# Kia Sorento check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 578 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (185) - **Related recalls:** 6 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 578 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Kia Sorento (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (185). There are **6 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Kia Sorento check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 116 | 755 | 15% | | 2016 | 185 | 1262 | 15% | | 2017 | 119 | 808 | 15% | | 2018 | 38 | 255 | 15% | | 2019 | 39 | 435 | 9% | | 2020 | 18 | 140 | 13% | | 2021 | 4 | 25 | 16% | | 2022 | 39 | 194 | 20% | | 2023 | 12 | 126 | 10% | | 2024 | 1 | 44 | 2% | | 2025 | 6 | 78 | 8% | | 2026 | 1 | 6 | 17% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Kia Sorento recalls related to the check engine light **[22V760000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V760000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-10-11): Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. **[22V612000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V612000)** (2016 models, reported 2022-08-10): A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash and injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. **[22V202000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V202000)** (2022 models, reported 2022-03-29): An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the turbocharger oil supply pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. **[21V519000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V519000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-07-08): A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. **[18V907000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V907000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2018-12-19): 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. **[17V586000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V586000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-09-21): If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Sorento owners report - "The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended while driving to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while..." -- owner of a 2026 Kia Sorento, complaint filed 2026 - "No check engine light came on, but I thought I heard a thumping or knocking under the hood. I had the vehicle towed to Fred Beans Kia Mechanicsburg, PA. They could not find anything wrong and are returning the vehicle as is. I have a complaint in with the service manager and am quite concerned." -- owner of a 2025 Kia Sorento, complaint filed 2026 - "Rough Shifting: A rough or jerky shifting Warning Lights: The check engine light or transmission warning light may illuminate on the dashboard." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Sorento, complaint filed 2026 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Sorento check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 6 related recalls (22V760000, 22V612000, 22V202000, 21V519000, 18V907000, 17V586000) covering 2015-2022 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Sorento years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Sorento model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 185 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Sorento with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Kia Sorento has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Sorento warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-sorento): 36 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-sorento): 37 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-sorento): 29 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-sorento): 24 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sorento): 138 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-sorento): 216 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-sorento): 81 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/kia-sorento): 14 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-sorento): 34 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Kia Sorento - [Kia Sorento specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-sorento) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.