2015 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 750 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 20 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
364 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Jan 23, 2024
Manufacturer failed to honor repair of seriously damaged engine due to a faulty distribution in oil causing a major engine failure. KIA USA Manufacturer is currently under massive lawsuits due to this issue and which involved the model we purchased. Vehicle has very low mileage of 85085 and should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty of 100,000 miles. Manufacturer claims they declined our claim because we failed to attend to a massive genetic form mailed to all owners in 2018. As a consumer we are simply asking they honor the warranty and replace and/or fully repair the damaged engine in our family SUV.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Jan 14, 2024
Check engine light started coming on at about 39,000. miles took to local mechanic who preformed lots of repairs and called Kia for information concerning engine issue. Received notice of recall from Kia on the HECU -instructing me to park truck away from home due to fire. Check engine light back on again at 41,000 miles, took to dealership where they replaced the HECU and fuel pump and fuel lines. Picked up truck and noticed when braking the truck shook all over and seem to almost stall when taking off. Check engine was back on and the alert of the system telling me I had an engine failure. Took truck back next day, again repairs of the PVB valve was done. Someone drove the truck of 180 miles on a check engine light and unplugged the battery. Got truck back and within 10 minutes the check engine light was back on and the system telling me engine failure and truck was unsafe to drive. Truck now at another Kia dealership, after many conversation with Kia the representative instructed me to tell the dealership where the truck was that the truck had a recall (supposedly) fixed. Called the dealership now tells me there is no fix for the HECU issue and they can not tell me the truck is safe to drive. I have not had the truck for now 4 months and Kia doesn't know how to fix it. I have filed 4 cases against Kia, they have not offered me a rental car or loaner and they do not have any expected date for me to get the truck back. I have files but it won't let me upload them for the receipts/ information from Kia
Engine, Dec 13, 2023
Car suddenly had a knocking sound, check engine light came on and as I was driving, the car loss power suddenly died and woudn't start back up. Mechanic diagnosed that head bolts came loose and damaged engine. Has been at mechanic since 11/27 with the engine being rebuilt. Aprox cost at $7,600.
Engine, Dec 11, 2023
While on the freeway, the engine started making a loud knocking sound and the car was losing power. No check engine light or other warning lights were illuminated. I exited, parked and later towed the car back to the Kia dealership and they said I needed a block (engine) replacement at a cost of over $10,000. I have performed all routine maintenance on this car at the dealership, so this is unacceptable. Luckily I was able to exit the freeway and was not in an accident because of this failure. My car had approximately 109,000 miles on it.
Engine, Dec 7, 2023
Sudden engine failure. Upon inspecting the vehicle Kia mechanic concluded engine failure is due to rod bearing wear, which isn't part of the engine failure recall. Thus customer is responsible for all expense in full.
Engine, Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 6, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed three quarts of oil after driving 367 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle could be experiencing an internal oil leak. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact to come back after 300 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the front passenger's side seat belt pretensioner failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Engine, Nov 30, 2023
The car has 106,000 miles, engine suddenly have knocking sound when started the engine then it will go away with no indicator of any issues. A week later, my wife was driving it and the knocking sound turns very loud and the car went into the limp mode and almost cause her to get into a car accident. We took the car to the Kia dealership and it was determined that the engine has a lower end rod knock due to bearing failure, the long block engine assembly needs to be replaced. I researched it and this is a commonly known issue for Kia's engine that already affected many other Kia owners.
Engine, Nov 16, 2023
Car temp gauge would go up high and go back down. No check engine light when this would happen. Took to mechanic and found out the radiator and the engine head gasket needed to be replaced.
