2020 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

Your 2020 Kia Sorento is consuming excessive oil between service intervals and has visible scoring (damage) on the cylinder walls inside the engine. This internal damage indicates the engine is deteriorating and could lead to sudden engine seizure, stalling, or loss of power while driving, creating a safety hazard. Kia has refused to replace the engine under warranty until it completely fails, requiring you to continue driving a vehicle with confirmed internal damage. Addressing this will likely require a full engine replacement or major internal engine repair.

Your engine is burning through oil rapidly even though you've kept up with all scheduled maintenance and have fewer than 80,000 miles on your car. The dealership confirmed oil levels were fine on December 31st, but just 30 miles later your engine failed completely due to oil starvation, even though no warning lights appeared. Your extended warranty is refusing to cover the repair, claiming lack of oil caused the failure. This is a recurring issue at your dealership, and your engine could have overheated dangerously or left you stranded on the road.

Your engine check light is on with a cylinder 4 misfire code (P0304). You're experiencing reduced power, slow acceleration, and difficulty starting even after replacing the battery and spark plugs. Your engine is also burning oil, and multiple mechanics have indicated the engine may need replacement. The vehicle has become unreliable as your primary transportation.

Your engine check light is on, and your car is consuming oil much faster than normal—you've had to add several quarts of oil before reaching 2,000 miles after an oil change. An inspection found that cylinder 2 is misfiring and has low pressure, which means your engine will likely need to be replaced. Kia has indicated your vehicle is not covered under a recall for this issue.

Starting around 100,000 miles, your engine began burning through oil rapidly — requiring an oil top-up every 1,000 miles and shortening oil change intervals from 5,000 to 3,000 miles. At 134,000 miles, your engine started shaking and the check engine light came on after losing 5 quarts of oil in just a week and a half, despite the oil warning light never illuminating. A mechanic determined a cylinder had blown and that your engine needs complete replacement, though Kia did not honor a recall claim for your specific vehicle. The repair will likely involve engine replacement or a complete engine overhaul.

Your 2020 Kia Sorento's engine began showing problems after 100,000 miles, but you were told you're not eligible for the ongoing class action lawsuit settlement even though the settlement documentation lists 2020 Sorento models as covered. You believe there's a timing issue with claim deadlines that's preventing you from filing, despite owning the car since new in 2020. Engine repairs or replacement may be needed to address the underlying problem.

Your car is leaking oil from the engine. The dealership has indicated that the engine may need to be replaced rather than repaired. This is concerning given your car's relatively young age of 6 years.

Your check engine light came on indicating a misfire in cylinder 4. Even after replacing all spark plugs and the coil pack, your car still has trouble accelerating, especially at higher speeds, even though the light went out. The underlying issue may involve fuel delivery, compression, or valve timing that wasn't addressed by the spark plug and coil pack replacement.

Your engine is leaking oil and burning oil, which means oil is escaping from the engine and being consumed during operation. You may notice oil spots under your car, low oil levels on the dipstick, or blue smoke from the exhaust. The repair will likely involve identifying the source of the leak (such as gaskets or seals) and replacing the damaged parts.

Your engine's oil pan developed a large crack near the drain plug. This could cause oil to leak out, potentially leading to low oil levels and engine damage if not repaired promptly. The oil pan will likely need to be replaced or professionally sealed.

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.

My car is burning excessive amounts of oil with no leak

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

Oil consumption issues started around 60k miles took to dealer for consumption test failed it, they decarbonized my piston rings. I returned around 85k miles with the same complaint for oil consumption the dealer did the test I returned they said I passed. I am constantly having to put oil in my vehicle about 2 quarts every full take about (379 miles) the piston rings are causing my spark plugs to be oil fouled Kia knew this and pushed me out the door. Now my car is constantly misfiring and the engine is slowly dying with only 117k miles on it and 5 years old.

