Kia Sorento jerking problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · RI

Severe high-pressure fuel system failure and engine oil fuel dilution creating a fire hazard and engine seizure risk following a corporate engine replacement. On July 15, 2026, my 2016 Kia Sorento (2.4L GDI) received a corporate-covered engine block replacement due to rod bearing failure. On September 30, 2026 (2,332 miles later), the vehicle jerked violently while driving. Inspection revealed the engine oil was heavily diluted with gasoline due to an internal failure of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP), creating a fire hazard. The HPFP was replaced out-of-pocket. Kia Corporate Case #26456059 is open regarding this safety issue. A severe safety hazard currently persists. Within 20 days and 176 miles of this fuel pump repair (totaling 2,512 miles on the new block), the vehicle exhibits severe drivability issues and the oil dipstick again smells heavily of gasoline. This fuel dilution compromises oil viscosity, threatening catastrophic engine seizure and creating an active fire hazard. Due to the severity of this fire risk, the Kia Executive Director of Customer Care intervened, ordering an emergency flatbed tow to a different authorized facility. An invoice audit revealed the dealer violated Kia repair protocols, factory TSBs, and federal safety guidelines. Kia’s factory TSB mandates that the high-pressure fuel pipe is a strict, single-use component that must be replaced upon pump removal; however, this part was completely omitted from my invoice, confirming it was dangerously reused. Reusing it introduces a volatile engine-bay fuel leak risk, mirroring the hazardous pattern in the federal safety agency Recall 18V‑907 (Kia Campaign SC172) regarding fuel lines mishandled during engine swaps. Furthermore, the dealer illegally charged retail fees for Service Campaign SC340 materials and withheld all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). I request a formal the federal safety agency investigation into unsafe recall compliance and systemic powertrain installation failures originating from the engine replacement.

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine · 46,519 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact had received notification of Kia Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign: SC340 Electronic Control Module (ECM). After the vehicle received the software update, the vehicle started jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. After the initial failure, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer five times for diagnostic tests. The contact stated that a transmission flush, transmission reset, and other repairs where performed; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for additional assistance. The failure mileage was 46,519.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · FL

When driving between 10 to 50 mph with foot on gas pedal my car won’t jerk sputter and lose complete loss of power while making a turn. I have to release my gas pedal and push back down and it takes a solid couple seconds to get any power back. I’ve been almost hit a couple times in the last two weeks because as I’m turning my car just loses all power.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · 76,500 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline. The failure was a recurring issue. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,500.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Delayed Shifting: Noticeable delay when shifting from park to drive or reverse. Slipping Gears: Slipping out of gear unexpectedly. Rough Shifting: A rough or jerky shifting Warning Lights: The check engine light or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · TX

I noticed my car having a delayed engagement whenever i put it in reverse. I had to wait a couple of seconds before it would go in reverse. As i was leaving my job there is a hill and i noticed jerking when trying to accelerate up. As i made if past the hill i stop at a light,upon takeoff i noticed my car wouldn't accelerate but the RPM gauge spiked.i turned it off and then back on and it did the same only this time the check engine light came on. The issues i am having with my car fits the description of what the recall is for and i can't believe my car isnt part of the recall! The same make,model,year and engine(turbo). The car isn't even drivable and i will have to have it towed to a dealership and it could be days before they can look at it.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and exiting the freeway, the vehicle failed to accelerate and decelerated. While slowing down and driving onto the shoulder a second vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash the contact sustained a mild neck injury. Medical attention was sought. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced auto stop failures and the engine failed to automatically restart when the brake pedal was released. Recently the vehicle was jerking while accelerating and merging into traffic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NY

Upon a catastrophic engine failure Tasca Kia replaced engine under Theta II settlement. I picked up my kia on 9/12. Engine is not running properly. It’s jerking and there is loud mechanical knocking. I don’t feel safe driving. I’ve contacted Kia corporate beginning 9/16 who contacted Tasca to arrange for tow and loaner. They said Tasca service mgr would contact soon to set up. They never did. I called corporate again later that day and after they called Tasca they were told service mgr went home for the day. As of this date Tasca Kia has not contacted me. I again called Kia corporate 9/17 asking to please escalate and allow me to use another service dept. The only other service location with loaner is a half hour away and I cannot afford another tow or another rental. I am stranded with a car that is not safe due to installation failure or another defective engine. No one from Kia will help in a reasonable time frame. I’m now told it can take up to 48 BUSINESS HOURS for any assistance. In the meantime I’m being forced to decide on whether to risk driving an unsafe vehicle to the service dept or to continue waiting for Kia to contact me.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Acceleration · 35,000 miles · CA · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked back and forth, accelerated unintendedly, and crashed into the corner plaster wall of a friend's garage, causing plaster to fall onto the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision to be repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. Police officers responded to the scene, inspected the vehicle, and filed a report. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2023 Kia Sorento has experienced repeated failures involving the engine, transmission/powertrain, and electrical wiring system. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired multiple times by authorized Kia dealerships, including Kia of Round Rock and Clay Cooley Kia in Irving, and the repair history and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The most serious incident occurred on XXX, while I was driving on the [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, began smoking, and experienced a catastrophic engine-related failure, creating a serious safety concern while I was traveling on a high-speed roadway. The vehicle had to be towed to Clay Cooley Kia, where it remained for approximately three months and the engine and related components were replaced. After receiving the vehicle back on XXX, a significant oil leak developed approximately five days later. The vehicle was returned for service, the problem was confirmed, and it ultimately required a transmission replacement. On approximately XXX, multiple/all dashboard warning lights illuminated, and Kia subsequently replaced the wiring harness. The vehicle continued to experience problems and was towed to Kia again. In XXX, Kia determined that another transmission replacement was necessary. The vehicle has now had three transmissions associated with it, in addition to the replacement engine and wiring harness. XXX, the vehicle is still malfunctioning despite being on its third transmission. Current symptoms include the RPMs suddenly surging/revving higher than expected, jerking while driving, and a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle accelerating. These symptoms create a safety concern because I cannot confidently predict how the vehicle will respond when accelerating, merging into traffic, crossing an intersection, or traveling at highway speeds. I am concerned that the repeated engine failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)