Engine, Nov 9, 2023
We just got my wife’s Sorento SXL back from our Kia dealership in Kennesaw Georgia Yesterday.we took it in because of a clicking sound in the engine.they kept the car for a diagnostic They said the car had low or no oil,My wife informed the service Rep.that we have all the oil changes and we’ve never ,ever drove the car without oil ! They kept the car another week We found out yesterday what it is.Metal debris in engine,rod bearing wore,oil leaking In engine ! We were told to buy a New Engine! The car has 105,000 miles on it the price on the engine was to be 14,000 dollars we can’t even trade it in because of this a get what the car actually worth ! 3.3 L V-6 Kia engines Also check CarComplaints web.Starting in Jan.2023
Engine, Nov 2, 2023
The engine quit/shut down while traveling at 65mph on freeway. We replace engine, now 50,000 miles later we are replacing the connector rod bearings.
Structure, Engine, Nov 2, 2023
Paint started peeling off
Engine, Oct 5, 2023
On 8/19/23 driving cross country moving from MN to AZ. Heard a clunk and my engine went into limp mode. Called nearest Kia Dealership and advised not to drive. 8/21/23 had to have car towed 100 miles to Kia Dealership in Cheyenne, WY. Rented car from Avis to get to AZ in time for closing on new home. Car inspected at dealership and confirmed a new engine was necessary. To date, car is still in WY.
Engine, Oct 4, 2023
engine is smoking , but is not showing over heating on gauge. just had oil changed on Thursday 9-28-23 by NTB, It has happened 3 times before oil change and once since(today),
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Without vehicle warning lights, I was driving on a highway and my engine began making loud noises. My safety was put at risk as my car did not indicate any warning there were any vehicle issues and I was on a major highway which could have potentially not only affected my safety but the safety of others.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
Engine failed and started knocking on 8/29/2023. Had it towed to dealership where it has been sitting ever since. I am being told that its taking 8+ weeks to get approval on a new engine from KIA due to the defects of their engines. They will not supply a loaner or rental car until (IF) the engine replacement is approved.
Engine, Aug 26, 2023
Without warning, engine stalled while in motion. Electrical system was still functioning and on. Loss of power steering and power brakes. This continued to happen at random times during driving, putting all passengers at risk. Kia dealership looked in to the problem and diagnosed it as a faulty PCM/ECM module and replaced. Rolling engine stall continued and continues to happen at intermittent times. We are now 6 months in to the process of trying to determine the issue. The car has been taken back to Kia dealership for inspection. The problem has been reproduced by another auto repair shop but they are unwilling to work on it since there is no check engine light or corresponding code to work from.
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
Unknow
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
It is abusive to American consumers that Kia Motors America knowingly sold several Kia models from 2011-2019 with the Theta ii engine issues. They have not done enough as a car company to support the needs of customers that are affected by this problem. They are taking 2-3 months to diagnose and repair failed engines at dealerships. Additionally, they are not doing enough to help people when they don't have access to their car. I was forced for 2.5 months to have no car without a loaner vehicle offered to me. I experienced a Kia Sorento 2015 engine failure on 6/1/2023 and was not fully repaired until 8/18/2023. During that entire timeframe, I had to file a BBB report at 60 days to get an update on the diagnosis for my car. When I went to pick up my car on 8/19/2023 at Cochran Robinson Kia, they lost the key to my car and acted like it was no big deal. I am sick and tired of Kia Motors America being allowed to continue selling faulty vehicles in our country. They need to be shut down and charged to the full extent of the law as a car company.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
Engine blew
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The engine was inspected for a possible timing chain rattle/issue and was found to be consuming oil. The oil level was low with no obvious leaks from the engine, meaning that the engine has been burning oil for about 4 months since the last oil change at the very least. The oil consumption could cause engine to wear and fail during operation, causing obvious safety issues for this model, as is the case for other Kia models affected by a class action settlement. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, but has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or other individuals. There were no warnings of low oil levels prior to being informed of this oil consumption issue.
