2020 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 136 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 10 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
136 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jan 27, 2026
My engine light is on. Codes show cylinder 4 misfire. Code P0304. My vehicle slows down while driving. It takes time to excelerate to a reasonable speed. My vehicle is becoming harder to start each time. I purchased a new battery and replaced spark plugs to no avail. I’ve been told from several mechanics that my engine is bad and needs to be replaced. Kia has refused to replace my engine or help in any way and I feel this is something caused by the manufacture. Others have had the same issue. The vehicle is burning oil and I have practically had to stop driving the vehicle. It is my only means of transportation. I have 113,000+ miles.
Engine, Jan 20, 2026
The engine began leaking and burning oil, and general engine issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 16, 2026, fire
I was driving 2 minutes away from my house and all of the sudden every warning light on the dashboard came on, billowing smoke started coming through the vents. I immediately pulled in a random driveway, as I was turning I. I heard a loud pop. I shut the car off immediately, jumped out. As I looked at the front of my car, flames were coming from the bottom front. I ran up to the house, the man of the house came out with a fire extinguisher. He put out the flames underneath, asked me to pop the hood, I did so and he put out the flames underneath the hood. As I was waiting for a tow truck, I seen a shiny object at the bottom of the vehicle, I pulled it out. It was a wrist pin from the engine. I also noticed a ton of fluids poured out in the man’s driveway. I had the vehicle towed home and contacted Kia and my insurance company. My case was escalated to Kia corporate and Elizabeth Barooni contacted me. She promised to tow my vehicle to the dealership of my choice, get me a rental car, pay any out of cost expenses and repair the vehicle. The vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. After all her promises, she never contacted me again. I have tried to contact her and a Kia number called me, I answered they hung up on me. I called the number back and it was James Hope, an employee who works at Kia America Corporation. They have not returned my call since around Christmas. I also contacted GEICO, my insurance company, they sent out a adjuster, they denied my claim. They stated that all of this was caused by mechanical failure, they put on the claim that Kia is known for these issues and they will not cover it. I still remain without a vehicle and Kia Corporate has completely ignored me after making promises to help.
Engine, Jan 14, 2026
Around 100,000 miles I noticed that my engine was going through a lot of oil. Every time I would get an oil change, I would ask why and they stated that these Kia engines after hitting 100,000 start to burn oil fast and about every 1,000 miles you have to add a quart of oil and go from your normal every 5,000 mile oil change to every 3,000 mile oil change. Some times the oil light would blink but some times it wouldn't. I had a mechanic double check this and he confirmed and said nothing you can do they are just like and he sees it all the time. I kept up with my oil changes every 3,000 miles and every week and a half checking the oil. Around 134,000 miles or so on 11/28/25 at 4:30am I was driving and all of a sudden my car was driving weird and shaking. Soon the engine light came on. The oil light this entire time never came on. I pulled into a Target parking lot an noticed there was no oil in the car and it went through 5qts in a week and a half. I added 4 qts oil to the car and waited for the mechanic shop 1/2 a mile to open up at 7am. The inspected the car and said a cylinder was blown and to drive slow and get it home and just park it and a new engine is needed. I called my mechanic and he came by the house and he looked and it to see if he could fix it and no luck but said that Kia did have recalls on their engines and to fight it. I called Kia and they didn't deny recalls on some cars but not mine. They advised me to do a claim to get help to get the engine on a recall. The car has not been driven since then and remains in the garage and is in perfect well kept condition otherwise.
