2020 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 27owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
67 of the 136 complaints on this car are about the engine. 27 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2020 Sorento.
Tick what matches of 27 reports
Engine failure on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (27 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 58,325 and 100,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Oil is leaking from my car. The dealership said I would need to replace the engine. The car is only 6 years old.”
Filed Mar 15, 2026
“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”
Filed Aug 29, 2025
“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.”
Filed Mar 12, 2025
“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.”
Filed Dec 20, 2024 · 16,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found