What 130 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

Car is in shop 3rd time 2020 sorento with 2.4l thete ii gdi engine. In May e went in p1326 code of death, knocking and blinking light. They put a band aid on. Back in September more issues, oil gasket valve cover and 4 spark plugs. Another bandaid, westarted seeing oil, I thought we were nuts because it was just fixed. Check engine light cane on, read 4th spark plug shot that they put in on 9/25. Tatvfirst rried sating 300 for plug and done. Then day after head mechanic says we need a new engine but all receipts not available. They're not filing a claim for an engine, these engine are blowing up and failing everywhere they just haven't gotten to year 2020 yet in law suits or settlements. When p1326 originally happened we were on the highway and it just decellateared and loud knock! Luckily we were okay and got over fast. With each issue car was immediately brought back to the Kia dealer, the sane dealer I bought the car new off lot in 2020.

NHTSA ODI 11710056

I wanted to add to a previous claim I had already submitted, I found an item that had fallen out of my engine, I don't know if I can submit a picture on here but I will try.

NHTSA ODI 11707314

I have placed below what I have sent to Kia company.

NHTSA ODI 11707320

I was driving my vehicle and all the sudden all the lights on my dashboard came on, I am going to try and remember exactly which ones came on. The engine malfunction light, the ABS light, the battery light, the EPS light, the oil light, there were more lights that came on but I don't know the exact name of it. Then I heard a pop, smoke pouring through the vents, this all happened within 30 seconds. I quickly pulled into a driveway, there was a flame coming from beneath the hood. I ran up to the person's house. I was ringing the doorbell, they instantly seen what was happening. The male owner of the home came running out with a fire extinguisher and put out the flame. I kept up with all the maintenance of my vehicle, oil changes, making sure everything was up to date. All the oil had poured out of the vehicle some a little on the road around the same time the lights came on and I heard the pop and in the rest in the driveway. I didn't know what to do so I called Kia to report it, then I called triple A and they refused to tow it. I called a random tow truck driver who was kind enough to tow it back to my house. The person at Kia told me to tow it home and they would send out an inspector, I'm still waiting for a response. My vehicle only has 75,000 miles on it and nothing was wrong with it. I've never had a car just start on fire before. This is so upsetting because I am a single mother of 3 children, with a single income. I am an RN and it is my only transportation to and from work. I truly hope someone rectified this situation.

NHTSA ODI 11707188

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.

NHTSA ODI 11705844

the car the engine wast the oil in 1 week that every weeks it has problem in the ring of the engine , we just buy the car they tell us it has it had guarantee talking to the bank and the where I buy the car it don't show . it has a bad smell of wet and burnt oil ..

NHTSA ODI 11696904

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that for approximately a month, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the jerking stopped while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the mechanic test-drove the vehicle and stated that the failure might be associated with the transmission. The contact stated that after visiting the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,085.

NHTSA ODI 11695745

My car is burning excessive amounts of oil with no leak

NHTSA ODI 11695829

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The blinkers and the radio were inoperable for several seconds before returning to normal function. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while the contact and the contact's wife were driving the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was a major safety hazard, especially while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was required to pay a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11695305

My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I stayed in my car and turned the interior lights on until after highway patrol officer escorted me to a safe turn off. Thankfully my rear hazard lights were working. My husband had to drive a hour to come pick me up. I got home 3 hours later than originally planned. I talked to a mechanic who said it was likely a fuse that went out. I asked him why there was no warning and he said the warning for the lights is likely on the same fuse as the lights! How is that helpful?! We weren’t able to find the right fuse late at night in the dark, so we had to leave it on the side of the road about 60 miles from home until we could go to an auto parts store and drive it home in the daylight. It was a very dangerous situation. I could have been killed.

NHTSA ODI 11694133

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.

NHTSA ODI 11693207

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.

NHTSA ODI 11691612

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.

NHTSA ODI 11691653

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)

NHTSA ODI 11691282

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.

NHTSA ODI 11689110

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.

NHTSA ODI 11688650

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact attempted to use the horn, but the horn failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the horn. Approximately a week later, while attempting to use the horn, the failure recurred. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,188.

NHTSA ODI 11684988

Kia Sorento has a well documented engine failure. The issue starts with the vehicle consuming engine oil. Subsequently the connecting rod bearings fail resulting in severe engine failure. This happens even with regular oil change maintenance. I experienced that with this vehicle. Kia was contacted but said this vehicle's vin did not fall under the list of affected vehicles in their class action lawsuit

NHTSA ODI 11683814

I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11675968

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.

NHTSA ODI 11674149

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.

NHTSA ODI 11673552

My 2020 Kia Sorento engine light came on and not able to accelerate more than 40 mph. The code when I went to an auto repair shop says knock signal range/ performance. I had it reset by the mechanic and the engine light still on. The engine is also eating through oil very fast. We have to fill the car with oil frequently in between oil changes.

NHTSA ODI 11673429

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.

NHTSA ODI 11671915

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.

NHTSA ODI 11671589

The Kia was using to much oil, the engine light came on and it’s the cam shaft sensor…just got it replace but still doing the same thing as the RPM’s is fluctuating …

NHTSA ODI 11666174