2022 Kia Sorento Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2022 Kia Sorento: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2022 Kia Sorento has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2022 Kia Sorento has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2022 Kia Sorento?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2022 Kia Sorento, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue effectively. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. Next, examine the dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or irregularities that may indicate other problems. Pay attention to the vehicle's performance; any signs of rough idling, stalling, or reduced power can provide critical clues about the issue at hand. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a vital step in this process, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes from the vehicle's computer, offering insight into the exact nature of the problem. Finally, consulting the owner's manual can provide tailored information regarding the check engine light and recommended actions for your specific model. By following these initial steps, you can gather the necessary information to diagnose the issue effectively and determine the best course of action for your Kia Sorento.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2022 Kia Sorento?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2022 Kia Sorento, it serves as an important alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can lead to fuel evaporation, triggering the light. If the gas cap is secure, consider the oxygen sensor, as a faulty one can significantly impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Another critical component to inspect is the catalytic converter, which, if malfunctioning, can also activate the warning light. Additionally, problems with spark plugs or ignition coils can lead to engine misfires, a common reason for the light's illumination. The mass airflow sensor is another potential culprit, as its failure can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, affecting overall vehicle performance. Other issues that may cause the check engine light to come on include engine misfires linked to fuel or ignition system failures, a malfunctioning EGR valve, transmission problems, battery or charging system issues, and a faulty thermostat that could lead to overheating. By being aware of these common problems, you can take proactive steps to diagnose and address the issue, ensuring your Kia Sorento runs smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2022 Kia Sorento?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2022 Kia Sorento, it is crucial to understand the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies that there may be underlying issues with your vehicle's engine or emissions system that could compromise its performance and efficiency. Ignoring this alert can lead to escalating problems, including severe engine damage or costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. Moreover, some issues may pose safety risks, making it imperative to address them without delay. Fortunately, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that can help identify the specific cause of the check engine light, allowing for a more efficient resolution. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult a qualified mechanic as soon as the light appears to ensure your Kia Sorento remains in optimal condition and to prevent further complications down the road.

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