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Kia Sorento oil consumption problems

470 of the 10,244 owner complaints about the Kia Sorento describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
470
worst model year
2016
typical repair cost reported
$5,000
typical mileage
98,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Engine failure 167Check engine light 103Knocking 72Stalling 43Loss of power 29Misfire 23Fire or smoke 22Overheating 11

Trouble codes mentioned

P1326 7P0303 3P0014 3P2190 1P0524 1P0304 1P0301 1P0300 1P0024 1P0010 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · MD

The gear was stuck in park and I can’t move it to other gears like drive, reverse. I contacted Jones Kia in Belair and was informed this is a normal wear and tear that costs over $1000.00 and the extended warranty won’t cover this repair. I purchased this SUV in 2023, which this year I needed a catalytic converter due to oil consumptions and now the SUV won’t come out of park. Waiting to be seen next week for final cost of repair.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Engine · VT

My Car started to have extreme oil consumption around 100,000 miles I was able to keep it maintained by adding oil frequently but finally part of my motor stopped functioning and I was forced to replace my motor. I got my car back June 22,2026 but the new motor also has had the same issue. I did purchase a warranty for 3 years but unfortunately it only covers one replacement. This motor did not even last 6 months.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · TX

I bought a used 2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4L in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. AT 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done on this vehicle. I kept a log and now at 54,740 miles it is consuming 1 quart every 500 miles or so. I took it to the dealer on 10/19/2026 and was told that since I was not the original owner there was no warranty coverage on it. So that nullified the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I was told they could do a chamber cleaning for $800.00 and if that failed I would need to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost to me of $9,000.00 to $10,000.00 I have to monitor the oil level constantly to avoid the engine seizing and breaking down in traffic . This auto is used by my spouse to drive my grand kids to and from school. There are no warnings or messages on the oil level so it is driven with uncertainty .

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · MS

My car's check engine just started flashing and the ECU has reduced my drivability to limp mode stating that my knock sensors are showing up on scan test and camshaft position exhaust sensor. When I removed the camshaft exhaust vvt sensor it indeed had metal shavings on it. A have a P1326 and a p0014 code which is basically telling me that my engine is having issue within the internal engine and 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 Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · 100,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a hole in a valve and a piston was fractured. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact notified the manufacturer via telephone and was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · 125,202 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and stalled in the driveway. After restarting the vehicle, the engine immediately shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who confirmed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. While purchasing the vehicle, the contact was advised to constantly monitor the engine oil due to a known oil consumption issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the extended warranty program. The failure mileage was 125,202.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · TX

My kids and I were driving when my engine started making a loud noise. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then I turned it back on. It worked for another mile or so then started making the noise again and died while I was driving at about 55-60 miles an hr. I was able to pull over, put it in park and turned the key off....it wouldn't turn back on and the check engine light came on. When I had someone check it out for me it was about 4 quarts low on oil (it never gave me a warning about the oil and the oil light never came on) and the check engine code was P0024. Oil was added and the camshaft position sensor has been replaced. It starts now but it won't stay on and when it is on it makes a loud screeching sound that isn't coming from the serpentine belt and a loud knocking sound.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · NH

Engine, a Lambda 3.3 v6 started knocking periodically and consuming oil at about a half a quart a week. It is a know problem with this motor and well documented in its existence in all Hyundai and Kia vehicles using this engine. We now have been told that the head bolts are partially stripped. Another known problem and we are consuming coolant. This can is not trustworthy and could fail at any time. We are still paying off the loan if it matters.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · PA

Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: critical fastenersReported August 25, 2025 · 30 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.

Recall number 25V548000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 21, 2023 · 79,812 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2011 Sorento vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk
A fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC291.

Recall number 23V877000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/superchargerReported March 29, 2022 · 26 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Risk
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.

Recall number 22V202000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 2, 2020 · 294,756 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

Recall number 20V750000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 19, 2018 · 71,653 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V‑224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Recall number 18V907000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported September 21, 2017 · 62 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Risk
If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.

Recall number 17V586000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported March 31, 2017 · 618,160 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Recall number 17V224000 · Recall details

Questions about the Kia Sorento oil consumption

Which Kia Sorento years have excessive oil consumption problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (128 complaints), 2017 (118 complaints) and 2019 (49 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix excessive oil consumption on the Kia Sorento?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 54 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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