The engine oil level drops from "Full" to "Low" after driving approximately 2,000 miles. I have visited three different auto repair shops, including an official Kia service center, but none of them could explain the reason for the oil loss. They all acknowledged the issue but said they don't know what is causing it.

I wasn't in a car accident or anything but my engine is burning oil more then it should like I have to add oil (1 1/2 quarts of oil) every week to my engine and most times when i am driving my car I smell burning oil like its burning inside of the car somewhere and I think that my car is about to caught on fire or just go out. I went up to the kia store to let them know what has been going on and they are telling me that there is nothing that they can do about it, I haven't had this car for a year yet I got this car last year in September they told me that there was nothing wrong with my car, I have 128,000 miles on my car and I just don't know what to do at this point I owe 13,900 on the car. I see that there has been recalls on the kia Sorento's engine before and I even told the dealership about it too and they still told me that there is nothing that they can do, this all start January of this year and I have been fighting with kia over this since then. My car is just a ticking bomb before my engine jsut gives out and I don't know when that will be but I just want to get this fixed and i dont have 5,000 to replace the engine and Kia also told me that they can't replace it either so I'm hoping that this might help me in some kind of way.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stopped the vehicle on the side of the highway. The contact had recently had an oil change completed at an independent oil replacement shop. The contact called the shop, and a technician was sent to the location. The technician checked the engine oil level and stated that there was no oil on the dipstick and added four quarts of engine oil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the vehicle had started to emit white smoke from the engine compartment and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vehicle needed an engine oil flush. The vehicle was repaired but the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Engine was in limp mode after having the KBS software earlier this year installed. Engine is currently at 115,000 miles, oil has been changed consistently. The engine has been consuming the oil and burning it fast, where I need to add oil constantly.

I have 105k miles on the vehicle. My vehicle is burning oil between oil changes, so much so that there is no oil on the dip stick. There is a recall for kia engine's doing this but mine is not listed. I owe 3500 dollars for payoff and am now faced with buying a new vehicle or replacing the engine myself because it just happened out of warranty. If this is a know issue with these engines it needs to be remedied.

Complete engine failure while traveling on the highway with no warning. No check engine lights came on. Engine started knocking and would turn off when traffic came to a stop. As I was in a construction zone, I had no safe space to pull over. Car ran this way for about 10 minutes until I could safely pull over. It then would not restart. Confirmed to be complete engine failure. Oil change had just been completed three weeks prior. There are only 73k miles on this vehicle.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?-- Engine, yes it is How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?-- the car will begin to sputter and will even randomly turn off Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?-- Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?-- It was inspected by a mechanic at multiple repair shops Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?-- not before I started having issues, the check engine light is on now and it came on at around 130,000 miles

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?- MY CAR IS BURNING OIL AT A RATE OF AT LEAST 1 QT PER 1K MILES How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?- DRIVING A CAR WITH INSUFFICIENT OIL COULD LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE OR FIRE. I DRIVE MY [XXX] DAUGHTER AS WELL AS MYSELF AND FAMILY IN THAT CAR ON A DAILY BASIS. THE CAR COULD LEAVE ME STRANDED OR CAUSE A FIRE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AND THEREFORE HAVE NOT DRIVEN IT. I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I WILL NOT RISK MY FAMILYS SAFTEY. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?- YES THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY KIA AND MANY VECHILES WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAVE BEEN RECALLED. 2 INDEPENDANT SERVICE CENTERS HAVE CONFIRMED MY CAR IS BURNING OIL AND IT IS UNSAFE. KIA HAS ALSO CONFIRMED IT IS BURNING OIL. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -YES KIA PERFORMED AN INITAL OIL CONSUMPTUPN TEST WHICH IT FAILED, BUT REFUSE TO DO ADDITIONAL TESTS/REPAIRS DO TO SERVICE RECORD DOCUMENTATION. I AM STILL WITHIN MY 10Y/100K WARRANTY BUT THEY WILL NOT COVER IT. IT IS A DEFECTIVE ENGINE AND IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT NOT USER ERROR Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear- THE OIL LIGHT WENT OFF THE FIRST TIME IN DEC 2024 AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO SHELL STATION. THIS WAS BEFORE I WAS DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THEY TOLD ME I HAD NO OIL. IN FEB 2025 I GOT ANOTHER OIL CHANGE AT VALVOLINE AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. KIA CONFIRMED THE OIL CONSUMPTION IN APRIL 2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