Engine, Jan 13, 2026
The oil pan got a large crack in it right by the plug
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 11, 2026, fire
To Whom It May Concern, I had a horrible experience with my 2020 Kia Sorento and I can't seem to get anyone to respond to me. This very upsetting. My VIN number is [XXX] , my vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. I kept up with all maintenance, oil changes, checking oil on a regular basis, checking all fluids, including antifreeze, brake fluid as well. I was driving on a clear day, no snow, no rain, no traffic, country road. I was going about 35 MPH and all of the sudden every light that I could possibly think of came on my dashboard, within 30 seconds of that I heard a very loud pop and smoke barreled in through my vents. Obviously the smoke made it a struggle to breathe and definitely is not good for mine or my children lungs. I immediately pulled into the first driveway I seen. This took 5 seconds from the loud pop and the smoke through the vents, actually not even 5 seconds. I jump out of my car and see a fire under my hood. I immediately run up to the house of the driveway I pulled in. Fortunately, the man of the home, seen what was happening, ran to his garage, got a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. I look under the car. I seen something very shiny lying on the ground, right under where the fire was. It was piston cylinder piece This explains the pop, the fire and nearly every fluid that was in my car now on the ground. Oil, antifreeze and brake fluid were all now spilled in this man's driveway. I called Kia and reported the incident, they stated there were no recalls on my vehicle, according to the VIN number. They also stated the year 2020 did not have recalls, like the years leading up to 2019, stopping at 2020 and then resuming at 2021. Elizabeth from Kia America Corp made promises she didn’t keep by stating they would tow my car to Kia dealership and give me a rental. She promised to make it right and was caught lying, she never contacted the dealership. Elizabeth’s phone number [XXX] . Please help me, my kids and I need a vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Engine, Jan 10, 2026
Car is in shop 3rd time 2020 sorento with 2.4l thete ii gdi engine. In May e went in p1326 code of death, knocking and blinking light. They put a band aid on. Back in September more issues, oil gasket valve cover and 4 spark plugs. Another bandaid, westarted seeing oil, I thought we were nuts because it was just fixed. Check engine light cane on, read 4th spark plug shot that they put in on 9/25. Tatvfirst rried sating 300 for plug and done. Then day after head mechanic says we need a new engine but all receipts not available. They're not filing a claim for an engine, these engine are blowing up and failing everywhere they just haven't gotten to year 2020 yet in law suits or settlements. When p1326 originally happened we were on the highway and it just decellateared and loud knock! Luckily we were okay and got over fast. With each issue car was immediately brought back to the Kia dealer, the sane dealer I bought the car new off lot in 2020.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 28, 2025
I have placed below what I have sent to Kia company.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 28, 2025
I wanted to add to a previous claim I had already submitted, I found an item that had fallen out of my engine, I don't know if I can submit a picture on here but I will try.
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2025
I was driving my vehicle and all the sudden all the lights on my dashboard came on, I am going to try and remember exactly which ones came on. The engine malfunction light, the ABS light, the battery light, the EPS light, the oil light, there were more lights that came on but I don't know the exact name of it. Then I heard a pop, smoke pouring through the vents, this all happened within 30 seconds. I quickly pulled into a driveway, there was a flame coming from beneath the hood. I ran up to the person's house. I was ringing the doorbell, they instantly seen what was happening. The male owner of the home came running out with a fire extinguisher and put out the flame. I kept up with all the maintenance of my vehicle, oil changes, making sure everything was up to date. All the oil had poured out of the vehicle some a little on the road around the same time the lights came on and I heard the pop and in the rest in the driveway. I didn't know what to do so I called Kia to report it, then I called triple A and they refused to tow it. I called a random tow truck driver who was kind enough to tow it back to my house. The person at Kia told me to tow it home and they would send out an inspector, I'm still waiting for a response. My vehicle only has 75,000 miles on it and nothing was wrong with it. I've never had a car just start on fire before. This is so upsetting because I am a single mother of 3 children, with a single income. I am an RN and it is my only transportation to and from work. I truly hope someone rectified this situation.
Engine, Dec 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a small oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked the oil level and added a quart of oil to the engine. The vehicle was driven approximately 50 miles. The contact parked the vehicle and checked the oil level again. They noticed that the oil level was low and added another quart of oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven another 15 miles, and the contact stopped at the grocery store. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the contact noticed a clicking sound, as if the engine was attempting to start. The contact continued, stating that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 151,025.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2025
the car the engine wast the oil in 1 week that every weeks it has problem in the ring of the engine , we just buy the car they tell us it has it had guarantee talking to the bank and the where I buy the car it don't show . it has a bad smell of wet and burnt oil ..
