KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Known faults for the Kia Sorento (III).

2015–2020 · Petrol / Diesel

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

3 known faults with sources

Engines: 2.0 / 2.4 (Petrol)

Applies if: Same Theta II engine as the cars in the campaigns; confirm by VIN.

Connecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol enginesEngine

Engine / equipment: 2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima
Period mentioned: 2009–2019
Symptoms: Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.
Possible cause described: The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.
Check for the garage: Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.
Cost cited in the source: Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.0 / 2.4 (Petrol) · 2.2 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Electric heater, fuel line and other recalls on the Sorento IIIKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Kia Sorento III (UM), petrol and 2.2 CRDi
Period mentioned: 2015–2020
Symptoms: Failing daytime running lights, trailer brake lights that do not come on with adaptive cruise control, an over-sensitive rain sensor, a wrong fuel gauge, seat heating and some corrosion.
Possible cause described: The guide finds no general engine or gearbox weak points. Recalls: daytime running lights, trailer brake lights with ACC, fire risk from the auxiliary electric heater and, after the facelift, a pedestrian-braking assistant that can fail and a faulty fuel line with fire risk.
Check for the garage: Check outstanding recalls by VIN (manufacturer, KBA or ADAC website) and have a garage inspect the points listed before buying or before the roadworthiness test.
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 CRDiTiming system

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.