2025 Kia Sorento: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Sorento that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11758432 (filed 08/21/2026): “The contact owns a 2025 kia sorento. the contact stated that while driving approximately 75 mph, the rear windshield wiper was moving with the switch turned off. the contact turned the rear windshield wiper to high, then low, and the wiper finally turned off. the contact continued driving and the ve…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11754281 (filed 08/02/2026): “The engine sputters several times in a single trip, and is available upon request. the engine sputtered and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road as i was trying to cross 2 lanes of traffic. it has sputtered so bad, i almost rear ended the vehicle in front of me. yes, the dealership conf…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11736475 (filed 05/08/2026): “My wife was pulling in spot and car took off at high rate of speed and hit parking pole . kia corporate after 2 months tells me nothing wrong with vehicle . i found on kia of manahawkin they have a page on this issue forced acceleration and cause so how they can tell me no it doesn't happen also gog…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- NHTSA complaints API: SORENTO 2025
- NHTSA complaints API: SORENTO HYBRID 2025
- NHTSA complaints API: SORENTO PLUG-IN HYBRID 2025
Page last updated .