sensor harness for damage or oil saturation which could have kept the code from registering. Second, Service dept. did not consider shaking and vibration as "engine noise," which would have required them to perform a BCT or test for connecting rod bearing noise, providing a pathway to request Techline PWA approve replacing the engine under warranty. Kia's Product Improvement Campaign for Theta II engines ought to prevent injury or death resulting from catastrophic engine failure. My vehicle presents clear evidence of engine failure progression at different stages. Rather than navigate the warranty via a Techline, Kia has advised me to continue driving.

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2018 Kia Sorento has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the known engine defects affecting Kia’s Theta II engines. The vehicle began consuming oil rapidly without warning, despite regular maintenance. This issue did not appear until after 100,000 miles, which is common for this defect. The sudden loss of oil creates a serious safety hazard, including engine stalling or failure while driving. Kia dealerships have acknowledged the symptoms but stated that because my vehicle is outside the warranty, I must pay for the oil consumption test and would be responsible for the full cost of an engine replacement. Kia has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins related to excessive oil consumption in these engines, and many owners have experienced the same problem. This is a manufacturer‑related defect that develops over time and poses a safety risk to drivers and passengers.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · 127,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking and making a rough sound. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and lost motive power. A piston failed, causing oil to spray out with enough force to damage the catalytic converter. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for an unknown recall repair, but found to have issues with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

2018 Kia Sorento 2.4 GDI. In late 2024 a Kia dealer performed an oil-consumption test and confirmed the engine was burning excessive oil. In Feb 2025 the engine long block was replaced. Within about 4,000 miles the vehicle began setting P1326 warnings, misfiring, losing power, and struggling to climb hills. On a highway trip from South Carolina back to Indiana, the vehicle could barely maintain 30–40 mph on grades with the accelerator floored while traffic was moving much faster. The check-engine light returned repeatedly. The vehicle eventually died on an exit ramp and had to be pushed out of traffic and towed. I felt it was unsafe to drive but was repeatedly told by dealers that it was “OK to drive” or that the issue was “bad gas.” After visits to multiple dealers, the current Kia service center finally diagnosed a severely clogged exhaust. They report the manifold catalytic converter and underbody converter have broken down internally and are heavily coated in carbon/oil deposits, and state this likely came from the engine burning oil before and around the time of the rebuild. Exhaust temperatures have been recorded at very high levels, and the engine will only run briefly with an O2 sensor removed to vent exhaust; with the exhaust sealed it will not stay running. The dealer has warned there may now be internal engine damage from prolonged backpressure. The vehicle has been undriveable for many months and the failed converters are being retained and are available for inspection. My concern is that excessive oil consumption on these GDI engines is causing secondary catalytic-converter failure, extreme power loss, stalling risk, and possible fire risk from overheated exhaust components, even after engine replacement.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Engine · TX

Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Engine · CA

Excessive oil consumption

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Engine · NC

Engine is burning oil at a rate of almost one quart per week. The engine can be felt shaking when driving. The engine light came on and states there is a P0303 Cylinder 3 misfired detected.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine · GA

Started the car and heard a knocking sound. No check engine or low oil light on the dash. Dealership said the bearing clearance test was too great, causing the connecting rod to knock inside the engine. Dealership said I need an engine replacement. Engine is 3.3L Lambda II engine which has been reported to have this issue.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Engine · MA

My Vehicle’s Problems Excessive Oil Consumption My engine kept losing oil far more rapidly than normal. I was regularly checking and had to top off the oil, even though mileage suggested it should not be that frequent. However, there was no “check engine” warning light or low-oil warning light even when the oil level was dangerously low. Despite the oil being burned or lost, none of the sensors ever alerted me. Eventually, before my next scheduled service, the extreme oil loss culminated in catastrophic failure: the engine seized, and the car is now completely undrivable. Engine Failure / Seizure The engine’s seizure was sudden and without any prior warning. There was no indication via “check engine” light, oil light, or other dashboard warnings. I have obtained an estimate for replacing the engine, and regrettably, the cost of a new engine exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This is deeply unfair, given that the root cause appears to be excessive oil consumption, not misuse or accident. Lack of Responsiveness / Remediation I feel that despite my efforts to maintain the car and monitor oil levels, I was left to fix a major and very expensive defect. I request that Kia take full responsibility: cover the engine replacement (or provide a buyback / repurchase option), reimburse me for costs, or find another equitable remedy.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MD

My vehicle started with oil issues took to dealer and the attempted to perform an oil consumption test however the vehicle would not pass the test as the oil would not last long enough for next test. Was advised I needed an engine, Kia refused to replace since it wouldn’t pass consumption test. I paid for engine replacement 1month later engine light comes on, again I return to Kia dealer they say engine needs replacement they replace supposedly through warranty. Drive for about 30 days and engine light comes on again takes to dealer and they say it’s the knock sensors code which is the same code that came up prior to engine replacement. The knock sensor was a recalled part that they replaced by them but now are refusing to replace even though they replaced it less then 12 months ago.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Engine · GA

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4-liter engine. The vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption—approximately one quart every 400 miles—which I believe may be indicative of a manufacturing defect. Based on similar issues reported with more recent Kia models, including those involving potentially defective piston oil rings, I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by a similar issue. As you are aware, defective piston rings can lead to long-term engine damage, sudden loss of power, and even an increased risk of engine fire. Given the severity of the symptoms and potential safety implications, I respectfully request that this matter be formally investigated and that Kia consider extending the recall or offering a resolution for affected 2018 Sorento models. I look forward to your prompt response regarding this issue.