Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2019 Kia Sorento submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 173 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 173, in the owner's own words
I read about some 2019 Kia Serento with V 6 engine have recall for leaking oil sensor. Yet when I look up my vin it is not listed ? Looking for any recourse for why some vin numbers are not covered when this is a problem ??
My Car started to have extreme oil consumption around 100,000 miles I was able to keep it maintained by adding oil frequently but finally part of my motor stopped functioning and I was forced to replace my motor. I got my car back June 22,2026 but the new motor also has had the same issue. I did purchase a warranty for 3 years but unfortunately it only covers one replacement. This motor did not even last 6 months.
My check engine light came on. I took my vehicle to AutoZone so that they could tell me what the code read. The code read, cylinder 2 and cylinder 3 misfire. I replaced all 4 cylinders and spark plugs. 6 months after replacing all the parts, I had the check in light come on (flashing) while driving out of town. I was able to drive the vehicle back to town and after the vehicle sat majority of the day, it cleared on its own. Almost a year to the original date, I had my check engine light come back on. I took my vehicle back to AutoZone and the code read, cylinder 3 misfire. They were able to clear the code but it came back on within 30 seconds.
Please see attachment
On October 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., my 2019 Kia Sorento, with fewer than 100,000 miles, experienced an unexpected engine failure while I was driving on the highway in the Chicago, Illinois, area. Component or System Failure: The vehicle's engine failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being operated on the highway. The exact internal component responsible for the failure is currently UNKNOWN. However, the vehicle has since been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership, and I have been informed that the engine repair was approved. The availability of the failed engine or its components for further inspection is currently UNKNOWN. Safety Risks: What makes this incident particularly alarming is that my daughter was in the vehicle with me when the engine failed. We were traveling on the highway, surrounded by vehicles moving at high speeds, when we experienced this unexpected mechanical failure. This situation placed both my daughter and me in a potentially life-threatening situation. The sudden engine failure could have resulted in a serious collision, catastrophic injuries, or even the loss of both of our lives. As a mother, it is deeply disturbing to know that my daughter and I were exposed to such a dangerous situation while simply traveling in our vehicle. We could have been involved in a devastating accident through no apparent fault of our own. My concern extends beyond the inconvenience and financial burden of having my vehicle break down. This was a serious safety incident that endangered not only my life but also the life of my daughter and potentially other motorists on the highway. Dealer Confirmation: Following the incident, I contacted Kia to arrange an inspection and repair. Unfortunately, the earliest available service appointment was October 8, 2026, five days after the engine failure. An authorized Kia dealership subsequently inspected the vehicle and approved the engine repair. I am requesting the complete diagnostic finding
The engin cought on fire while driving. The entire car burnt. The engin burns 1 quart of oil per tank of gass consuming approximately 20 quarts beetween oil changes.
I was driving to work on the interstate and my car went into limp mode almost causing me to get hit at those speeds. I sent it to my mechanic but was told about the theta2 lawsuit so I had it towed to Kia. Was charged $300 and it wasn’t even diagnosed or looked at due to missing oil change receipts. I have since contacted bbb and Kia headquarters to just be told it’s not covered due to missing receipts of oil changes. Even though it’s a known issue with the gdi engine. Was faulty due to metal left in the drive train after assembly. I have a car that I still owe $4,000 for still making payments and I can’t use the car. I just want it fixed?
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Sorento and an engine failure related to Kia’s Product Improvement Campaign/KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) campaign. I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. Prior to the engine failure, I was never notified of any Product Improvement Campaign affecting my vehicle. Had I been notified, I would have immediately taken the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership to have the campaign completed. My engine subsequently failed, and Kia denied coverage, stating that the Product Improvement Campaign was not completed before the engine failure occurred. Kia stated that notices were mailed to affected owners, but they have not provided me with documentation showing when my specific notice(s) were mailed, what address they were sent to, or proof that I was properly notified. I am concerned that affected owners may not be receiving adequate notification of this engine-related issue before a failure occurs. An engine failure can create a serious safety concern, especially if it occurs while driving, and owners may unknowingly continue operating vehicles affected by this condition without having the opportunity to complete the required update. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter to determine whether Kia’s notification process for this campaign was effective and whether additional investigation is needed regarding engine failures associated with this issue. Vehicle Information: Year: 2019 Make: Kia Model: Sorento Date of engine failure: June 2026 I have documentation from Kia Customer Care regarding their denial of coverage and their statement that the campaign was not completed prior to engine failure.
Engine seized per Kia Inspected by Kia after AAA TOWED AND COULD NOT START CAR warning lamps have been on for over 6 months. Kia inspected and ran diagnostics at that time and said it was nothing to fix just an annoying dashboard malfunction.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was slowly driven to the residence and stalled in the driveway. After restarting the vehicle, the engine immediately shut off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who confirmed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The cause of the engine failure was unknown. The vehicle was not yet repaired. While purchasing the vehicle, the contact was advised to constantly monitor the engine oil due to a known oil consumption issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the extended warranty program. The failure mileage was 125,202.
