The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 13 complaints alleging incidents of loss of motive power while driving in model year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3 L (Lambda II) engines. Some consumers describe experiencing coolant loss, rising engine temperatures, and/or -??smoke-?? emitting from the engine compartment along with a loss of motive power. It is commonly alleged that the engine is unable to be restarted following the incident and some consumers report that the failure was diagnosed to either the head gasket or head bolts. Engine replacement is usually the fix following the failure. ODI has opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
