2015 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 138owner reports
- 88,000median miles
- $6,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Jul 5, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
430 of the 738 complaints on this car are about the engine. 138 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 138 reports
Stalling on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (25 reports) and the battery (11 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
All 3 recalls on the 2015 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Front axle shaft failure. Closed sep 20, 2013, led to recall 13V-355.
Transmission intermediate driveshaft. Closed may 10, 2011, led to recall 11V-258.
Fuel spill during refueling. Closed dec 21, 2011.
What owners paid
18 of the 138 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 68,000 and 112,000 miles, from the 96 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I was driving down a very busy road and with no warning my car lost power. It would turn over but not start back up. I was stuck in the middle of a busy road way causing trafficâs to back up. I had to call the police to sit behind me so I wouldnât get hit from behind.”
Filed Jan 13, 2026
“My car started shaking and making knocking sounds, pulled over and turned it off, tried to turn it back on and it shut off, had it towed to a family/friend mechanic he says my engine needs to be replaced. Iâve never had issues up until now.”
Filed Mar 4, 2025
“2015 kia sorento 3.3 GDI engine out of know where the car stalled on a hwy engine now knocks loudly was told it has to be completley replaced no warning or anything kia is saying its going to be 11k to fix”
Filed May 9, 2024
“While driving home from picking my children up, engine started making a knocking noise. No warning lights or indicators were illuminated. Engine stalled while pulling down my driveway. Took it in for a Diagnosis. Metal flakes have been found in the oil. 3.3L Lambda two engine reliability is already being questioned.”
Filed Mar 11, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 138 reports involved a crash and 4 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 209 reports
- Paint peels or body rusts 88 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 81 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 78 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 37 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 36 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 35 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 31 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 30 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 27 reports