Engine, Aug 14, 2023
The engine of this vehicle has always rattled on start-up, but the sound goes away after a few seconds. Oil levels have always been maintained and the oil has been changed on a regular basis at the scheduled mileage intervals. Within the last month, the engine rattle is present when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear, at approximately 30-40 mph. The engine rattle is coupled with a revving sound that would indicate that the engine is working hard to accelerate, yet the RPMs remain relatively low for the amount of sound made by the engine. To date this has not posed a safety risk, but I consider it to a potential safety issue if the engine failure problems present in other Kias of similar years are also present in this year and generation of Sorentos with V6 engines such as this vehicle. The engine issue is currently being inspected by a mechanic to see if they can replicate the issue and identify a specific problem. No inspections have been performed to date by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No engine lights or warning signs were present before this started occurring.
Power train, Engine, Aug 13, 2023
August 11,2023 My 2015 Kia Sorento engine light came on, it started bogging down, and rattling noise came from the engine, when plugged in it was diagnosed as the exhaust crank shaft position timing-over-advanced (Bank 1) Code P0014. I had a hard time keeping the engine running it kept wanting to stall out while driving down the road to safely make it home. I'm lucky to have made it home and not stranded out on the highway. I'm told know the engine has failed. I will need rods replaced; I've had all my recalls done but yet this still has happened to me. I thought 1 of the recalls was for this very reason yet it still happened, how is this possible. As I've read through other people's issues, I'm also at 85,000 miles and had no warning that my engine would be shot. If you have a Kia 2015 Sorento sell it or trade it in now, especially if your mileage is hitting 80,000 mileages.
Engine, Aug 1, 2023
Driving 45mph on busy street and engine stopped working- locked up. No codes, no warning lights, etc… Coasted to an advanced auto parts store, hooked up scanner- no codes. My Mechanic and Kia both said there is oil in the engine, but it’s locked up. No help from Kia on this issue even though there are similar issues/complaints on this engine problem.
Engine, Jul 31, 2023
RE: Kia Engine Failure I have a 2015 Kia Sorento that has approximately 86,600 miles. My engine failed on July 5, 2023. I did receive the Recall No. 18V907000 and tried to contact Kia numerous times when I received the notice to get my software updated; however, I was unable to speak with anybody from the service department and had left numerous messages to no avail. Shortly after the recall, I had a heart attack and needed time to recuperate. Then Covid hit, my doctor advised me to quit my part-time job and stay quarantined due to my high risk of contacting Covid due to being a diabetic, having a recent heart attack and other medical ailments. I have been disabled for 12 years and have other medical issues that I'm dealing with. Recently on July 4, 2023, when I was driving my car, my engine started making a knocking sound. It made a loud noise and felt like it was stuck in gear. I took it into my mechanic the next day who confirmed that my engine was going out. The check engine light never went on. The next day when I drove it to the market, the car completely went out. I have been trying to get in touch with Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach, CA. and Kia of Irvine, as well as contacting a lot of phone numbers regarding the Kia lawsuit, but nobody answers the calls or returns your messages. You can be on hold for hours. I had an appointment this morning to get recall updates on my car, which I scheduled several weeks ago before my engine failure. I called the service department of Kia of Irvine in CA., and explained to the service advisor, Cody Brown about my engine failure if I should take in my car for the scheduled recall updates. He advised me not to take it in, because in order to complete the recalls, the engine needs to be in working condition. I inquired about my engine failure to see if it was covered under the lawsuit. He advised me that it was not and that I had to contact the Kia manufacturer, which I did, but have been on hold for hours.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
My engine went into limp mode on the road wile my daughter was in traffic. After she was finally able to get the car to the side of the road. I had the Sorrento towed to my local mechanic. The mechanic informed me the engine had an internal engine failure.The car had 125,000 miles I have always done my oil changes at 5000 miles with synthetic oil. Spoke with Kia they said I would have to a Kia Dealership mechanic diagnostic. The Kia dealership said the engine had an internal engine failure. They said it is some type internal failure but have not said what is failed.