Office of Defects Investigation the federal safety agency 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint – Premature Engine Failure Risk Due to Excessive Oil Consumption and Confirmed Cylinder Scoring – 2020 Kia Sorento Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a 2020 Kia Sorento that is experiencing severe and abnormal engine oil consumption along with confirmed cylinder wall scoring. These conditions indicate progressive internal engine damage and present a significant risk of premature engine failure. The vehicle has been regularly maintained in accordance with manufacturer service recommendations. Despite proper maintenance, the engine began consuming excessive amounts of oil between normal service intervals. During inspection by the servicing dealership, visible cylinder wall scoring was identified within the engine. Cylinder scoring is a clear indication of internal engine wear and deterioration and can lead to rapid progression toward engine failure. Despite the confirmed presence of internal engine damage, the manufacturer has refused to authorize an engine replacement under the extended warranty program unless the engine experiences complete mechanical failure. The dealership has indicated that the vehicle must continue to be operated and monitored until catastrophic breakdown occurs before replacement will be approved. Requiring the continued operation of a vehicle with confirmed cylinder wall damage and abnormal oil consumption raises serious safety concerns. Progressive internal engine damage can lead to sudden engine seizure, stalling, or loss of power while driving, which creates a potential hazard for the driver, passengers, and surrounding traffic. Given the confirmed cylinder scoring and ongoing excessive oil consumption, I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate.
2020 Kia Sorento: sudden loss of power
5 of the 140 complaints about the 2020 Kia Sorento describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 0
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
The engine is burning oil despite all maintenance being up to date and having fewer than 80k miles. Kia of Duluth Service Center checked the oil and said levels were good on 12/31/25. Fewer than 30 miles were driven and it was brought back to the dealership service center on 1/2/26 and diagnosed with total engine loss due to oil starvation. The extended warranty company (JM&A) are denying coverage because the engine failure is due to lack of oil. They have inspected the vehicle. No warning lights ever came on and this is the second time that this issue has been addressed by Kia of Duluth. The engine could have easily overheated and caught on fire or lost power on the road.
On 11/19/2024 I was driving when my Kia begin to sputter and lose power, and the check engine light came on. I was on an interstate so I exited and pulled over, after paying 400.00 in tow fees it was determined my engine had failed with only 126,291 miles. I never had any indication of problems with my engine it happened in the blink of an eye
My vehicle developed an unexpected oil leak, when the oil plug worked itself loose, and then fell out, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure (and subsequent $11,000 engine replacement). Upon taking it to a nearby mechanic, he discovered the plug sitting in the splash shield. The sudden loss of engine power, on the highway, created a traffic hazard for myself, and the other motorists around me; fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and move it to a safe location. The problem has been documented several times to the federal safety agency, as well as several other organizations related to vehicle maintenance, specifically oil changes and services. There were no indications as to an oil leak, prior to the plug falling out entirely, and a cloud of black smoke billowing out from behind my vehicle.
Engine light came on flashing and vehicle losing power. Took to Kia Dealership and told there was a rod bearing malfunction.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Reimbursement form (WTY034)
- SC365_POC: proof of correction card
- SC365_STKR: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- Voluntary emissions service campaign
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions: ECM logic improvement (SC340 revision 5)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC340 flight 103 / um)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions ECM logic improvement (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC340 flight 101 / um)
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2020 Kia Sorento loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2020 Kia Sorento?
5 of 140 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia Sorento (4%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Kia Sorento?
There are 0 recalls and 23 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Kia Sorento
Engine failure 23Oil consumption 22Check engine light 18Fire or smoke 13Knocking 10Misfire 6Stalling 6
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