2018 Kia Sorento: engine stalls while 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 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 Sep 9, 2025 · Engine · MI

KIA Sorento 2018 The vehicle experienced engine failure due to piston ring damage at approximately 111,500 miles. A Kia dealer diagnosed the issue with codes P0301 and P0304 and confirmed the engine requires full replacement. This creates serious safety concerns, including engine misfires, loss of power, and risk of stalling while driving.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Engine · NH

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine misfired due to a broken valve in one of the cylinders. This failure occurred approximately two months after completing the scheduled 100,000-mile service at a Kia dealership. The affected parts (valve, cylinder components) should still be available for inspection by Kia or a third party. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in the middle of the highway while driving at normal speed. This created a dangerous situation where I could have been struck by oncoming traffic while trying to safely exit the roadway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue was confirmed by a repair shop, which diagnosed the cause as a misfire due to a broken valve. I have service documentation of the diagnosis available. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but it was inspected by the servicing dealership and/or an independent mechanic who confirmed the valve failure. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to the complete failure, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began running roughly (misfiring). These symptoms appeared very shortly before the breakdown, giving me no meaningful time to react before the engine stalled.

Filed Aug 3, 2025 · Lights · TX

The headlights will randomly turn off while driving, mostly when turning on the right blinker. This has been happening a few times a month since I got the vehicle in 2017. More recently, the bottom brake lights and running lights have been shorting out.

Filed Dec 26, 2024 · Transmission · PA

I am experiencing a serious issue with my 2018 Kia Sorento AWD related to the AWD coupling. During normal driving, the vehicle does not perform as expected, and the AWD system feels compromised, making the car unsafe and unreliable. While the vehicle doesn’t stall, it struggles to function properly, which is a major concern. I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they diagnosed the problem as a malfunctioning AWD coupling. However, they informed me that this issue is not covered under warranty or any recall program. This response is both frustrating and concerning, especially since AWD functionality is a critical part of the Sorento’s design and intended use. After researching, I found that many Kia Sorento owners have reported similar problems with the AWD coupling, indicating that this may be a widespread issue across multiple model years. If this is a known defect, it is troubling that Kia has not offered a recall or extended warranty to address the problem. Customers should not be left to bear the financial burden of repairing what seems to be a common and significant defect. I am requesting further clarification and assistance. I need to understand why this issue is not covered, particularly if it affects other Sorento vehicles as well. If this is a systemic problem, Kia should take responsibility to resolve it fairly and promptly. The AWD system is essential for safe driving, and as a loyal customer, I expect Kia to stand behind its product and ensure my safety and satisfaction.

Filed Nov 1, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

My kia Sorento is involved in an engine recall. When driving on the highway three times now my engine has stalled and car has gone from 65 to 30 mph, almost causing multiple accidents while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] . The Kia customer service agency said this must occur three times before they will replace my engine. They are not replacing the engine. I fear for my life, my husband life and my children’s lives . I also fear for fellow drivers on the road . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 10, 2024 · Lights · SC

All exterior lights and interior lights are turned off while driving. Exterior “running” lights turn on by themself.

Filed Aug 29, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NY

My 2018 Kia Sorento sticks and when pushing the gas and the RPM jumps up. The car also stalls out and then turns right back on. It shakes and makes a funny noise as well.

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

Vehicle seems to be stalling when you stop and then try to pull out. It takes minutes to accelerate after stopping.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · 95,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The mechanic completed a road test and indicated that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, shaking, and then lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC code: P1326 (Permanent go Relay Stuck On). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleared the codes but informed the contact that the failure would continue and recommended an engine replacement. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was a thumping noise detected from the engine. The contact reduced the speed to 40 MPH. The vehicle began to hesitate, sputtered, and failed to accelerate. The contact used a code reader and retrieved DTC code: P0302 (Cylinder Misfire). The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Engine · TX

The car stalls any where when the temp is over 108 degrees, i have to wait about two minutes and it will start, sometimes it cranks then it starts, no codes come on the code reader. It has never happen since i bought the car 5 years ago. The car is not over heating, it stays on the same temp and no antifreeze comes out.