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 ↗2023 Kia Sorento engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Kia Sorento have filed 10 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 →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Sorento | 117 |
| 2020 Sorento | 48 |
| 2022 Sorento | 20 |
| 2023 Sorento (this page) | 10 |
| 2024 Sorento | 3 |
| 2025 Sorento | 5 |
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
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.
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: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC23) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting in use performance tracking emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting. To facilitate collection of this data at the dealer level, KDS screenshots will allow the capture of relevant parameters.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Engine consuming excessive oil between oil changes.
Had engine trouble with your 2023 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2023 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 62,000 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.
What does it cost to fix?
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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.