According to the dealership diagnostic assessment, the engine has two holes in the block as a result of connecting rod bearing failure. My Kia Sorento engine is a V6. This is a known issue in the Kia Sorento 2.4L for which a recall/extended warranty was granted. The Kia tech service line is denying any assistance with repair/replacement of my engine exhibiting the same engine failure results as the 2.4L engine. The day the engine blew, the oil level was full prior to drive, on the interstate it began sputtering and rattling, the engine then made the sound of a pop or muffled explosion and the car ceased to run causing us to have to quickly divert across lanes of traffic to get safely to the shoulder. Once stopped, the car was noted to have a pool of oil underneath and would ceased to drive.

Blown headgasket coolant leak in engine

As I was driving down the street it sound like I ran over something but it was actually my engine failing, then caught on fire. I was able to pull over and used water bottles to let out the fire. My vehicle had to be towed to the repair shop because the engine wasn't able to restart.

My sorento was making a propellor type sound when driving up an incline. There were no lights on my dashboard. I took it to a Kia dealership as it is under warranty. They said my oil pan had gone bad and needed a new engine. Warranty company denied due to low oil, and ignored the metal shavings in the oil pan and maintenance records showing I’m up to date on oil changes. No check engine light on. What would have happened if I continued to drive? It appears this is a recurring problem with Kia. I have the lambda engine V6

[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)

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud knocking sound before the engine seized. The vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with 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 failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

I was informed at routine maintenance that engine was burning oil. This was an issue since I purchased vehicle at 16k miles. Shortly after 80,000 engine spontaneous started knocking. I had it towed to the dealership that confirmed it was a spontaneous engine failure.

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

I have noticed at around 36,000 miles excessive oil consumption and knocking sound in the engine.I know the have this problem with older models, but you get the push around from dealership and Kia corporate. Thanks

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.

Two weeks ago the engine started to consume oil excessively. I had to add 1/2 quart of oil, just to have it above the low level. Last week I added 1/2 quart oil, after driving in the city a few hundred miles. There were no visible oil leaks noticed by the dealership's technician. The SUV has only 37,000 miles, and all the maintenance was done at the KIA dealership.

The engine light consistently comes on and off. When you go to diagnose problem it would read- because the engine light would stay on. Two mechanics looked at it, and are saying it’s a failing fuel pump. And it’s not working correctly. The car just shut off and stopped working while exiting a busy freeway. Just cut off in the middle of the exit/road.

Brought the car in April 1st for oil consumption, was told to bring it back at 1000miles for oil consumption test. Drive the car for 700 miles and it started to sputter while driving on expressway. Car died and was smoking. Checked oil level and it was at L on dipstick. Kia is saying it is the fuel injectors and are still not taking care of the oil consumption. Was told fuel injectors are not covered under warranty and that I have to do another oil consumption test after injectors are fixed. I am terrified to drive this car knowing the engine could seize and I nearly got into an accident going 60mph on 4/25 when fuel injectors went.

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

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 NHTSA, 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.

The vehicle was not even 3.5 years old, it had been serviced in February 2023 and there was no warning before the fire began. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I immediately pulled over. The fire began as soon as I stopped the car and the vehicle was engulfed within minutes. My daughter and I were in the car. We barely escaped before the vehicle was on fire. I did not have a vehicle hitch on the vehicle and this was unrelated to the vehicle recall notice that I received several weeks after my incident.

The engine overheated passed the point that the radiator could keep it cool and cause the radiator to crack and explode

Engine light came on flashing and vehicle losing power. Took to Kia Dealership and told there was a rod bearing malfunction.