Problems · by component

2015 Kia Sorento power train problems

42 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Sorento cite power train, 6% of all 755 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
42
6% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I was driving with my son when my 2015 Kia Sorento stopped in traffic. I remember warning lights coming on my dash including the engine light, oil light and battery light. However, I was more concerned about getting my hazards on so we would not be hit by another car. Traffic was heavy, it was raining and getting dark. I needed to push my car off the road with the help of another driver. A Hyannis ambulance was a few cars behind me and the EMT's also assisted with the traffic and moving my vehicle out of the road. I called AAA and had my car towed. I was told in writing by the Kia dealership that the engine needed to be replaced. I was told verbally by Kia that it was a rod knock issue. When I asked how it was diagnosed with rod knock she said the mechanic put something down in the engine and said its rod knock. I requested through Kia corporate that the car be inspected for the WTY039 extended warranty and corporate said they would reach out to the dealer and ask that it be checked. I have not received any further communication from the dealership or Kia corporate. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Safety was an issue because the car stopped so…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11726057
“I was driving on the highway when I proceeded to the turn lane to turn left crossing two lanes of traffic and the vehicle just shut down no warning whatsoever no check engine lights no oil lights nothing and it wouldn’t turn back on when trying it but after about 5 times it turned on and I was able to get it off the highway but couldn’t go any further as the vehicle was making a loud noise and the car was shaking”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11720469
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shifted into park(P), the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while at the drive-thru picking up lunch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 109,200.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2025Power trainODI 11694849
“Engine died in the middle of the right of way suddenly and would not restart. Knocking sound ensued when restart was attempted. Within the previous 48 hours, the engine had been topped off with 2 quarts of oil. The dealership it was towed to to assess the issue confirmed they added an additional 3 quarts of oil during the assessment. They confirmed the engine would need to be replaced. Mileage at the time of incident was 68K. Kia corporate confirmed they would not replace the engine since there are 4 owners on the vehicle history, and the warranty expired at 60K miles as a result.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2025Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11652193
“The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 27, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic, Power trainODI 11579810
“The 4 wheel drive and all wheel. During the first snow I went to use it because I live on the top of a large hill it I had no traction at all I was all over the road and had a terrible time getting out of the way of another car. My Husband had to tow me up the hill into the driveway. It had worked last winter and I had no warning it wasn't working. I took my car to the KIA dealership they confirmed it is the 4 wheel and all wheel drive and I could have it fixed for $2,262.15 and then they would guarantee the parts for the life of the car. Only inspected by the dealership. The warning light did not come on till after I tried to use it during the snow storm. I already know there is a service bulletin on this issue and don't think that it is fair I pay for there issue and they will guarantee it after.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2024Power trainODI 11579452

Showing 6 of 42 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.