9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$330
Average Mileage:
61,500 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replaced sending unit (2 reports)
  2. replace seized engine (1 reports)
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problem #3

Apr 032022

Sorento 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,673 miles

Driving through a very busy intersection my engine stopped (I found out that it seized up). Turns out there was NO oil left in it. However I Always have my oil changes done on a schedule. Last time was 4,636 mile ago. Filled with fully synthetic oil which "supposedly" should last as long as 7,500 miles per the Kia website, although I have it changed every 5,000 miles.

My ISSUE is that there was NO engine oil light, ever. There was NO engine overheating alert. There was NO blue smoke out the exhaust. There was NO knocking, pinging, grinding or ANY noise whatsoever. The oil was gone. It is past warranty, of course. Insurance says, sorry don't cover mechanical. Bank is still going to want its $11K. Basically I am S.O.L.

I've filed a complaint with the NHTSA and found an investigation currently underway for another 2016 Kia Sorento model with same issue a few months ago. If any of you have this issue be SURE to alert the NHTSA as well. It may force the manufacturer to issue a recall to fix the apparent issue.

- Jazon B., Houston, US

problem #2

Mar 282021

Sorento EX 3.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received a petition dated September 30, 2021 requesting an investigation of an alleged defect involving the oil pressure switch in certain Model Year 2015-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3L V6 "Lambda" engine. The petition was filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11431827. The petitioner alleges that the oil pressure switch, a device which monitors engine oil pressure and illuminates a warning light when oil pressure is lost, is defective in the subject vehicles. The defect results in an engine oil leak. Petitioner further alleges the oil loss occurs without warning to the driver eventually leading to an engine stall and loss of motive power condition.This defect petition has been opened to evaluate the allegation and determine whether to grant or deny the petitioner's request.

The oil pressure switch was actually FAULTY AND I was never notified of any oil discrepancies... Until I brought I brought my vehicle in for "preventive maintenance" to Bedford Kia last year in March 2021 for an oil change, tire rotation, and radiator flush/fill. I was then notified that the oil pressure switch was leaking, and they could replace for $425, on top of the $269 for the preventive maintenance. I then brought then vehicle into another service garage, Not KIA and they informed they OIL PRESSURE SWITCH was not faulty, they said oil housing pan and cover etc. were faulty and there were major problems with excessive oil leaks and that I should return back to KIA.

I did do this and brought my 2016 Kia Sorento back to the original KIA dealership of purchase -- Halleen KIA AND THEY gave a loaner vehicle and did MAJOR REPAIRS on THE OIL LEAKS under the power train warranty, ALTHOUGH, I still have to shell out $1000 dollars of my own money FOR KIA'S FAULTY ENGINE AND OIL LEAKS WITH OIL EVERYWHERE. KIA kept my car for 10 days, to try to fix or correct the problem. The powertrain warranty paid for $2000 in repairs and I had to pay $1000... and it's ridiculous.

- M B., Cleveland, OH, US

problem #1

Mar 062020

Sorento LX 2.4L Gdi Theta

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,700 miles

Oil pressure light came on randomly while driving. Immediately pulled over and shut the car down. Had it towed to dealer, where they gave it an oil change and cleaning for about $200 and said it was fine. They blamed it on us for having too much oil in the crankcase. We drove off the lot and within five minutes the light was back on again. Immediately brought it back and they diagnosed it as the sending unit and paid another $226 dollars (with a 10% discount) to replace it. The car was at the time roughly 700 miles past its warranty.

- Christopher R., Alburtis, US