Engine, Oct 27, 2025
My car is burning excessive amounts of oil with no leak
Power train, Oct 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that for approximately a month, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the jerking stopped while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the mechanic test-drove the vehicle and stated that the failure might be associated with the transmission. The contact stated that after visiting the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,085.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The blinkers and the radio were inoperable for several seconds before returning to normal function. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while the contact and the contact's wife were driving the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was a major safety hazard, especially while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was required to pay a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 17, 2025
My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I stayed in my car and turned the interior lights on until after highway patrol officer escorted me to a safe turn off. Thankfully my rear hazard lights were working. My husband had to drive a hour to come pick me up. I got home 3 hours later than originally planned. I talked to a mechanic who said it was likely a fuse that went out. I asked him why there was no warning and he said the warning for the lights is likely on the same fuse as the lights! How is that helpful?! We weren’t able to find the right fuse late at night in the dark, so we had to leave it on the side of the road about 60 miles from home until we could go to an auto parts store and drive it home in the daylight. It was a very dangerous situation. I could have been killed.
Engine, Oct 13, 2025
Burning oil at dangerous rates. No leak yet having to refill oil weekly. Burning at a rate of 2q per 1k miles. Car currently has 95k miles and has had regular oil maintenance until this issue began a few months ago. This is a frequent issue with the 2020 Sorrento.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that on several occasions, there was no oil or low oil in the oil pan. The contact stated that oil needed to be added to the vehicle daily. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2025
The engine is consuming oil at a rapid rate that could be potentially dangerous. This is happening to other people with the same make and model as well.
Engine, Oct 3, 2025
Vehicle Information: Make: Kia Model: Sorento Year: 2020 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~80,000 miles Complaint Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding excessive engine oil consumption in my 2020 Kia Sorento. The vehicle burns oil between regular oil changes, requiring frequent top-ups. There are no visible leaks, and this consumption poses a serious safety risk, including potential engine failure or fire hazard. Detailed Description: I purchased the vehicle used from a Kia dealership. I requested an oil consumption test from the dealership, but they refused, stating the vehicle is out of warranty. I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, and they also refused to authorize the test or provide assistance. This engine issue is widely reported by other owners of the 2020 Sorento and similar Kia vehicles, particularly those with Theta II / GDI engines, which are known for oil consumption problems. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles, and the oil consumption is significant enough that I must frequently add oil between changes, creating a safety concern. Actions Taken: Requested an oil consumption test from local Kia dealership — refused. Contacted Kia Consumer Affairs for assistance — refused. Maintained detailed records of oil use and maintenance. Request: I request that the NHTSA investigate this oil consumption issue for my vehicle and the 2020 Kia Sorento model line. I also seek guidance on any recalls, service campaigns, or safety actions related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 23, 2025
My engine has started to burn excessive amounts of oil causing the oil light to flash. I took the car to the dealership and was told that it is a known defect in the engine and that if the car has over 100,000 miles they would recommend getting rid of the car because it could not be fixed and did not qualify for a new engine like they were putting in older models. The dealership said that they had told 9 other families the same thing as me in the last 2 weeks. Apparently the oil flows back into the combustion chamber and ruins the engine and there is no way for the dealership to know until a warning light comes on. Hard to believe since they know there is a major defect in the engine.
Engine, Sep 20, 2025
My 2020 Sorento has ALWAYS had regular maintenance , very well taken care of. Started using oil around 80,000 miles, around 98,500 it misfired while driving to work and we were told it was the coil pack and spark plugs needing changed. Ran good for 3 1/2 weeks and we had to change another spark plug. Was told this was “ normal” 1 month later and I’m stuck on the side of the road broken down with no power cause the engine quit. By that time we were over 100,000 so Kia said they wouldn’t cover it. Paid to have a new engine put in. Seems like this is a going thing for this make and model. It needs a recall ASAP. It put us in a terrible financial crisis as it was our only vehicle.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact attempted to use the horn, but the horn failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the horn. Approximately a week later, while attempting to use the horn, the failure recurred. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,188.
Power train, Engine, Aug 29, 2025
Kia Sorento has a well documented engine failure. The issue starts with the vehicle consuming engine oil. Subsequently the connecting rod bearings fail resulting in severe engine failure. This happens even with regular oil change maintenance. I experienced that with this vehicle. Kia was contacted but said this vehicle's vin did not fall under the list of affected vehicles in their class action lawsuit
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 24, 2025, crash
I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.