2018 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 48owner reports
- 85,798median miles
- $9,600median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
111 of the 254 complaints on this car are about the engine. 48 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Sorento.
Tick what matches of 48 reports
Engine failure 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: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (47 reports) and the short block or long block (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
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.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
What owners paid
5 of the 48 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $7,000 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 19,000 and 100,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 19 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Kia Sorento that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring ...
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
15 more on the 2018 Kia Sorento page.
What owners wrote
“Noticed excessive oil consumption that turned into burning oil when the exhaust turned back of car black. Engine started knocking due to gummed up spark plugs. Replaced the spark plugs but within weeks the new plugs where gummed up as well. Took to Kia for diagnosis and potential repair for theta 2 class action. Mechanic confirmed damaged spark plugs, piston issues and needs for new engine.”
Filed Jan 17, 2026
“Started the car and heard a knocking sound. No check engine or low oil light on the dash. Dealership said the bearing clearance test was too great, causing the connecting rod to knock inside the engine. Dealership said I need an engine replacement. Engine is 3.3L Lambda II engine which has been reported to have this issue.”
Filed Nov 24, 2025
“KIA Sorento 2018 The vehicle experienced engine failure due to piston ring damage at approximately 111,500 miles. A Kia dealer diagnosed the issue with codes P0301 and P0304 and confirmed the engine requires full replacement. This creates serious safety concerns, including engine misfires, loss of power, and risk of stalling while driving.”
Filed Sep 9, 2025 · 111,500 miles
“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.”
Filed Jun 9, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 48 reports involved a crash. 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 Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 41 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 31 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 30 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 26 reports