Started out no heat, only blowing cold air for a few days. Call to get in to my mechanic, the day I drove to mechanic the vehicle temp gauge started fluctuating drastically. Mechanic called, said I have blown head gaskets, internal coolant leak, could be issues w/ the head bolts to replace the head gaskets. Started doing research on the Kia with this issue to verify; low and behold this appears to be a COMMON ISSUE with this engine and around the same mileage mark as mine 150,000. I have taken excellent care of my Sorento and pride in how well it looks for it's age. This is a travesty to come to the conclusion I may need to spend thousands in order to have an operable vehicle due to poor engine design/failure.

My wife’s 2016 Sorento’s temperature gauge moved pass the middle on March 20, 2023. The Kia dealership in Orlando, identified the problem as a possible “coolant leak in head gasket.” Two repair options were presented, a head gasket replacement (~$9500) or an engine replacement (~$10500). With the high repair cost, I contacted Kia Consumer Care (US) to express my disappointment with the need to replace the engine at 84K miles. After a month and a half of correspondence with Kia Consumer Care, nothing was accomplished. The Kia rep offered to contact the Kia dealership and then Kia Corporate to see if they could assist with the repair cost. The rep did neither. The effort to involve Kia Consumer Care was useless and a waste of time due to their lack of response. The customer care department appears to be outsourced by Kia, with no real problem resolution authority.

Since we were second owners, the 100K mile warranty did not apply. We opted to have our automobile’s head gasket repaired by a credible area mechanic shop. When the mechanic attempted to fasten the cylinder head to the engine block, the bolt would not tighten due to loose threads (a technician can better explain the specifics). It looks like the inability to fasten the cylinder head to the engine block is a design flaw. As a result, we were forced to purchase a new engine only available from Kia. Even though Kia committed to delivering the new engine in a week, it took several weeks later due to a backlog.

The entire experience has left us frustrated and disappointed with Kia in general. The effort to connect with Kia to help resolve the matter was disappointing and highly discouraging. My wife and I have vowed to never purchase another Kia vehicle again.

From our experience, we believe the V6 Kia engine our Sorento had has a design flaw. We are seeking a way to connect with other Kia V6 owners who have had the same problem. We are also seeking a legal firm or attorney who has experience pursuing legal action against Kia. Please let us know if you have information about either of the two inquiries.