2020 Kia Sorento: engine stalls while driving

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · NC

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.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Engine · IL

[XXX] while driving down the highway the vehicle started to stall and shake significantly, while exiting the highway then and only then did a check engine light and oil pressure light. The safety of myself as well as my husband and 4 kids was put at risk b y the fact that it was during the solar eclipse, and our area highways were bumper to bumper traffic. With multiple accidents already happenening in the area. Had we not safely been able to exit the highway ourselves as well as any other individual around us could have been in imminent danger of a serious accident. The problem has absolutely been confirmed by Larry stovesand kia as well as sales automotive. The vehicle has not further been inspected. As kia stated it is a cylinder 4 misfire requiring a total engine replacement. That they state is not covered under warranty (exceeded miles) or class action that includes kia sorentos up to year 2019. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 29, 2024 · Engine · 58,325 miles · IL · fire

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 53- 55 MPH, the contact suddenly noticed that their surrounding drivers were honking for her attention. Eventually, another nearby driver notified the contact by pointing down and yelling out "fire". The vehicle then stalled and the contact was able to use its momentum to coast to the side of the road where the vehicle then completely came to a stop. The contact exited the vehicle safely. The police and fire department had arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent a certified mechanic and an inspector from the manufacturer had been sent to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the origin of the fire was caused by an engine failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,325.

Filed Apr 23, 2024 · Engine · IL

While driving down the road my 2020 Kia Sorento died in traffic leaving me sitting in a stalled vehicle while traffic resumed around me. I had my vehicle towed to our local Kia Dealership and they told me that the engine was seized

Filed May 3, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 17,500 miles · GA

My car stalled as I started to drive. As I started to park again it shut down. I waited a few minutes and it started again. My intention is to get it to the dealership asap.