KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Kia Sorento (IV) common problems.

2020–2026 · Hybrid / Plug-in hybrid / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid (Hybrid) · 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)

Applies if: US bulletin for cars built from September 2020 to June 2021; in Europe ask the dealer.

Sorento IV hybrid: scraping or rumbling noise when turning the wheel from the small steering bearingSteering

Engine / equipment: Kia Sorento (IV) hybrid and plug-in hybrid, electric power steering (MDPS)
Period mentioned: Built from 15–30 September 2020 to 30 June 2021 (US bulletin)
Symptoms: When turning the wheel one way and the other there is a scraping or rumbling noise from the steering. The steering does not get heavier.
Possible cause described: Kia explains in a US technical bulletin (May 2024) that foreign matter gets into the small bearing of the worm shaft in the electric power steering motor. It does not change the steering effort.
Check for the garage: Ask a Kia dealer to check where the noise comes from and, if it is this bearing, to replace it with the kit from bulletin CHA122 (only the bearing is replaced, not the column).
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid (Hybrid) · 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)

Applies if: Same type of direct-injection turbo engine (T-GDi).

Carbon on the injectors and intake of the T-GDi petrol enginesInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: Hyundai and Kia 1.0 and 1.6 T-GDi direct-injection turbo petrol engines
Period mentioned: 2015 onwards
Symptoms: Loss of power, higher consumption, hesitation or rough idle, usually at high mileage.
Possible cause described: With direct injection, petrol does not wash the intake valves and carbon builds up on the injectors and intake. German guides mention it for the i20 III, Tucson IV and Picanto III (dirty injectors).
Check for the garage: Read misfire and fuel-trim codes; inspect the injectors and valves with a borescope; clean the intake if there are deposits.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.2 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Same R-family CRDi diesel (D4HA/D4HB) as the Sorento II, where the German guide documents the chain and fuel filter.

Timing chain, fuel filter and clutch on the Sorento II 2.2 CRDiValve timing

Engine / equipment: Kia Sorento II 2.2 CRDi
Period mentioned: 2009–2014
Symptoms: Chain noise at high mileage, hesitation or loss of power from a clogged fuel filter, turbo whistle and a worn clutch when towing; on automatics, harsh shifts.
Possible cause described: The guide recommends replacing the chain at around 100,000 km to stop it breaking. The fuel filter often clogs and the clutch wears out before 60,000 km when towing. On the automatic, changing and flushing the oil helps.
Check for the garage: Listen to the chain when cold, change the fuel filter on time and test the clutch under load; on automatics, check the gearbox oil.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.2 CRDi (Diesel)

Fuel-hose clamp on the Sorento IV 2.2 CRDi: fire riskFuel system

Engine / equipment: Kia Sorento IV (MQ4) 2.2 CRDi
Period mentioned: 2020 onwards
Symptoms: A diesel smell or stains in the engine bay; in the worst case, fire.
Possible cause described: On the 2.2 diesel fuel can escape at the supply-hose clamp: the dealer checks and refits it (recall). There was also an eCall emergency-call campaign for the whole model.
Check for the garage: Check the campaign by VIN; with a diesel smell, do not drive.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.