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severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Sorento have filed 307 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Sorento | 385 |
| 2014 Sorento | 278 |
| 2015 Sorento | 284 |
| 2016 Sorento | 548 |
| 2017 Sorento (this page) | 307 |
| 2018 Sorento | 81 |
| 2019 Sorento | 117 |
| 2020 Sorento | 48 |
Of the 307 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Engine accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 307 engine complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 307 complaints per campaign.
If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2020MY Optima, 2016-2020MY Sorento, 2017-2022MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific co
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OIL PRESSURE SWITCH (OPS) REPLACEMENT (WTY026 REVISION 2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the Oil Pressure Switch associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY026) on some 2014-2018MY vehicles listed in the table below, for repairs that may be necessary to address an Oil Pressure Switch leak in the eligible vehicles listed below from 10 years/100,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2017 Sorento engine fails catastrophically and often silently. Owners describe engines shutting down at highway speed with zero prior warning—no lights, no noise, nothing—forcing them to coast to the shoulder or get hit. Some engines catch fire. Multiple complaints detail the engine simply stopping mid-drive, refusing to restart, with diagnostic evidence of rod bearing collapse, connecting-rod failure punching through the block, or seizure from complete oil loss.
Oil consumption is endemic. Owners must add 2–6 quarts per 1,000–5,000 miles despite no visible leaks and regular maintenance. The oil pressure warning light often doesn't activate until oil is critically low or absent entirely. Kia service managers have explicitly told owners to "drive it until it blows" and then submit a warranty claim—yet when it does blow, Kia denies coverage on technicalities: missing KSDS recall updates, outdated service stickers, or claims the vehicle doesn't qualify despite matching settlement criteria.
Warranty denials are systematic. Owners cite Kia's extended programs (WTY026 for oil-pressure switch, WTY035 for head bolts, PI1802 KSDS update extending coverage to 10yr/150k mi, and class-action settlements) but dealerships refuse claims citing pending diagnostic codes, lack of paperwork, or second-ownership status. Full engine replacement costs $7,000–$15,000. Owners left stranded report rental-car costs ($1,500–$2,500), towing fees, and cars sold at total loss for a fraction of KBB value. One driver's engine caught fire on the freeway; another with two grandchildren aboard (one with autism) lost engine power with no warning in traffic.
Same Kia Sorento engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Engine seizes suddenly during normal driving without warning. Owners report the engine shuts down completely, loses all power, or ceases operation mid-drive. Multiple complaints detail the engine becoming locked, non-responsive, or requiring complete replacement. Some incidents involve the engine catching fire or expelling smoke.
When: Varies from ~60k miles to 140k+ miles; several occur without prior symptoms despite regular maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down abruptly while driving; Complete loss of motive power; Engine will not restart; Loud knocking or clanging noise immediately before failure; Black smoke from exhaust or under hood; Engine catches fire in some cases; No prior warning lights in majority of cases
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor), Low compression readings, Rod bearing wear diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; costs range $7,000–$15,000. Many owners denied warranty coverage and left responsible for full cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Theta II 2.4L GDI and 3.3L V6 Lambda II engines covered under class action settlement and extended warranty programs (e.g., WTY026 for Oil Pressure Switch, PI1802 KSDS Update extending coverage to 10 years/150k miles). However, Kia frequently denies claims citing lack of diagnostic codes, missing recalls, or denial that vehicle qualifies for extended warranty. Some owners report engine replaced under warranty; others denied despite symptom match.
Engine burns or consumes oil internally at abnormally high rates with no visible external leaks. Owners must top off oil frequently between service intervals. Oil level can drop to zero or near-empty with no warning light. Often precedes total engine failure.
When: Documented across vehicles with ~7,000–119,000 miles; some owners report issue from purchase or early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops 2–6 quarts per 1,000–5,000 miles; No visible external leaks; No exhaust smoke or minimal smoke; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Low oil warning light either absent or does not activate until oil is critically low; Burning oil smell sometimes noted
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor, in some cases), Misfires (P0300 type codes implied)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption tests performed at dealership; some dealers recommend topping off oil or monitoring. No repair offered for the root cause (worn piston rings, head gasket issues). When engine fails, full replacement needed (cost $7k–$12k). Some owners report dealership explicitly told them to drive car until it fails and then submit warranty claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia states abnormal oil consumption is 'normal' for GDI engines or refuses to act without engine failure. Extended warranty programs (lifetime or 10yr/150k mi) may cover engine replacement after failure, but coverage denials are common due to maintenance record disputes or absence of required recall updates (KSDS). Some dealers/Kia reps recommend owners continue topping off oil until engine seizes, then pursue warranty claim.
Engine loses oil with zero dashboard warning. No low-oil or oil-pressure warning light activates despite critically low or zero oil levels. This creates a silent failure mode where engine seizes without giving driver time to pull over safely.
When: Occurs at various mileages; several between 90k–120k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil level at zero or near-zero with no warning light illuminated; Check engine light may not illuminate until failure occurs; Engine operates normally (no noise/vibration) until complete seizure; Sudden power loss or stalling without prior indication
Codes mentioned: WTY026 warranty extension references oil pressure switch defect
Repairs/costs cited: Root cause attributed to failed oil pressure switch (part of extended warranty WTY026). Kia dealerships often deny claims requesting owners pay for engine teardown to prove cause. Owners argue warranty should cover switch + resulting engine damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty WTY026 (15 years/150,000 miles) covers oil pressure switch failure but not always the resulting engine damage. Dealerships refuse to honor warranty if owner cannot produce recent service records or if window service sticker is outdated, despite having proof of maintenance.
Check engine light illuminates and stays on or recurs repeatedly despite dealer service attempts. Engine misfires, hesitates, or loses power during acceleration. Multiple dealer visits do not resolve the issue; codes are cleared or 'pending' but problem persists.
When: Documented across mileage range; some early (15k miles), others after 100k
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on or flashing (especially P1326 code); Engine hesitation or jerking during acceleration; Vehicle cannot exceed 45–50 mph; Rough idle or loud knocking at idle; Loss of power when accelerating or merging
Codes mentioned: P1326 (most common – knock sensor), P0300 (random misfire), Pending codes that do not register as fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update, replace ignition coils, spark plugs, oil pressure switch, and fuel pump gaskets. Problem often recurs within days or weeks. Final diagnosis may indicate piston failure, low compression, or cylinder head bolt issues. Owners left in cycle of repeated repairs without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KSDS update issued as recall (PI1802) extending warranty to 10 years/150k miles for rod bearing failure. However, if update not performed or code does not appear post-update, Kia denies coverage. Some dealers blame owner maintenance despite documented oil changes.
Internal engine components (connecting rods, rod bearings, pistons, crankshaft) fail, causing catastrophic damage. Loud knocking is often the only warning before seizure. Failure can result in hole punched through engine block, fire, or complete seizure.
When: Variable mileage; several at 90k–120k miles, some earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, distinctive knocking or clanging noise from engine; Sudden power loss following knock; Black smoke and/or fire; Oil spurting from underneath vehicle; Engine seized with hole in block (visible on inspection); Fragments of piston or rod found
Codes mentioned: Low compression readings, P1326 (knock sensor) – though may not trigger until mid-failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement only remedy; cost $7k–$15k. Some dealers note 'detached crankshaft bearings' or 'rod bearing wear' as cause. Owners often report no early warning—engine sounds and runs fine until catastrophic failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Theta II class action settlement and extended warranty programs (e.g., 10yr/150k mi via KSDS update) allegedly cover rod bearing failure. Kia frequently denies coverage, claiming pending knock-sensor codes do not qualify, or citing missing diagnostic codes post-update. Several owners report dealership found loud knocking but omitted it from diagnosis to avoid warranty obligation.
Cylinder head bolts fail ('thread' / strip), or head gaskets blow. Engine overheats and seizes rapidly. Covered under extended warranty WTY035 (15yr/180k mi) but often denied by dealerships.
When: Variable; some early in ownership, others at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating (temperature spike or warning); Blown head gasket (coolant in oil, oil in coolant); Engine seizure; No warning before sudden failure in some cases
Codes mentioned: No specific codes cited; diagnosis by visual inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required (or head rebuild, which dealers do not pursue). Cost $8k–$10k+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia warranty extension WTY035 (15yr/180k mi for head bolt and gasket defects) exists but dealerships deny claims citing 'insufficient maintenance records' despite customer proof of service. One owner reported dealership confirmed 'sludge is not a factor' yet still denied claim based on outdated service sticker.
Oil pressure switch leaks or fails, allowing oil to escape and oil pressure warning to malfunction. Can lead to complete oil loss and engine seizure without any warning light.
When: Variable; some reported failures within warranty period, others later
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from switch location; Oil pressure warning light does not illuminate despite low oil; Engine seizure due to oil starvation; No warning before failure
Codes mentioned: WTY026 warranty extension code
Repairs/costs cited: Switch replacement covered under WTY026 extended warranty (15yr/150k mi). However, resulting engine damage (seizure) often not covered. Cost to replace switch alone is minor, but if engine fails, full replacement needed ($7k–$15k).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty WTY026 covers oil pressure switch for 15 years/150,000 miles on 2014–2018 Sorento 3.3L. However, dealerships frequently deny coverage citing outdated service records or requiring customer to pay for engine teardown to 'prove' switch was cause of failure. Kia letter states if 'oil is NOT leaking OR warning light DOES NOT illuminate,' owner does not need the recall work—but this creates a catch-22 where silent failure denies coverage.
Synthesized from 307 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Was driving down the street engine started to make loud noise and stalled coasted to a parking lot. Noticed smoke got out to find the engine engulfed in flames.
This car has been consuming oil at a crazy rate I have been to the dealer at least 20 times with them saying I need to do oil consumption tests which I thought was already done but the car is misfiring and all that can be done right now is to drive it until engine seizes my question is how is this ok how does Kia sell a certified car with only 15,000 miles on it (when purchased) tell people well…
I bought my Sorento new in 2017 and had been taking it in to the dealership for regular maintenance. It started drinking oil a few months ago and an in-warranty oil consumption test was done. It's still using a lot of oil AND now it has a bad cylinder and needs a new $5,000 engine. It's out of warranty now and I'm disappointed that regular service appointments over the last five years didn't…
I was driving and heard a loud noise. The car started to hesitate and was making a knocking noise. I pulled over and had it towed where I was told it was a rod bearing failure and I needed a new engine. It had 130,000 miles. I have been reading online and found a lot of vehicles with the same engine as mine where this has happened and there are no recalls. Engines size 3.3L V6. Right now the…
December 19,2019 our 2017 Kia sorrento with 37k miles on it would not start. The temperature was below zero and thought that has something to do with it. Initially the car tried turning over but after a few attempts, it stopped doing anything. We worked through a number of problem solving steps and after a while called roadside assistance and they towed the car to the Kia dealership where we…
It's a meaningful issue. 307 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
Across the 95 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 52,000 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 102,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.