NHTSA Complaint #11699701 — 2018 KIA SORENTO

My Vehicle’s Problems Excessive Oil Consumption My engine kept losing oil far more rapidly than normal. I was regularly checking and had to top off the oil, even though mileage suggested it should not be that frequent. However, there was no “check engine” warning light or low-oil warning light even when the oil level was dangerously low. Despite the oil being burned or lost, none of the sensors ever alerted me. Eventually, before my next scheduled service, the extreme oil loss culminated in catastrophic failure: the engine seized, and the car is now completely undrivable. Engine Failure / Seizure The engine’s seizure was sudden and without any prior warning. There was no indication via “check engine” light, oil light, or other dashboard warnings. I have obtained an estimate for replacing the engine, and regrettably, the cost of a new engine exceeds the current value of the vehicle. This is deeply unfair, given that the root cause appears to be excessive oil consumption, not misuse or accident. Lack of Responsiveness / Remediation I feel that despite my efforts to maintain the car and monitor oil levels, I was left to fix a major and very expensive defect. I request that Kia take full responsibility: cover the engine replacement (or provide a buyback / repurchase option), reimburse me for costs, or find another equitable remedy.