Kia Sorento UM
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Kia Sorento UM is available with 2 engine variants — from 136 to 201 hp.
Robust inline four-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection and aluminium block. Solid reliability with good care — watch the EGR valve and particulate filter in urban use.
- !! Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates from 120,000 km
On the D4HA the crankshaft vibration damper is known to disintegrate: rubber buffers between the damper mass and the belt pulley detach and produce loud noises. Easily confused with timing chain noise.
Symptoms: Loud clacking or rattling from the engine bay on revving, the noise type resembles chain issues but does not occur at cold start - !! EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot from 100,000 km
The D4HA 2.0 CRDi in the Sportage QL/NQ5 is known for EGR problems. The EGR valve sticks in city driving and triggers fault codes. Regular cleaning or replacement is recommended from 100,000 km.
Symptoms: Judder under partial load, engine warning light EGR fault, poor performance below 2,000 rpm, elevated exhaust emissions - !! DPF blockage in frequent urban use from 120,000 km
Like all 2.0 CRDi generations, the D4HA needs speed and load for DPF regeneration. SUV-typical short-trip use leads to blockage. In the worst case, fuel dilution of the engine oil occurs.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, engine power reduction, regeneration warning tone, oil level rising (fuel ingress)
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
High-output four-cylinder diesel with strong torque and good refinement. Robust compacted graphite iron construction — check injectors and high-pressure pump at high mileage.
- !! Variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost loss or turbo failure from 150,000 km
The variable-geometry turbocharger of the D4HB can seize through resinified oil or deposits in the vane mechanism, resulting in power loss or complete turbo failure. Regular high-quality oil changes are essential.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, boost pressure fault code (P0299), white smoke from exhaust on turbo oil leak - !! Timing chain stretches at high mileage from 160,000 km
The timing chain of the 2.2 CRDi (R-engine) tends to elongate from around 150,000 km. Late oil changes and frequent short trips accelerate wear considerably. Preventive replacement is recommended.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light, engine damage possible in severe wear. - !! Injector leaks and blow-by damage from 130,000 km
Leaking injectors allow exhaust gases to escape into the cylinder head (blow-by effect). The engine oil carbonises, the oil strainer blocks, the oil supply breaks down and the engine sustains damage. Known issue of the R-series.
Symptoms: Heavy smoke, increased oil consumption, engine oil coagulates, in severe cases engine failure with seized piston or bearing damage.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: electric heating element overheating — fire risk The PTC heating element can overheat due to a faulty connector and cause a fire. Recall for model years 2015–2016 with replacement of the PTC unit. Symptoms: No obvious prior warning; possible smoke development from the dashboard area. | Low | |
| Recall NHTSA 17V-224: Theta II — rod bearing failure, fire risk NHTSA recall 17V-224 covered over 165,000 Sorento vehicles with the Theta II 2.4L GDI (G4KE). Metal machining debris restricts oil flow to the main bearings, causing rod bearing failure and fire risk from leaking oil. Part of the $760M NHTSA civil penalty settlement between Hyundai/Kia and the US DOJ. Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, metallic knocking from the engine, engine stuttering, in severe cases engine seizure and fire. | ||
| Recall 22V703: tow hitch wiring — fire risk NHTSA recall 22V703000 covers Sorento 2016–2020 equipped with a tow hitch: moisture and debris on the harness PCB can cause an electrical short and fire. Kia issued a 'park outside' advisory. Dealers replace the fuse and harness module free of charge. Symptoms: No driver warning; fire can originate in the rear near the tow hitch wiring, including while parked. | ||
| Recall 20V519 / 21V331: HECU short circuit — engine compartment fire NHTSA recalls 20V519000 and 21V331000 cover Sorento 2015–2020: brake fluid can leak into the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), causing a short circuit and fire in the engine compartment while parked or driving. Dealers install a new multi-fuse and replace the HECU if needed, free of charge. Symptoms: ABS/ESC warning lights, burning smell from the engine bay, in rare cases visible flames. | ||
| Recall 18V656: steering column can detach — complete loss of steering NHTSA recall 18V656000 for 2018 Sorento with 3.3L engine: the cowl crossbar connecting to the MDPS steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate from the vehicle — total loss of steering control possible. Symptoms: Unusual noises from the steering column area; stiff or non-responsive steering. | ||
| Recall: daytime running lights and brake lights inoperative Recall for model years 2015–2017: a control software fault causes daytime running lights and brake lights to fail. Kia installed a free software update. Symptoms: Daytime running lights don't illuminate, brake light fails — increased accident risk. | Low | |
| Excessive oil consumption — Theta II 2.4 GDI Sorento UM vehicles with the G4KE 2.4L GDI show elevated oil consumption from 60,000 miles onward. NHTSA lists engine failure due to oil starvation as the top complaint for 2016–2017 models, with average repair costs of $2,800–$4,300. Dealers frequently deny warranty claims without a complete oil change history. Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, engine knocking at low oil level, abnormally high oil consumption between regular changes. from 80,000 km | High |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2025
The Sorento UM reaches the mid-field in the MOT report and received a grade 1 in the Auto Bild long-term test.
2024-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2024
The Sorento UM shows average breakdown rates in the mid-size SUV segment.
2024-04Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 20 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Sorento UM (2015–2020) — 12 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics.
Sorento (D4HA, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Crankshaft damper pulley disintegrates, EGR valve and cooler blocked by soot, DPF blockage in frequent urban use. Power: 150 PS.
Sorento (D4HB, 2015–2020) — Be Careful: Variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) boost loss or turbo failure, Timing chain stretches at high mileage, Injector leaks and blow-by damage. Power: 197–201 PS.
What to watch out for with the Kia Sorento? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee