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2015 Sorento LX 2.4-L - Engine clunking. Should I take it to a Kia Service Center?

8.7K views 15 replies 8 participants last post by  ron1004  
#1 ·
Hello All! First time utilizing the forum. I have a 2015 Kia Sorento LX (2.4-L L-4 DOHC 16V), which I purchased used in 2016. I haven't had any significant issues up until now.

The last few days, I have noticed some clicking/clunking noises coming from the engine, as well as some slight acceleration issues when driving at a slight incline. Quick research indicates that there may be a known issue with the engines as mileages increases. I don't see a recall specific to my VIN.

Wondering if I should take my car to a Kia Service Center? Having not purchased my vehicle from a Kia dealership, I have never serviced through Kia directly. Anyone have any similar experience?
 
#4 ·
I would use a reputable independent service shop for the labor, and get a price for a rebuilt engine from Kia and third party suppliers.

Dependent on mileage you can also decide on a short block, or a full long block.
 
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#14 ·
Hello All! First time utilizing the forum. I have a 2015 Kia Sorento LX (2.4-L L-4 DOHC 16V), which I purchased used in 2016. I haven't had any significant issues up until now.

The last few days, I have noticed some clicking/clunking noises coming from the engine, as well as some slight acceleration issues when driving at a slight incline. Quick research indicates that there may be a known issue with the engines as mileages increases. I don't see a recall specific to my VIN.

Wondering if I should take my car to a Kia Service Center? Having not purchased my vehicle from a Kia dealership, I have never serviced through Kia directly. Anyone have any similar experience?
I had a similar issue with my 2015 Sorento about a year and a half ago. Same model, engine...at 58,000 engine had same symptoms. Took it to my Kia dealer and they diagnosed engine failure due to known defects. Removed and replaced short block. Supplied me with a rental for a couple weeks. Waranteed new engine for life, regardless of ownership. Since I've put on about 20k miles.
 
#10 ·
+2 on 16 valves..

Some info for the OP.. This is dependent on what the dealer finds, if in fact your engine requires replacement.
If there is not a known recall, is it better to go with a non-Kia Service Center for any repairs?
  • Kia (and Hyundai) have a "PROGRAM' to replace defective Theta engines. It is not a recall, search internet for "Theta Engine Settlement'. Your 2015 Should be included if you have a true bearing related failure resulting in your clunking problem.
  • Knowing of problematic engine failures Kia released a Mandatory (Knock sensor) recall about 1-2 years ago. This was a software change to detect a failing engine knock condition and put the car into safe mode hopefully lessening damage. This recall extended your warranty.. However Failure to install this recall could result with a decline to replace your motor as you are out of 5 year/60K second owner powertrain warranty.. Also lack of correct oil maintenance could result in a decline. They have given themselves a couple of ways out.
  • If you engine is approved to be replaced they will extend the warranty for the replaced engine.
  • If you are rejected then I would shop for a reputable shop and work out a lower option than the dealer if possible.
 
#5 ·
... I have a 2015 Kia Sorento LX (2.4-L L-4 DOHC 16V), which I purchased used in 2016. I
CAn you read and post the built date that shows on the driver door B pillar ? Mine is also a 2015, which I purchased used in 2016 and my build date is May 2014. According to past data, the "problem" with this engine type was solved sometime in April 2014....of course a car built in May can have an engine built prior to that date....
ANd can you p;ost your mileage ?
..and I think I do not have a problem yet....
 
#7 ·
Doesn't matter where you purchase from. You can take it to and Kia dealer anytime. You wouldn't get any notification they might send out unless it was registered to you with them. Otherwise its going to the previous owner!!
 
#9 · (Edited)
Well..I was surprised too to read 16V...asking myself "well I did not know that" or "is that real" but looking at the 2013-2015 shop manual, I saw this picture of one camshaft (intake ..or exhaust..?) and saw it indeed had 2 cams per cylinder. So...??? but I have no intention to pull the valve cover to verify by myself...:rolleyes:
Image

I also read this...
 
#11 ·
Maybe I missed something but I cannot remember any Canadian owner on this forum having an engine replacement under a similar program. And I have never received any recall for the knock sensor .
 
#12 ·
I have never received any recall for the knock sensor .
Sorry since the OP is in US I addressed the info to him, and shoud have excluded Canada builds. . In the US it's PI1802 , but there are multiple records that are confusing as it originally started with 2012-2013 then slowly expanded. The service action and knock sensor software eventually stretched out to more models with the theta builds to later models and years. I believe the Canadian's owners have different warranty and recall situations than the US.
 
#13 ·
I meant that Kia Canada has a very poor concern for problems with its cars. Howevere KIA is very popular here
 
#15 ·
Hi Call KIA! 800-333-4542, and check www.KiaEngineSettlement.com. The Theta i4 engines have a manufacturing problem going back to 2011 and KIA is doing a ECM software update and covering engines in many from 2011 to 2019 and the Sorento 2012 to 2018. May want to check with nearest KIA/Hyundai dealer about the Theta engine software upgrade and problems. Best of luck, keep us posted.