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severe Owners of the 2022 Kia Sorento have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 |
|---|---|
| 2018 Sorento | 81 |
| 2019 Sorento | 117 |
| 2020 Sorento | 48 |
| 2022 Sorento (this page) | 20 |
| 2023 Sorento | 10 |
| 2024 Sorento | 3 |
| 2025 Sorento | 5 |
Of the 20 engine complaints filed for the 2022 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ITM REPLACEMENT AND ECM & TCM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (CA2508) - This bulletin provides information to replace the Integrated Thermal Management Module (ITM) and then upgrade the Engine Control Module ‘ECM’ and (if applicable) the Transmission Control Module ‘TCM’ system software on certain 2021-2023MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from September 09, 2020 through December 19, 2023. The affected vehicles may experience an illuminated Multifunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) ‘ON’ with DTC(s) P218100, P2181F0, and/or P2181F1 stored. This condition may occur due to degradation of the diaphragm inside the ITM. There are no drivability or other symptoms associated with this cond
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: POTENTIAL LOW OIL PRESSURE DUE TO FILTER DRAIN PLUG THAT WAS LEFT IN FILTER - 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. Attention Dealership Service Managers, Service and Lube Techs, pay particular attention to this information. This Pitstop provides information regarding potential engine damage if the proper procedures are not followed during an oil change on the vehicles listed above equipped with 2.5L/2.5L-T GDI Theta III engines. Prior to installing: The oil filter service kit should be inspected for missing parts, if any of the parts are missing from the oil filter kit
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - 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 on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equipped with the Oil Life Management System (OLMS) feature not included in table on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIR INTAKE SYSTEM CLEANING, PCV VALVE & AIR FILTER REPLACEMENT DUE TO OIL CONTAMINATION - This bulletin provides information regarding the air intake system which may become contaminated with oil due to a faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) check valve on some 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles equipped with Theta III 2.5L T-GDI engine, produced from September 10, 2020 through October 2, 2021, which may allow engine oil to enter the air intake system and contaminate the engine air filter with oil.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: POTENTIAL LOW OIL PRESSURE DUE TO FILTER DRAIN PLUG THAT WAS LEFT IN FILTER - Attention Dealership Service Managers, Service and Lube Techs, pay particular attention to this information. This Pitstop provides information regarding potential engine damage if the proper procedures are not followed during an oil change on some 2021 and later K5 (DL3a) and Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles equipped with 2.5L/2.5L-T GDI Theta III engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2022 Kia Sorentos report multiple critical engine and powertrain failures. The most common complaint is sudden, unpredictable loss of engine power while driving—sometimes without any warning lights—forcing vehicles to slow to 25–30 mph or stall entirely. In some cases, power returns after a restart or brief delay; in others, dealers cannot locate any diagnostic codes despite the failure occurring repeatedly. One owner's engine seized at a stop light; another lost consciousness from an unknown odor at 3,200 miles, resulting in a crash.
Limp-mode activation and fuel pump failures are reported across multiple vehicles. One owner experienced the issue repeatedly after having both low-pressure and high-pressure pumps replaced under warranty. Kia engineering suspects heat-related failure in hot climates like Arizona. Owners also report engine vibrations and shaking on startup with reduced power, propeller shaft boot failure at 21,000 miles, and rear main seal oil leaks.
A persistent design flaw has emerged: the front grille features large openings that allow road debris to strike and puncture the radiator directly behind it, causing sudden power loss on highways without warning. Multiple owners cite this, and some have installed aftermarket mesh protection. Warranty does not cover debris-related radiator damage.
Transmission system errors appear in brand-new vehicles with under 1,000 miles, with sluggish performance that dealers cannot replicate or diagnose. Fuel injector failures and cylinder misfires also occur. Dealers consistently report inability to identify root causes or replicate faults, leaving owners with unresolved safety concerns.
Same Kia Sorento engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020
Vehicle loses motive power without warning while at speed or decelerating, sometimes while exiting highways or approaching intersections. Power may be recovered by restarting the engine or waiting briefly. Owners report the vehicle becoming unresponsive to accelerator input or dropping to 25–30 mph regardless of pedal position.
When: Variable mileage; reported within first 6 months to 89,435 miles. Some incidents within weeks of purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Inability to accelerate beyond 25–30 mph even with pedal to the floor; Intermittent power loss that recovers after restart or brief delay; No warning lights or messages in some cases; Check engine light illuminated in some incidents
Codes mentioned: Powertrain control system codes, P1C2D03
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have been unable to replicate faults in most cases or locate diagnostic codes. One instance charged customer for fuel system testing without diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC250 addresses sudden loss of drive power; however, Kia has refused authorization for overseas military personnel. No recall information provided in most narratives.
Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power) triggered by acceleration, often accompanied by Auto Stop indicator. Underlying issues include low-pressure fuel pump gasket failure, low-pressure fuel pump failure, and high-pressure fuel pump failure. Kia engineering suspects heat-related failure in hot climates.
When: One narrative at 89,435 miles with repeated incidents in last month; another at ~1 year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Limp mode engagement during acceleration; Auto Stop indicator illumination; Check engine light (in some cases); Power recovers after restart; Recurrent failure pattern
Codes mentioned: Low-pressure fuel pump codes, High-pressure fuel pump codes
Repairs/costs cited: Low-pressure fuel pump replaced; high-pressure fuel pump replaced; low-pressure fuel pump gasket replaced. All repairs performed under warranty at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia engineering suspects heat-related failure; no design change or extended warranty program mentioned.
Cylinder misfire diagnosed at stop light with loss of motive power and check engine light. Fuel injector replacement required.
When: Approximately 70,880 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power at stop light; Check engine light illuminated; Cylinder #4 misfire
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (implied cylinder #4)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injectors required replacement; parts on order at time of complaint.
Engine exhibits abnormally strong vibrations and shaking on startup with loud noises and reduced power output. Check engine light illuminates. Issue can be temporarily cleared by shutting off and restarting vehicle.
When: Intermittent at startup; one complaint after multiple repair attempts without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal engine vibration and shaking; Loud engine noises; Reduced power and sluggish acceleration; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle brought for repair at least 4 times; Kia unable to resolve.
Engine seized while vehicle was stopped at a stop light. Owner reports this is a known pattern in Kia vehicles, but manufacturer denies it as a design issue.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine seizure
Repairs/costs cited: Currently at dealership; issue cannot be reproduced after seizure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denying issue despite documented complaints; no recall information provided.
Failed propeller shaft drive shaft boot causing abnormal clinking sound, loss of motive power, and vehicle deceleration. Vehicle unable to exceed 25 mph.
When: Approximately 21,016 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clinking sound; Loss of motive power; Independent deceleration; Unable to exceed 25 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Propeller shaft drive shaft boot replacement required; not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; case filed.
Oil leaking from rear main seal causing low oil level and hesitation during acceleration. Oil leaked onto engine compartment and ground.
When: Approximately 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil level; Hesitation during acceleration; Oil leaking onto engine compartment and ground
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan replaced initially; failure recurred. Rear main seal replacement required; not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware.
Transmission system error warning appears with vehicle becoming sluggish and unresponsive. Error recurs after dealer is unable to replicate or identify codes. Multiple 2022 Sorento owners report same issue with less than 2,000 miles.
When: Brand new vehicle; first incident at 775 miles, second at 865 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission system error dashboard warning; Sluggish vehicle performance; Loss of responsiveness requiring hazard lights for safe return
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to see error codes or replicate the problem.
Front grill design has large openings allowing road debris to pass through and puncture the radiator, which sits directly behind the grill. Multiple owners report same defect. Some owners have installed aftermarket metal mesh protection. Coolant leakage can lead to catastrophic engine failure if overheating occurs.
When: Within 4 months of purchase in one case; early January 2025 after October 2024 purchase; another incident 4 months later
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator puncture from road debris; Coolant leakage; Sudden loss of engine power while driving without warning; Service warnings (inverter coolant refill, hybrid system service)
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required twice in one case. Some owners installing aftermarket metal mesh protection. Warranty does not cover external damage from debris impact.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia aware of complaints but no design recall or protective retrofit issued. No warranty coverage for debris-related radiator damage.
Strong unknown odor emitted from vehicle at approximately 3,200 miles caused driver to lose consciousness at stop light, resulting in crash into another vehicle with air bag deployment and tire separation. Contact sustained head injuries; other driver injured.
When: Approximately 3,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strong unknown odor from vehicle; Loss of consciousness; Front tire separation
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; cause of odor not identified in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer both notified but neither offered assistance. Vehicle totaled without investigation.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a stop light, the contact heard an abnormal clinking sound, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated independently. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed…
Kia refuses to perform a U.S. safety recall due to my being active duty U.S. military stationed overseas. The affected vehicle is U.S.-spec and registered to a U.S. address. The recall (SC250) involves sudden loss of drive power and is a major safety defect. Kia has refused to authorize parts or repair overseas, putting me and my family at risk.
Around 9:45 on December 29 my check engine light came on stating I had a powertrain issue for the engine control system. This car is only 5 1/2 months old since I bought it. I do all my maintenance get it checked. And they always tell me my SUV is in great condition. Well yesterday. December 30 at about 12:40 PM my car did not want to maintain engine power. What I mean by this is when I try to…
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
Based on the 20 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 36,274 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.