I bought a used 2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4L in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. AT 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done on this vehicle. I kept a log and now at 54,740 miles it is consuming 1 quart every 500 miles or so. I took it to the dealer on 10/19/2026 and was told that since I was not the original owner there was no warranty coverage on it. So that nullified the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I was told they could do a chamber cleaning for $800.00 and if that failed I would need to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost to me of $9,000.00 to $10,000.00 I have to monitor the oil level constantly to avoid the engine seizing and breaking down in traffic . This auto is used by my spouse to drive my grand kids to and from school. There are no warnings or messages on the oil level so it is driven with uncertainty .
2020 Kia Sorento engine problems
69 complaints (49% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 89,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 69
- of this car's complaints
- 49%
- typical mileage
- 89,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine: oil/lubrication: pressure/temperature sensor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Sorento engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Kia Sorento engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 23Oil consumption 22Check engine light 18Knocking 10Misfire 6Stalling 6Loss of power 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
What 2020 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Driving at highway speed, the vehicle began to make a loud rattling noise that came from under the vehicle. A passerby pulled even with my car and began frantically gesturing. After a few seconds of confusion, me daughter said the she thought the man was saying "it's on fire." We pulled over to the shoulder of the road, exited quickly and realized there was fire visible in the engine area, seen through the grill. A good samaritan attempted to suppress the fire with an exstinguisher but moments later, it was fully engulfed.
My 2020 Kia Sorento stalled and shut off while driving and eventually stopped working completely, requiring it to be towed to a Kia dealership. The dealership first replaced the starter and then the high-pressure fuel pump, but the vehicle still would not operate. After further diagnosis, I was informed that the timing chain had failed/broken and the engine needed to be replaced, with a new engine quoted at approximately $12,000. I am concerned that this type of sudden engine failure and shutdown could create a serious safety hazard, especially if it occurs while driving in traffic or at highway speeds. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this incident for similar failures involving 2020 Kia Sorento vehicles.
The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure of the engine directly caused consequential damage to the emissions system, entirely clogging the catalytic converter with unburned fuel/debris. Despite the clear link to the known, systemic defects inherent to the Theta II engine line—which is subject to active federal consent orders, safety recalls, and lifetime warranty extensions—both the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the 8-year/80,000-mile Federal Emissions Defect Warranty. The manufacturer is attempting to use the catastrophic failure of their own defective, recalled engine line to evade their legal environmental and safety warranty obligations, leaving the consumer stranded without alternative transportation. This represents a systemic effort by the manufacturer to deflect liability for documented powertrain safety failures onto individual consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine is burning oil at a significant rate, when I get my oil changed at the dealers recommendation it is extremely low. I have to replace the oil regularly between oil changes, and there is an exhaust smell. Also lagging when I hit the gas.
Car is 6 years old less then 100k miles and losing oil and motor problems Went through entire oil change in 1 month Kia unable or willing to assist with any coats I was told by a private garage that the motor in my car should be part of a recall that was already listed for 2021 through 2026 but they’re saying it’s not covered
2020 Kia Sorento consuming 1.5 or more quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Completing oil consumption testing with Kia dealer, which requires I take the car back to the dealer every 1k miles, times, so they can verify the oil levels. Last check, when issue was discovered, vehicle was down to only 1qt of oil after driving only 2k miles from previous oil change. Note: the lambda engine was initially included in the latest Kia class action settlement but was dismissed per the plaintiff’s attorney in that case. However there are numerous reports from a large number of 2020 Kia Sorento owners now with the same issue and running into complete roadblocks in terms of recourse as for most the issue does not begin until they exceed the powertrain warranty. Especially if they’re secondary owners and not the original owner.
Oil pressure light would come on and off, dealer said was probably the sensor got it replaced. Came back on the night I picked it back up.
I own a 2020 Kia Sorento. There is currently a class action lawsuit settlement ongoing. I have been informed that my 2020 Kia Sorento is not eligible while the settlement clearly states the 2020 Kia Sorento is included as part of the settlement. My Kia’s engine did not fail until after the settlement was finalized because I don’t drive a lot anymore and my mileage was just over a 100,000 miles when it started showing problems. It seems to be a new timeline for new claims and I’m still not allowed to file a claim for the same reason. I bought my car new in 2020. If you need additional information, please advise.
Questions about the 2020 Kia Sorento engine
Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have engine problems?
Owners have filed 69 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Kia Sorento, 49% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2020 Kia Sorento engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 89,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Kia Sorento engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Sorento have bad engine?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (722 complaints), 2013 (516 complaints) and 2012 (475 complaints).
Other 2020 Kia Sorento problems
Electrical 20Transmission 18Fuel system 10Driver assistance 7Visibility 6Acceleration 5Brakes 5Lights 5Airbags 4Steering 4Seat belts 2Suspension 2Wheels 2
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