2020 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 48%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Kia Sorento, 48% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11414892, filed 2021-05, 17,500 miles“I have a 2020 Sorento that has ~9,000 miles on it. I was driving on the highway when the engine overheat chime started going off and the temperature gauge went hot. I pulled over and called for help, then tried to go a smidge further up the road. Within 200 yards it chimed again and the temp went hot. Put an entire jug of coolant in and my rescue driver informed me that there was a trail of coolant pouring out behind me. There is no visible damage to the underside of the vehicle or from looking at the engine with the hood up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397159, filed 2021-02, 9,000 miles“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, filed 2026-05“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”
NHTSA complaint #11627137, filed 2024-11“The engine check light is on and the car is using more oil than it should. I had the oil changed and had to add quarts before 2000 miles. I called Kia and was told my VIN is not part of the recall. I got an inspection and Cylinder 2 is misfiring and has low pressure so the entire engine needs a replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11713698, filed 2026-01Related service bulletins
- 11037387Sep 10, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC365) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions…
- 11037384Sep 9, 2026Sc365_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11037383Sep 9, 2026Sc365_poc: proof of correction card
- 11037382Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC365) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding…
- 11037381Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is…
- 11037380Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting an important…
- 11037385Sep 8, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions‑related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU)…
- 11031854Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11029979Mar 6, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026900Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / UM) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 19 | 25% |
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 32 | 26% |
| 2022 | 52 | 27% |
| 2021 | 68 | 27% |
| 2020 | 67 | 48% |
| 2019 | 159 | 37% |
| 2018 | 107 | 42% |
| 2017 | 387 | 48% |
| 2016 | 696 | 55% |
| 2015 | 363 | 48% |
| 2014 | 388 | 39% |
| 2013 | 498 | 51% |
| 2012 | 461 | 52% |
| 2011 | 284 | 19% |
| 2009 | 4 | 7% |
| 2008 | 35 | 16% |
| 2007 | 7 | 5% |
| 2006 | 67 | 28% |
| 2005 | 63 | 21% |
| 2004 | 46 | 21% |
| 2003 | 43 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Sorento
37 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology