2020 Kia Sorento

136 complaints on file, page 1 of 7.

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026Failure Sep 21, 2026clinton, MAElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemFire

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11767149
2. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Aug 31, 202635,000 milesNational City, CAVehicle speed controlCrash

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked back and forth, accelerated unintendedly, and crashed into the corner plaster wall of a friend's garage, causing plaster to fall onto the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision to be repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. Police officers responded to the scene, inspected the vehicle, and filed a report. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11765211
3. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Aug 31, 2026Kent, OHUnknown or other1 injured

   While driving my 2020 Kia Sorento on the freeway at highway speed, the panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a very loud explosive sound that startled and frightened me while I was driving. I was not aware of anything striking the sunroof immediately before it shattered, and there were no warning lights, messages, noises, cracks, or other indications that the glass was about to fail. Because I was traveling at freeway speed when this occurred, the sudden explosion/shattering of the glass was extremely distracting and created a serious safety concern. I was frightened by the unexpected loud noise and could have lost control of the vehicle. Broken glass from a panoramic sunroof also presents a risk to the occupants of the vehicle and to other motorists. The component that failed was the panoramic sunroof glass. To my knowledge, the failure has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent repair facility, and the vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia for the cause of the failure. I am reporting this incident because the sunroof appeared to shatter suddenly during normal highway driving without any prior warning, and I am concerned that this may represent a safety defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11761230
4. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Feb 1, 20269,000 milesNeenah, WIAir bags

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated while an occupant was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls or warranty associated with the vehicle failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11761097
5. Filed Aug 18, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Greensboro, NCEngine

   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 NHTSA document and review this incident for similar failures involving 2020 Kia Sorento vehicles.

   NHTSA complaint 11757589
6. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Jul 27, 2026Storm Lake, IAPower train

   The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change when the contact was informed that there was an unknown issue with the vehicle however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid was leaking and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint 11753507
7. Filed Jul 12, 2026Failure Jul 12, 2026Forest Hill, MDAir bags, Electrical system, Adaptive cruise control

   Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flickered and dash dings. Two independent shops ran diagnostics and noted that only battery was dead. Replaced battery and the lights came back immediately.

   NHTSA complaint 11749809
8. Filed Jul 9, 2026Failure Jun 15, 202619,000 milesWellington, FLSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with her daughter and parents in the vehicle, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard emanating from the steering wheel. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the repair was delayed because the manufacturer required information from the dealer, while the dealer claimed to be waiting for a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 19,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11749302
9. Filed Jun 2, 2026Failure May 27, 2026Van Nuys, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11741669
10. Filed May 19, 2026Failure May 19, 2026Oxford, MIEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11738870
11. Filed May 15, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026Washington, PAEngine

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11738032
12. Filed Apr 26, 2026Failure Apr 1, 2026Dunkirk, MDEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11733852
13. Filed Apr 23, 2026Failure Feb 1, 2026Lawrenceville, GASeat belts

    Driver seatbelts randomly unlatches itself while operating vehicle.

    NHTSA complaint 11733472
14. Filed Apr 13, 2026Failure Nov 20, 2025Ogden, UTEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11730918
15. Filed Mar 26, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Carbondale, ILEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11727148
16. Filed Mar 20, 2026Failure Mar 3, 2026Naples, FLElectrical system, Engine

    My Oil Pressure Switch is diagnosed as faulty by independent service center as well as Kia. Kia is denying coverage. I have found information that it should be covered. My check engine light shows an oil can light.

    NHTSA complaint 11725785
17. Filed Mar 17, 2026Failure Mar 6, 2026South Gate, CAEngine

    Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate.

    NHTSA complaint 11724830
18. Filed Mar 15, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Covington, GAEngine

    Oil is leaking from my car. The dealership said I would need to replace the engine. The car is only 6 years old.

    NHTSA complaint 11724465
19. Filed Feb 24, 2026Failure Feb 19, 2026Beverly Hills, FLEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other

    Component/System Affected: UNKNOWN – suspected fuel system or related component due to strong gasoline odor. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. What Happened: There is a strong gasoline odor specifically at the front driver’s side wheel well/tire area. The odor is also noticeable under the hood. The smell is present while the vehicle is parked (I had to move it out of the garage) and after driving. No visible fuel leaks or puddles have been observed under the vehicle. Safety Risk: Gasoline fumes create a potential fire hazard and pose a risk of accident. The odor is now also noticeable inside the vehicle, which increases concern for occupant safety. Confirmation by Service Centers: The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by independent service centers. Two separate auto mechanic shops inspected the vehicle and both confirmed smelling gasoline, but neither could identify the source of the odor or any mechanical defect. Inspections by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by two independent mechanics only. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Lamps or Symptoms: No warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared. The only symptom is a persistent gasoline odor. Timeline: The odor was first noticed on 02/19/2026 and has continued since that date. Vehicle Information: 2020 Kia Sorento VIN: [XXX] Mileage: approximately 87,438 miles Used for local commuting to work and school. Vehicle is garage-kept and receives regular maintenance at certified auto mechanic shops. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11720156
20. Filed Feb 20, 2026Failure Dec 31, 2025Duluth, MNEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11719337