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

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 ODI 11741669

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 ODI 11720156

To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 22V703000 (Kia Recall SC249) involving my 2020 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). This recall identifies a fire risk due to a potential electrical short in the tow hitch harness module. The recall notice specifically warns that a vehicle fire may occur while parked or driving. After receiving the recall notification, we made multiple attempts to schedule the required repair with Pompano Kia, the authorized dealership in our area. Despite repeated efforts, we were not provided with a confirmed repair appointment, and the recall remained incomplete. On [1-19-2026], before the recall remedy was performed, the vehicle caught fire while being driven on a highway in Florida. The vehicle became fully engulfed and was declared a total loss. Law enforcement and/or fire services responded. The incident appears consistent with the fire risk described in the recall. Following the incident, we visited the dealership to report the fire and the unresolved recall. We were told the matter would be reviewed and that we would receive a follow-up call. No follow-up was received. Attempts to contact the dealership through publicly listed email addresses resulted in delivery failure notices. According to NHTSA records, this recall affects tens of thousands of vehicles nationwide. We are concerned about: • Timeliness and availability of recall repairs • Dealership accessibility and communication • Risk to consumers when recall remedies are not completed before failure occurs We also attempted to consult several attorneys regarding this incident. We were advised that due to the volume of recall-related fire cases involving this manufacturer, representation may not be feasible unless severe bodily injury is involved. This further raises concern about the scale and seriousness of the issue. We respectfully request that NHTSA review: • Whether recall 22V703000 is being remedied INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11718700

Check engine light came on indicating a problem with cylinder 4(P0304). Replaced all spark plugs and coil pack to no avail. Car still struggles to accelerate even though light has went out. Especially noticeable at higher speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11717128

Oil consumption, causing 8 spark plugs and dangerous driving. Refusing to cover under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11714861

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.

NHTSA ODI 11600830

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.

NHTSA ODI 11585959

While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of incident. I was unable to drive it afterwards as the entire back left wheel was completely detached. I had to get the vehicle towed back to my house then eventually to Kia. Kia will not admit faulty equipment although that is the only explanation of the incident that happened on the freeway. The entire left rear suspension system has to be repaired. ALthought there are no signs of a collision with the vehicle, Kia and the extended warranty company is attempting to place blame on me being in a collision, which is 100% inaccurate.

NHTSA ODI 11535395

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 ODI 11414892