How common are engine problems in the 2020 Kia Sorento?

NHTSA lists 69 engine complaints for the 2020 Sorento, which is 51% of all 135 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Kia Sorento engine?

No. NHTSA's data set for this page shows no related recall tied to the engine complaints.

At what mileage do 2020 Sorento engine problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 73,663 miles.

Have there been fires linked to the 2020 Sorento engine?

Yes. NHTSA complaints for this problem area include 5 fires, along with 2 crashes and 2 injuries.

How does the 2020 Sorento compare to other Sorento years for engine complaints?

At 51% of complaints, 2020 is close to years like 2013 (53%) and 2017 (51%), and well below the 2016 Sorento's 60% share.

2020 Kia Sorento Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 69 of 135 total complaints (51%) filed on the 2020 Kia Sorento, making it the single most-reported problem area for this year. NHTSA lists no related recall for this engine issue, and the median mileage at failure was 73,663 miles.

Engine complaints: 69; 51% of 135
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 5
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 73,663 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls or shuts off suddenly while driving, including while exiting a freeway or accelerating from a stop.
Multiple owners report engine fires, in some cases starting after the vehicle stalled or lost power, with flames spreading quickly.
Engine overheating events where the temperature gauge spikes and, in one case, the radiator cracked from excess heat.
Reports of catastrophic engine failure tied to oil loss, including one case where an oil plug worked loose and fell out.
Owners describe unintended acceleration or jerking when shifting into gear, leading to a low-speed crash in one report.
Check engine light flashes on and off along with loss of power, in one case traced to a rod bearing malfunction.

When 2020 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 21, 2021, latest Sep 18, 2026.

69 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2026 (8).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Kia Sorento

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20101 (33%)
2011359 (24%)
2012490 (56%)
2013521 (53%)
2014422 (43%)
2015377 (50%)
2016748 (60%)
2017414 (51%)
2018115 (45%)
2019176 (41%)
202069 (51%)
202174 (30%)
202263 (33%)
202341 (34%)
20246 (15%)
202524 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2020 Kia Sorento?: NHTSA lists 69 engine complaints for the 2020 Sorento, which is 51% of all 135 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Kia Sorento engine?: No. NHTSA's data set for this page shows no related recall tied to the engine complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Sorento engine problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure among reported engine complaints is 73,663 miles.
Have there been fires linked to the 2020 Sorento engine?: Yes. NHTSA complaints for this problem area include 5 fires, along with 2 crashes and 2 injuries.
How does the 2020 Sorento compare to other Sorento years for engine complaints?: At 51% of complaints, 2020 is close to years like 2013 (53%) and 2017 (51%), and well below the 2016 Sorento's 60% share.