2018 Kia Sorento

My Vehicle’s Problems Excessive Oil Consumption My engine kept losing oil far more rapidly than normal. I was regularly checking and had to top off the oil, even though mileage suggested it should not be that frequent. However, there was no “check engine” warning light or low-oil warning light even when the oil level was dangerously low. Despite the oil being burned or lost, none of the sensors ever alerted me. Eventually, before my next scheduled service, the extreme oil loss culminated in catastrophic failure: the engine seized, and the car is now completely undrivable. Engine Failure / Seizure The engine’s seizure was sudden and without any prior warning. There was no indication via “check engine” light, oil light, or other dashboard warnings. I have obtained an estimate for replacing the engine, and regrettably, the cost of a new engine exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This is deeply unfair, given that the root cause appears to be excessive oil consumption, not misuse or accident. Lack of Responsiveness / Remediation I feel that despite my efforts to maintain the car and monitor oil levels, I was left to fix a major and very expensive defect. I request that Kia take full responsibility: cover the engine replacement (or provide a buyback / repurchase option), reimburse me for costs, or find another equitable remedy.

Started with check engine light coming on then having problems with engine knocking last winter. During oil change and oil filter change there were gold "sparkles" throughout the old oil and the filter was completely covered. It appears some component of the engine is being "chewed" up and destroying our engine. It is now undrivable. I was told by our local mechanic shop to contact KIA or NHTSA regarding a special extended warranty from KIA specifically for engine issues. I am not finding anything specific online, so wanted to reach out. I am waiting to hear back from local KIA dealership service department as well.

KIA Sorento 2018 The vehicle experienced engine failure due to piston ring damage at approximately 111,500 miles. A Kia dealer diagnosed the issue with codes P0301 and P0304 and confirmed the engine requires full replacement. This creates serious safety concerns, including engine misfires, loss of power, and risk of stalling while driving.

The Vehicle emits a strong fuel odor: seems to be around the rear of vehicle & front engine compartment of vehicle. Seems the fuel system, both low & high pressure fuel pumps and their pipes channels are leaking to emit a strong fuel odor. Extreme high volatile combustion & fire risk! Remedy: the fuel system including both low & high pressure fuel pumps & their pipes channels need replaced with strong, better engineered components! A newer vehicle like this should not be having fuel system failures.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine misfired due to a broken valve in one of the cylinders. This failure occurred approximately two months after completing the scheduled 100,000-mile service at a Kia dealership. The affected parts (valve, cylinder components) should still be available for inspection by Kia or a third party. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled in the middle of the highway while driving at normal speed. This created a dangerous situation where I could have been struck by oncoming traffic while trying to safely exit the roadway. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue was confirmed by a repair shop, which diagnosed the cause as a misfire due to a broken valve. I have service documentation of the diagnosis available. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but it was inspected by the servicing dealership and/or an independent mechanic who confirmed the valve failure. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to the complete failure, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began running roughly (misfiring). These symptoms appeared very shortly before the breakdown, giving me no meaningful time to react before the engine stalled.

My vehicle started with oil issues took to dealer and the attempted to perform an oil consumption test however the vehicle would not pass the test as the oil would not last long enough for next test. Was advised I needed an engine, Kia refused to replace since it wouldn’t pass consumption test. I paid for engine replacement 1month later engine light comes on, again I return to Kia dealer they say engine needs replacement they replace supposedly through warranty. Drive for about 30 days and engine light comes on again takes to dealer and they say it’s the knock sensors code which is the same code that came up prior to engine replacement. The knock sensor was a recalled part that they replaced by them but now are refusing to replace even though they replaced it less then 12 months ago.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to exceed 18 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to the knock sensor detection system(KSDS). The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was unreachable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,798.

I was driving and the vehicle shut off. All electric still on lights, radio, dash, etc. No issues or noises indicating that the engine was having faliure. Did not overheat, had oil and gas. Just bought car used 6 months ago with 140k miles. Had it towed to Mechanic and was told the engine was locked. Engine repair is my only option that is going to cost 5-8k. Vehicle has been maintained regularly with only one previous owner and no major repairs ever needed to be done.

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4-liter engine. The vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption—approximately one quart every 400 miles—which I believe may be indicative of a manufacturing defect. Based on similar issues reported with more recent Kia models, including those involving potentially defective piston oil rings, I am concerned that my vehicle may be affected by a similar issue. As you are aware, defective piston rings can lead to long-term engine damage, sudden loss of power, and even an increased risk of engine fire. Given the severity of the symptoms and potential safety implications, I respectfully request that this matter be formally investigated and that Kia consider extending the recall or offering a resolution for affected 2018 Sorento models. I look forward to your prompt response regarding this issue.