2015 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 377 of 750 complaints (50%) on the 2015 Kia Sorento, with a median failure mileage of 86,581 miles. A related recall (18V907000) covers fuel pipe issues tied to prior engine replacements.
- Engine complaints
- 377
- 50% of 750
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 9
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 86,581 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires while driving at highway speeds, sometimes preceded by an abnormal popping sound and smoke from under the hood.
- Some drivers describe the engine stalling repeatedly at highway speed, accompanied by an illuminated check engine light and a fuel odor inside and outside the vehicle.
- Several complaints describe the engine seizing or shutting down completely while driving, which also disabled brakes and steering in some cases.
- Owners report engine fires occurring even after completing prior recall repairs, with flames visible under the hood and vehicles needing to be pulled off the road.
- A few complaints describe unintended acceleration where the engine surged to high speed and did not respond to braking.
When 2015 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed
First complaint May 21, 2014, latest Sep 11, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2015 Kia Sorento
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Engine complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints on the 2015 Kia Sorento?
- Engine issues make up 377 of the 750 total complaints filed for the 2015 Sorento, or 50% of all complaints for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to engine problems on the 2015 Kia Sorento?
- Yes. Recall 18V907000, reported December 19, 2018, covers 2012-2017 Sorento vehicles that previously received an engine replacement, and involves inspecting or replacing the fuel pipe.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2015 Sorento?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 86,581 miles for engine-related complaints on this model year.
- Have engine problems on the 2015 Sorento caused fires or crashes?
- NHTSA lists 9 fires, 9 crashes, and 6 injuries associated with complaints in this model year, several of which involve engine fires reported in the sample complaints.