Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Kia Sorento owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The entire car failed as it caught fire. I wasn't able to break or put the car into park and it rolled to a stop while smoke was coming through the vents. Because of this, my passenger and I exited the vehicle and crossed the expressway while a highway patroller was directing traffic away from the car. Within 2 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. The car is not available for inspection as it was towed away and disposed of. The safety of myself and the passenger were at risk because the entire car broke out in flames and soon exploded. If we stayed in the car for any longer than we did, we would have died. UNKOWN. I do not believe that the vehicle has been inspected. The warning lights all turned on at exactly the same time, about 3-5 seconds before the car completely stopped.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over immediately. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a Kia vehicle I purchased from CarMax Waldorf approximately 3 months ago. The vehicle has developed a strong gasoline/fuel odor that is consistent with a possible fuel leak. This creates a serious safety concern, including the risk of fire or explosion while driving or operating the vehicle. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive due to the strong fuel smell. When I contacted CarMax about the issue, I was instructed to take the vehicle to a Kia dealership instead of CarMax inspecting or addressing the safety concern themselves. I believe this is improper handling of a potentially dangerous defect in a recently sold vehicle. …
The problem started when our car died while driving it. After a few different replacements, Kia decided to replace the entire engine under a recall. After driving the car for a short period of time, the check engine light came on. I went to check the oil and it smelled overwhelmingly like gasoline. I took it to my mechanic who said the check engine light was coming on because of the catalytic converter needing replaced. And the high pressure fuel pump was leaking gas into the oil tank. He said that both of these reasons were because the engine was replaced and they should have all been replaced simultaneously under the recall. I did look it up and there was a second recall for 2015 Kia Sorentos who had there engine replaced, that the high pressure fuel pump should be replaced because it was leaking gas into the oil tank. …
I have had nothing but problems out of this car since I purchased it. I purchased it used from Chevy and within a week I was in a rental car due to issues. Now after only having the car for 3 years still making payments, after having the oil changed within a month the engine showed no oil when I took it back to the shop with complaints of a engine knock. They replaced the oil however within 4 days the car could not be moved. Why is it my car is doing everything in the case action lawsuit yet I don't qualify for the engine replacement. Now they refuse to give me my car back due to this recall, it's been at kia since last November. Without anything being done with it. I have cancer and can't hardly get to my appointments. This is the worst car I could own someone please tell me what to do. Start a new class action law suit. …
Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It's been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I've taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing's wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and went the same exact distance and didn't have to get any fuel until I was about half way back. Something has to give. I love my Kia as I have owned 2. But something is really wrong. Please help. Thanks
Engine died in the middle of the right of way suddenly and would not restart. Knocking sound ensued when restart was attempted. Within the previous 48 hours, the engine had been topped off with 2 quarts of oil. The dealership it was towed to to assess the issue confirmed they added an additional 3 quarts of oil during the assessment. They confirmed the engine would need to be replaced. Mileage at the time of incident was 68K. Kia corporate confirmed they would not replace the engine since there are 4 owners on the vehicle history, and the warranty expired at 60K miles as a result.
I just got my car back from overtuf which had it for a month due to after the recalls where done my engine failed and had to be replaced that day I got it back I drove it home and on the way home the check engine light came on and my smelled of gas really bad so I pulled over looked under vehicle to see if there was anything leaking under car and no leaks so i checked the oil and it was filled over filled with gas which could of damaged my engine again or worse caught fire with me and my kids in it or hurt someone else
Upon receiving Recall NOTICE , Vehicle Is A Fire Danger and I can Not Drive it.Living in the middle of the Forrest makes having this vehicle in this HIGH FIRE DANGER TOWN for 2 months put not only my family and home in danger but my entire FIRE VULNERABLE COMMUNITY AT RISK. The company headquarters or Dealership would not loan me a safe car nor remove this FIRE HAZARD from this community.
SUV started making a strange noise and the rear started dragging before 70K miles. Needed a new axle and a rear differential. Total cost was $3800.00 and not covered under warranty. The rear differential oil wasn't even due to be changed yet.
Fuel System complaints in other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2015 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2015 Kia Sorento, 4% of the model year's 754 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system › fuel rail (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Kia Sorento fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2015 Kia Sorento, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Kia Sorento fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.