KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Kia Sorento (IV) 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid common problems.

2020–2026 · Plug-in hybrid

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

2 known faults with sources

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.

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.