Engine is burning oil at a rate of almost one quart per week. The engine can be felt shaking when driving. The engine light came on and states there is a P0303 Cylinder 3 misfired detected.
2018 Kia Sorento
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
69 reports with mileage · 184 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
253 reportsStarted the car and heard a knocking sound. No check engine or low oil light on the dash. Dealership said the bearing clearance test was too great, causing the connecting rod to knock inside the engine. Dealership said I need an engine replacement. Engine is 3.3L Lambda II engine which has been reported to have this issue.
I was driving from richlands coming home and my vechial kept trying to die on me like i didnt have any gas and then i had to suddenly pull off the side of the road without any power and i sat their and even try to restart the vechial and it wouldn't start back then a woman come out of nowhere in an ambulance and i was trying to…
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I was driving from richlands coming home and my vechial kept trying to die on me like i didnt have any gas and then i had to suddenly pull off the side of the road without any power and i sat their and even try to restart the vechial and it wouldn't start back then a woman come out of nowhere in an ambulance and i was trying to tell her that it was alright and she was trying to tell me that the vechial was on fire underneath the vechial and i didnt see that it was a fire at all i though i was overheating so i was sitting in the vechial waiting on it to cool down thank god i was not hurt really bad if this would have happened somewere else i know i would be dead i already have smoke in my lungs from breathing in all that smoke i though was just steam but i still dont know what in my engine caught on fire but i do know it started from either in the engine or under it somewhere then everything caught fire and it was all melted the whole thing is completely gone even the tag melted i have never seen that kind of fire before ever and i have own alot of vechicle and they usally break down but this was the first time one caught on fire and thus happens to kia alot even the day this happened the fire dept told me they just put another kia out just the week before how is it that kia are keeping these vechicle on the road it is awful and im trying to do something about it but noone will help me and i dont know what i need yo do to make kia pay for this i only had this vechial almost 6 months and it didnt have alot of miles on it 100000 thats not alot but the kia everything i have read have flew apart after the warranty has expired so its great for them i say they are happy and they have had a few recalls on this vechial and know about the fire but have something stupid like a tow hitch its saying my vechial has that recall but i didnt see a tow hitch anywere but it still caught fire so i would love for someone to take these vechial off the road they are not safe not what kia
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 dange…
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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.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic sign or stop lights, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal,…
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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that while slowing for a traffic sign or stop lights, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started making the knocking sound again. The check engine warning light illuminated and was now constantly illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the sounds and check engine warning light being illuminated, the contact was constantly adding engine oil, even after an oil change. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was replaced in 2019 by the same dealer. The dealer requested that the engine be replaced; however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that the request was denied. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact requested an escalation to review the engine replacement and was informed that the escalation had been denied. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
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 undriv…
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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.
Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other pro…
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Lighting and/ or electrical. When using the auto headlight switch, all lights will come on randomly and periodically and stay on until you notice them or they ware down your battery. This is something that could be checked out by dealer and I will ask about it. So, for now, I do not use the auto headlight switch. My other problem is a glass issue. For no apparent reason, when I shut my driver side door a few weeks ago. My entire rear window shattered into pieces. There were no signs of damage to the rear window. Happened in my drive way. But, it could have happened anywhere. Filed a insurance claim and had the rear window replaced.
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 whi…
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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 &…
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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.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The contact, who was a retired certified mechanic, inspected the headlights and determined that the passenger's side headlight bulbs were blown. The contact then noticed a burning odo…
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The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to function as intended. The contact, who was a retired certified mechanic, inspected the headlights and determined that the passenger's side headlight bulbs were blown. The contact then noticed a burning odor in the circuit board inside the headlight. The contact stated that the front passenger's side headlight bulbs were replaced twice within three months due to failure. In addition, the contact stated that an unknown manufacturer's recall was performed approximately two years prior, and the multi-function switch knob was replaced. The contact stated that the headlights were not replaced at the time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Official recalls
322V703000 · Trailer Hitches
Sep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
18V656000 · Steering:column; Steering:electric Power Assist System
Sep 21, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:electric Power Assist System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Consequence: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
Steering:column
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Consequence: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
17V784000 · Air Bags:side/window
Dec 8, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC159.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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