Kia Sorento Engine Problems

It sounds like something electronic is randomly playing up and that’s causing the intermittent problem. Modern engines like these use a raft of sensors to keep the on-board computer informed of what’s going on and keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. If just one of those sensors stops working properly, all sorts of havoc can result.

It’s a bit strange that the on-board diagnostics of the vehicle aren’t throwing up a relevant fault code when your mechanic interrogates the computer but, again, some of these modern electronic systems require some pretty specific software. Which means a trip to a Kia dealership might provide a more in-depth answer to what’s going on.

The good news is that since 2014, Kias sold new in Australia have been covered by a seven-year warranty, so your Sorento is well and truly still under that factory cover. Which means it shouldn’t cost you anything to have the problem sorted out by Kia.

Hi Nor, the Kia Sorento is generally reliable and robust, with only a few electrical problems being the main issues, but most should have been sorted out by now. As the Sorento is closely related to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the same would apply to that SUV too.

The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine you mention was only available in the UM model from 2009 to 2011. After that a 3.5-litre V6 took over. Both engines are known to be robust and dependable. We'd go for the V6 because it does not have to work as hard as the 2.4L hauling such a big and heavy vehicle around. Note, though, that the V6 is thirsty. 

The diesel is the best choice out of all of the engines available, as it is strong and hard-wearing as well as much more economical. 

In our opinion, the Sorento is a better buy than the Santa Fe, since it has more glass area and so is easier to see out of. The interior is pleasant, comfortable and easy to use. And, from the XM model launched in 2015, it is a nicer and quieter car to drive.

Finally, the Kia has offered a seven-year warranty as opposed to the Hyundai's five-year warranty since October 1, 2014, meaning it is possible to buy an older Sorento and still be covered by the factory warranty. 

There are a lot of factors that contribute to the decision, and many of them are variable. Things that can affect the outcome are the type of driving you do, and the price of diesel compared to petrol. Currently the price of diesel is comparable to the price of petrol, but sometimes diesel can be much more expensive than regular 91-octane petrol. On the basis of what you have told us about your driving I would estimate you would save $800-$900 per year on the cost of fuel if you drove a diesel, but the price of a diesel Sorento is around $2500 more than the price of a petrol engined model, remembering that the diesel is only available with all-wheel drive and the petrol only comes with front-wheel drive. With the fuel savings you would cover the different in purchase price in 2-3 years, leaving with an annual fuel cost saving thereafter. The DPF is really only a problem if you have to have it manually regenerate because your driving doesn't allow it to do it automatically. All things considered the diesel is probably the best way to go for you.

The easiest way is to take it to a mechanic and have them do it. Changing oil can be risky, to your health and wallet, if you get it wrong.

Sludge build-up is a turbocharger killer, but sludge won't build up if the car is regularly serviced and the oil is changed so it's always fresh. The problem is usually only with cars that haven't been serviced. Other seven-seaters you could look at are the Kia Sorrento, Hyundai Santa Fe, or Toyota Kluger.

Your mechanic is wrong. The new Sorento has been out less than a year, has zero engine troubles and is the one I would pick.

The advantage of the Sorento is that it's a seven-seater, so it will have more space for a big trip. Do not go for diesel unless you travel more than 30,000km a year, otherwise it will take too long to recoup the extra cost of the engine.

There are so many things that can affect fuel consumption in real life that it’s difficult to precisely predict what you might get. But you can take the claimed fuel consumption figures published by every carmaker as a guide. Kia’s published figures for the car you are considering are: 9.7 L/100 km (urban), 7.3 L/100 km (combined) and 5.9 L/100 km (hwy). If most of your travel is around town, with little highway or freeway driving, I would expect your fuel consumption should be 7.5-8.0 L/100 km. If you do short runs only it will tend to be closer to 9.7 L/100 km, if you’re regularly on the freeway it could be less than the combined figure.

Finding the cause of a problem can be challenging, particularly if it is intermittent, or like yours, only when the radio was turned on. You have to pity the mechanic sometimes, but it does highlight the need to be observant when you find a problem. Write down as much information as you can about what happens, when it happens and anything else that might help the mechanic diagnose it.

Thanks for your feedback. It's good to know what others have done to sort out the problems with their cars.