2017 KIA SORENTO Complaints

Vehicle has a recurring P0018 fault code (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor A). Dealer diagnosed loose cam pins on Bank 2 requiring major engine repair. This fault creates a safety risk as improper camshaft timing can cause unexpected engine stalling while driving, resulting in sudden loss of power, power steering, and brake assist. The manufacturer has denied warranty coverage despite the vehicle being within the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This appears to be a known widespread issue on the 3.3L V6 engine. Vehicle has 96,000 miles and is still within warranty coverage period.

I found that he ignition key can be removed from my 2017 Kia Sorento while the transmission is not in the Park position. This is a shift interlock failure. Under FMVSS 114, the key must be trapped in the ignition unless the transmission is confirmed in Park. This defect caused the vehicle to roll down my driveway after my wife & daughter exited the car & were unloading groceries. The vehicle was purchased in April 2026 from a used car dealer lot. The defect was discovered shortly after purchase. No dealer repair has been performed yet. I am contacting Kia Consumer Affairs requesting a goodwill safety repair under FMVSS 114. Component affected: Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Shift Interlock System

While I was driving my 2017 Kia Sorento, the R.P.M suddenly maxed out and then it rapidly went down to zero. My car lost power completely and stopped. There was a burning smell. Now it is dead. There is no clicking sound. Repair place tells me I need a new engine now.

The vehicle's electronic variable valve timing actuator (E-CVVT motor) failed, triggering a severe "Limp Home" engine mode. This defect causes dangerous vehicle surging/jumping during acceleration, limits engine output to 1500 RPM while idling, generates abnormal engine noise, and prevents the vehicle from exceeding 60 mph. This makes merging onto fast-moving highways or maintaining the flow of traffic highly hazardous. The component defect was formally diagnosed at an authorized dealership (Herson’s Kia) on March 30, 2026. The manufacturer, Kia America, was formally notified of this powertrain hazard but has delayed providing a remedy under the PI1802/KSDS warranty extension for over 49 days by demanding unrelated fluid maintenance histories for this non-lubricated electronic component. Because of the manufacturer's procedural obstacles, I am forced to operate an inherently unsafe powertrain configuration for essential transportation.

The car started sticking when driving then a knocking in the engine. Upon investigation/ diagnostics we found that the engine is blown and needs replacing. I have owned this car for 3 years to date and have keep up on all maintenance which you can find on carfax there is no reason at 136,000 an engine should blow. I would like this fixed asap

Incident Details: While traveling on MD-152 (Mountain Road) in Fallston, MD, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of motive power without any prior warning or dashboard indicators. There were no warning lights, no temperature spikes, and no mechanical noises before the engine seized. This sudden failure occurred in active traffic on a busy road, creating an immediate risk of a rear-end collision. Reason for Denial & Safety Risk: The vehicle is currently at a certified Kia dealership. I am being denied a remedy for this catastrophic engine failure due to "insufficient maintenance records." However, the Kia service department has confirmed in writing that "sludge is not a factor" in this case. Mechanically, the absence of sludge proves the engine was not neglected. Manufacturer Failure: After being denied and exploring other avenues, I have learned that the 2017 Sorento 3.3L V6 is covered under Kia Warranty Extension WTY035 (15 years/180,000 miles) for catastrophic engine failure related to head bolt and gasket defects. By using a lack of paperwork to deny a claim for a "sludge-free" engine, Kia is bypassing its safety obligations for a documented manufacturing flaw. I am reporting this as a dangerous "loss of motive power" defect that mirrors existing Kia engine safety recalls across their product line, and warrants federal oversight.

Upper fuel pump module, on top of fuel tank, is leaking fuel from a crack in fuel pump port where fuel hose connects. Fuel can be seen on top of upper fuel pump module and can be seen leaking from fuel pump port, and can be seen on exterior of gas tank. Also fuel odors were present. This could be a fire hazard. The manufacturer issued TSB FUE 064 for this exact issue for vehicles produced from March 31, 2017 through July 24, 2019. Local dealer will not cover the vehicle because it was manufactured in February of 2017. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, of insurance company. There were no warning lamps, messages prior to failure. The symptoms were fuel on top of module, fuel odor, and fuel stain on exterior side of fuel tank

adaptive cruise control warning lites. In the beginning it started sending warnings after it was on for a while. Now the warning is when I start the car. this has been fixed once under warranty but it is no longer working again. the warning lites for the aeb system is also on. Also I have pearl white sorento and the paint is peeling off the hood.

Timeline of Maintenance & Failure: • October [Year]: I purc Timeline of Maintenance & Failure: • October [Year]: I purchased this vehicle. • February 11, 2026: I performed a full oil service (documented receipt attached). • April 3, 2026: While transporting my two grandsons—one of whom has autism—the vehicle suffered total engine failure while in traffic. • The Safety Defect: Despite the engine running out of oil, the vehicle provided zero warning lights or signals. No "Low Oil Pressure" light or "Check Engine" light ever appeared. This "silent failure" left me stranded in a high-risk traffic situation with a child who has special needs, as I had no warning to pull over safely. • April 8, 2026: The Kia dealership confirmed the engine is seized. Improper Handling of the Claim: The dealership is currently refusing to honor Warranty Extension WTY026 (15-year/150,000-mile Oil Pressure Switch). Their refusal is based on an outdated service sticker in the window that is over 9,000 miles old, while they are ignoring my verified paper receipt from February 11, which proves the vehicle was serviced less than two months ago. The dealership is requesting a full breakdown (teardown) of the engine at my expense to determine the cause. It is my position that requiring a consumer to pay for a mechanical breakdown is an unreasonable barrier to a warranty claim—especially when they have not yet performed non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as a videoscope/borescope inspection, to check for the known oil pressure switch leak covered under WTY026. Significant Safety Concern: The failure of the Oil Pressure Switch (WTY026) to trigger a dashboard warning is a critical safety defect. This failure led directly to a seized engine while I was transporting children. I am requesting that the Department of Transportation investigate this safety-system failure and that Kia Corporate override the dealership’s request for a consumer-funded teardown, given that I have provided proof of maintenanc

The car gets stuck and will not shift out of park. I've had to use the manual override. And when the ambulance came to my house, I could not move my car out of the way fast enough and this delayed emergency response team. I thought it was a one time fluke, but it started happening again this week (4/1/26) Every time I use the car. This cannot be safe.