Engine burning oil Failed oil consumption test done by dealership - had to get engine replaced Still noticing stuttering and fluctuating power at times. Failure of Snow White Pearl paint delamination issue causing the top-coat to lift off of underlying primer. Rust has started in some of the spots
Engine, a Lambda 3.3 v6 started knocking periodically and consuming oil at about a half a quart a week. It is a know problem with this motor and well documented in its existence in all Hyundai and Kia vehicles using this engine. We now have been told that the head bolts are partially stripped. Another known problem and we are consuming coolant. This can is not trustworthy and could fail at any time. We are still paying off the loan if it matters.
Spontaneous fire under hood. Nothing was malfunctuoing, no warning lights. All fluids were good, no temp issues. Parked to to run inside to use rr, was paged and came out car is on fire
My 2019 Kia Sorento suddenly began making loud knocking noises from the engine and immediately lost all acceleration while I was driving with my children in the car. The vehicle would not respond when pressing the gas, and the check engine light came on. This created a terrifying situation because I had no power to merge or move out of traffic, and I had my [XXX], [XXX] and [XXX] children with me.The engine now knocks severely and has almost no power at all. The oil level is full, so this is not due to low oil or lack of maintenance. This appears to be a sudden internal engine failure consistent with known Kia engine defects involving rod bearings, timing issues, and loss of compression.I am reporting this because the vehicle is unsafe to drive and put my children at risk. Kia is refusing to cover the engine failure even though this matches the same symptoms seen in other Kia engine recalls. I am extremely concerned that this defect could have caused an accident or left us stranded in a dangerous situation. I need this investigated as a serious safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The engine failed and is now inoperable. The vehicle has been consuming excessive oil since I purchased it in 2022. I have all oil change records and top offs documented. In May 2026 the engine had a total failure, was making excessive noise, was shuddering and vibrating, blowing lots of smoke from the exhaust and then would not start. The check engine light came on. I towed it to Roseville Kia for diagnosis. Kia refused to honor the lifetime warranty under the class action lawsuit, claiming the engineer failure was due to a damaged exhaust valve. The did not complete the diagnosis. They did not follow the NHTSA engine replacement flowchart past flowchart A because code p1326 was not present. However the flowchart specifies engine noise and failure to turn over qualify the technician to perform flowcharts B and C. Kia is refusing to complete the diagnosis and evaluate the rod bearings for damage, which would likely qualify the engine for replacement under warranty.
My 2019 Sorento 3.3L suffered high oil consumption followed by a severe oil leak at the back of the head/engine block threads. There is an odor of coolant which smells sweet with no visible coolant leak meaning there is likely coolant seeping into the engine mixing with the oil. I believe this an ongoing engine failure caused from Kia not correcting the issues over many years.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a few days later, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with detached cylinder head bolts and a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 186,016.
My 2019 Kia Sorento equipped with a Theta II engine entered limp mode and displayed a flashing check engine light along with an active P1326 diagnostic trouble code. The P1326 code is a proprietary Kia/Hyundai specific code that can only be generated when the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update is present on the vehicle. This software was developed and distributed by Kia specifically to detect Theta II engine bearing failure and rod bearing wear before catastrophic engine damage occurs. The presence of the P1326 code is confirmation by Kia's own proprietary detection system that this engine is experiencing the exact failure pattern associated with the Theta II engine defect. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. The dealership refused to perform a BTC test or enter the vehicle into Techline, citing that the VIN does not appear in the Theta II settlement database. Kia America customer care has also denied coverage. The vehicle remains inoperable. Safety risk is significant. The Theta II engine defect has been directly linked to engine fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Limp mode and sudden loss of power while driving creates serious risk of accidents, injury, or death to the driver and other motorists. The 2012-2019 Kia Sorento is a model year range specifically identified in Theta II multidistrict litigation. Kia's own KSDS software flagging a P1326 code on this vehicle while Kia simultaneously denies any defect-related coverage is contradictory and raises serious safety concerns for owners whose VINs were excluded from settlement but whose vehicles are exhibiting identical failure symptoms.
