2020 Kia Sorento: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Sorento that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11773067 (filed 10/22/2026): “I bought a used 2020 kia sorento lx 2.4l in 2022. it had 15,000 miles on it. at 50,000 miles i noticed it was consuming oil. i have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. i have records of the maintenance for every oil change done o…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769662 (filed 10/07/2026): “The contact owns a 2020 kia sorento. the contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. the contact stated that the forward collision avoidance warning light was temporarily illuminated. the vehic…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11767149 (filed 09/26/2026): “Driving at highway speed, the vehicle began to make a loud rattling noise that came from under the vehicle. a passerby pulled even with my car and began frantically gesturing. after a few seconds of confusion, me daughter said the she thought the man was saying "it's on fire." we pulled over to the …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .