2018 Kia Sorento Transmission Problems

Your 2018 Kia Sorento's engine was replaced in February 2025 due to excessive oil burning, but within 4,000 miles it began misfiring, losing power, and struggling on hills. The check engine light kept returning, and the vehicle eventually stalled on a highway exit ramp. Dealers later discovered that both the exhaust manifold catalytic converter and underbody catalytic converter were heavily clogged with carbon and oil deposits from the original oil-burning problem, causing dangerously high exhaust temperatures and engine shutdown risk. The repair will require replacing the clogged catalytic converters and potentially addressing internal engine damage caused by the excessive backpressure.

GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.

I am experiencing a serious issue with my 2018 Kia Sorento AWD related to the AWD coupling. During normal driving, the vehicle does not perform as expected, and the AWD system feels compromised, making the car unsafe and unreliable. While the vehicle doesn’t stall, it struggles to function properly, which is a major concern. I took the vehicle to the dealership, where they diagnosed the problem as a malfunctioning AWD coupling. However, they informed me that this issue is not covered under warranty or any recall program. This response is both frustrating and concerning, especially since AWD functionality is a critical part of the Sorento’s design and intended use. After researching, I found that many Kia Sorento owners have reported similar problems with the AWD coupling, indicating that this may be a widespread issue across multiple model years. If this is a known defect, it is troubling that Kia has not offered a recall or extended warranty to address the problem. Customers should not be left to bear the financial burden of repairing what seems to be a common and significant defect. I am requesting further clarification and assistance. I need to understand why this issue is not covered, particularly if it affects other Sorento vehicles as well. If this is a systemic problem, Kia should take responsibility to resolve it fairly and promptly. The AWD system is essential for safe driving, and as a loyal customer, I expect Kia to stand behind its product and ensure my safety and satisfaction.

Vehicle engine set off a failure code P1326 and went into a full limp mode. This code is related to the knock sensor picking up the crankshaft pounding against the bearings. It is a known issue with the original engine small oil ports. Brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership and their diagnostic procedure was to replace the sensor and reflash the ECM. My problem is, ever since they did that, the knock sensor has not gone off and no codes are being generated. Engine is knocking worse than before. I believe they reset the parameters to a level that basically is making the knock sensor useless. They are buying time and mileage in hopes the engine out lasts the warranty. It is a manipulation of factory settings and fraud causing the consumer future issues.

I was driving my 2018 Kia Sorento up a hill going about 40 mph. It suddenly lost power and I had to pull over. No lights showed up on the dash warning me anything was wrong. I was draining oil like crazy and it was all over the engine. I had it towed to a mechanic and then the dealership. A bolt from inside the engine blew and tore a hold in the valve and head gasket. That’s all I know now. I had purchased my vehicle pre owned certified, and Kia is not honoring the warranty even with extended warranties. This happened at 87,000 miles. I have seen other reports of Kia Sorentos having issues with their engines. Please help.

My 2018 Kia Sorento sticks and when pushing the gas and the RPM jumps up. The car also stalls out and then turns right back on. It shakes and makes a funny noise as well.

SHORTLY AFTER FUEL OIL AND FILTER CHANGE AT ~75,000 MILES, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR ENGINE STOPPED. OIL PUMP FAILED AND CRACKED THROUGH HOUSING. MAJOR DAMAGE. REPAIR SHOP INDICATES ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

I WAS BACKING UP WHEN MY CAR JUST ACCELERATED LIKE CRAZY AND RAN OVER A HUGE BRICK MAILBOX. IT WAS LIKE MY CAR WAS POSSESS, IT BECAME A CRAZY 4 WHEEL DRIVE.