The vehicle involved is a 2019 Kia Sorento with approximately 111,000 miles. Over the course of ownership, the vehicle has experienced numerous unresolved mechanical and safety-related issues, including ongoing fuel leak concerns, excessive oil consumption/loss of oil, rough shifting, shift solenoid problems, rattling noises, shaking/vibration while driving, and repeated drivability issues. The primary safety concern at this time is a suspected fuel leak that multiple independent mechanics have identified. I have been told by at least three separate mechanics that the vehicle appears to have a fuel leak. During my most recent oil change at Valvoline, the technician expressed concern about the safety of driving the vehicle in this condition and warned me that driving a vehicle with a fuel leak could be dangerous. I previously brought the vehicle to Kia dealerships multiple times while the extended warranty was active and specifically requested inspection for the suspected fuel leak. On at least three separate visits, I was informed by the dealership that they could not find or confirm a leak. Because the issue was never resolved or properly diagnosed while under warranty, I am now out of warranty coverage and facing potentially dangerous and costly repairs. This issue has placed my safety and the safety of others at risk due to fear of possible fire hazards, stalling, or sudden vehicle failure while driving. Because of these concerns, I have significantly reduced driving the vehicle and currently do not feel safe operating it regularly. This has created substantial hardship because this is my only vehicle for work and daily life. Additional unresolved issues with the vehicle include: - Persistent rough shifting and shifting hesitation - Shift solenoid issues - Ongoing excessive oil consumption/loss of oil with no confirmed source - Constant rattling noises - Excessive vibration/shaking while driving - AC system failure around 60,000 miles - Electrical seat failur
Had to replace transmission at 133k miles. It was jolting sometimes providing a hard jolt at times will driving. There are also times of what feels like a cylinder misfire. Oil is constantly leaking and have to replace oil every 1k Miles. Have had multiple shops look at it and not able to find anything. Now during acceleration there is a huge grey smoke cloud coming from the exhaust. Looking at this site and through online it seems to be a common issue with this car and engine. So there has been multiple issues with this car - oil consumption of the engine leading to smoke in the exhaust and the transmission which was replaced a week ago
I am submitting this complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that has experienced recurring oil loss/oil starvation and engine-related issues that I believe may present a safety concern. I purchased the vehicle used with approximately 45,000 miles. Since ownership, the vehicle has experienced repeated incidents involving low or nearly empty oil levels despite regular maintenance and monitoring. The vehicle previously underwent an oil consumption evaluation, however the issue continued afterward. During one event, the vehicle was reportedly found approximately three quarts low on oil. More recently, the vehicle again appeared to have little to no oil visible on the dipstick and began exhibiting drivability and engine concerns including grinding/banging noise during acceleration, intermittent timing/tensioner-type noise, misfires on cylinders 1 and 2, exhaust smoke, and strong oil-burning odor from the exhaust. Due to concern over possible engine damage and reliability, the vehicle was returned to the dealership for further diagnosis and repair. The dealership replaced ignition coils and spark plugs and road tested the vehicle extensively. While the vehicle is currently operating, I remain concerned that the underlying oil consumption/oil starvation condition may not have been permanently resolved. My concern is that repeated oil starvation conditions could potentially lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power while driving, or other safety-related issues. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed to determine whether similar complaints or defects exist involving oil consumption, oil starvation, or related engine failures in this vehicle.
This vehicle has theta 2 engine.. which is part of class lawsuit kia settled. My vehicle had high oil consumption and the defect was due to rod bearing would cause engine to fail and cause hi oil consumption. The dealer diagnosed it with burned valve and denied warranty even though my warranty was extended due to this engine being a defect. The reason they stated is that the rod bearing is a separate issue from burned valves which is a complete lie because a faulty rod bearing would cause valves problem. I feel kia is just trying to avoid repair cost. They did want to bill me for a new engine immediately. And they failed to test the rod bearing saying they could not determine if it was defect because of the burned valves
Engine failure & excessive oil consumption causing the vehicle to overheat. Coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine. P0524 Engine pressure too low. Potential causes: low oil pressure, low oil level, wrong oil viscosity, contaminated oil, faulty oil pressure sensor, signal shorted to ground in electrical circuit of sensor, worn internal engine components. Per testing- coolant low, suspect coolant loss internally in engine.
Vehicle: 2019 Kia Sorento Issue: Engine Failure / Safety Concern Complaint: I am filing a complaint regarding a 2019 Kia Sorento that experienced sudden engine failure after clear warning signs that created a serious safety concern. The vehicle began making a loud ticking/knocking noise that progressively worsened over time. While driving, the vehicle struggled to accelerate and lost power. The noise became louder when pressing the gas. Shortly after, the vehicle shut off completely and is now unable to start at all. This failure occurred without any warning lights appearing on the dashboard, including no check engine light, which prevented me from knowing the severity of the issue in advance. After contacting Kia, I was informed that there were multiple recalls on the vehicle that were not completed. However, I was never notified of these recalls as the current owner. I was told that recall notifications were sent to the previous owner, and no effort was made to notify me directly. Kia has refused to assist with the engine failure, stating that recalls must be completed first. However, the vehicle is now completely inoperable and cannot be driven to complete recall repairs. Requiring a non-running vehicle to complete recall updates is unreasonable and places consumers at risk. This situation raises serious safety concerns because: The vehicle lost power while in operation, creating a dangerous driving condition There were no warning indicators prior to failure The engine failure appears consistent with known issues involving Kia engines I am requesting that this matter be investigated, including Kia’s handling of recall notifications and their refusal to assist with a known engine failure issue under these circumstances.
Excessive engine oil consumption. I have to add at least a half a quart to a quart of oil every 7 to 10 days depending on how much I drive. The 2019 Kia's are showing the same issues as the 2016 Kia engines that are currently under recall for catastrophic engine failure due to oil consumption. Fix this issue Kia. I love my car. This is the only problem I have with it. I shouldn't have to add oil to my vehicle even though I regularly have oil changes done.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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