NHTSA Complaint #11492167 — 2016 KIA SORENTO

While driving my 2016 Kia Sorrento northbound on I25, I was accelerating up a small incline on the highway, going 76 miles an hour, and all the sudden my car lost power and was not gaining speed. I was in the left lane, with cars behind me and on the right of me and my engine seemed to die out. I lost power and was unable to proceed, putting me in a seriously dangerous and potentially fatal position. No engine lights came on, no warning of anything wrong with the engine, the oil, nothing. I made my way to the shoulder of the highway and called for assistance. I turned off the car as it seemed to be overheating. Two days before my trip I had just changed my oil and had an all points inspection on the car. I restarted the car after a few minutes but was unable to gain any power. After several hours, I was able to get a tow to the nearest town. The mechanic shop, Leesbergs in Socorro, New Mexico, had my car for two weeks. They recreated my situation and also did not get any warning notifications in the car. In short, I was told I needed a new engine and that there was nothing they could do to repair the car. Now I am told that a new engine, for a six-year-old car, is going to cost me almost $6,000, while I still over $10,000 on this car. I maintain my automobiles religiously, and repair anything that needs to be repaired. I am at a huge loss on this lemon! I am financially unable to take this car to anyone else to work on and cannot afford a new engine. I am at a loss and still have to pay my monthly payments. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. The car is available for inspection at any time. It is in Santa Fe, NM. I may be reached at 505-670-3505. Thank you. Valerie Anaya-CdeBaca