KIA Sorento Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 387 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Sorento across 21 model years. The 2003 model year has the most (81). The words owners use most often: “crank shaft” (9% of reports).
- 387engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- $5,300typical repair cost reported by owners
- 41%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Crank shaft: mentioned in 33 of 387 complaints (9%)
- Crankshaft bolt: mentioned in 21 of 387 complaints (5%)
- Timing belt: mentioned in 20 of 387 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the KIA Sorento at $5,300, and half of them between $1,600 and $7,400.
Based on 26 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2006–2020), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 340 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 387 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 23 a fire, 2 an injury.
KIA Sorento engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sorento | 1 | 17% | 7,000 |
| 2024 Sorento | 1 | 2% | 23,417 |
| 2023 Sorento | 1 | 1% | 62,000 |
| 2022 Sorento | 1 | 1% | 3,200 |
| 2021 Sorento | 1 | 0% | 10,394 |
| 2020 Sorento | 3 | 2% | 79,163 |
| 2019 Sorento | 13 | 3% | 100,506 |
| 2018 Sorento | 7 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 2017 Sorento | 27 | 3% | 95,000 |
| 2016 Sorento | 30 | 2% | 98,910 |
| 2015 Sorento | 5 | 1% | 101,407 |
| 2014 Sorento | 22 | 2% | 121,500 |
| 2013 Sorento | 19 | 2% | 84,000 |
| 2012 Sorento | 15 | 2% | 101,541 |
| 2011 Sorento | 37 | 2% | 12,613 |
| 2008 Sorento | 8 | 4% | 15,703 |
| 2007 Sorento | 6 | 4% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Sorento | 19 | 8% | 63,000 |
| 2005 Sorento | 44 | 14% | 69,000 |
| 2004 Sorento | 46 | 21% | 68,000 |
| 2003 Sorento | 81 | 27% | 67,290 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling:critical fasteners
Model years: 2025
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 K4 and Sorento vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the sub engine assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC349.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pipes, hoses, and fittings; engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger
Model years: 2022
Problem: Kia Motor America (Kia) is recalling certain 2022 Sorento vehicles. The oil supply pipe to the turbocharger may crack, which could result in an oil leak in the engine compartment.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC233.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2017
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Risk: If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and the Apple CarPlay, radio, and HVAC system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil pressure switch was replaced under…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and the engine seized, causing a crackling sound and a fuel leak. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light…
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…
The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended while driving to the residence…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Sorentos have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 387 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the KIA Sorento. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Sorento engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Sorento?
Owners report a typical cost of $5,300 (half paid between $1,600 and $7,400), from 26 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Sorento?
The most frequent phrase is “crank shaft”, in 33 of 387 complaints, followed by “crankshaft bolt” (21).
Other KIA Sorento problems
- Engine problems (3,846)
- Electrical System problems (1,395)
- Power Train problems (1,186)
- Structure problems (936)
- Exterior Lighting problems (845)
- Air Bags problems (717)
- Steering problems (542)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (409)
See all KIA Sorento problems.