TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relat
View on NHTSA →2020 Kia Sorento powertrain problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
View on NHTSA →TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE INSPECTION AND SNAP RING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provide
View on NHTSA →TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 4WD COUPLING NOISE INSPECTION AND SNAP RING REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information to inspect for a knocking/clicking noise present in the rear of the vehicle during low-speed driving (25MPH or less) on some 2020-2022MY Ki
View on NHTSA →PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt i
View on NHTSA →Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Cold-start transmission problems dominate these complaints. Nearly half of owners describe erratic shifting, stuttering, or hesitation when the engine is cold or after the vehicle sits for hours—symptoms that resolve once it warms up. Dealers have reprogrammed transmission modules multiple times without fixing it, and in one case a rebuilt transmission was installed and failed to correct the issue. When Kia sent a rep to investigate, they declared the behavior "operating as designed," even though the owner observed the same problem in multiple other 2020 V6 Sorento models on the lot.
Beyond transmission issues, owners report sudden loss of power on highways (one incident dropped the car from 70 to 30 mph with loud clunking), engine knock with P1326 misfires that dealers patch rather than diagnose, and oil consumption without visible leaks. Several owners believe piston ring or bearing failure is occurring, with one describing Kia's refusal to honor a warranty claim while allegedly covering the same defect for other owners.
Cooling system leaks, sooty emissions, and oil pressure sensor faults round out the complaints. Dealers consistently either cannot diagnose the issues, claim they're normal, or decline to file warranty claims. Kia corporate has largely avoided recall or service bulletins, leaving owners frustrated and questioning vehicle safety.
Same Kia Sorento powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2019 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Cold-start transmission shift erraticism
Transmission shifts erratically, stutters, or hesitates when the engine is cold or vehicle sits for extended periods. Symptoms typically resolve after 10 minutes of driving or once engine warms up.
When: Occurs within first month of ownership, continues from day one of purchase; problem triggered by cold starts or after vehicle sits 1+ hour
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic shifting between 20–40 mph; Transmission stuttering or hesitation during 1st-to-2nd and 2nd-to-3rd shifts; Vehicle surge forward when coming to a stop; Skipping/hesitation on hills when taking off; Problem present in all drive modes
Codes mentioned: P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have attempted transmission module reprogramming (twice in one case) without success; one dealer installed rebuilt transmission with no improvement; one dealership claimed issue is 'operating as designed' after test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Customer Care Center advised that if a service bulletin or recall is issued, owner could seek reimbursement for self-repairs; no recall or TSB mentioned in complaints
Transmission loss of power/sudden deceleration
Transmission loss of power or severe clunking with sudden deceleration while driving at highway speeds. One owner reported shift from 70 mph to 30 mph with loud clunking noise from transmission.
When: Occurs early in ownership; one instance at ~97,085 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise from transmission; Engine loud and car slow, unable to exceed 60 mph; Sudden deceleration from 70 mph to 30 mph; Jerking abnormally at various speeds
Codes mentioned: P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection found nothing wrong; jerking issue suspected to be transmission-related but not diagnosed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia corporate contacted in one case; vehicle offered trade-in (with more negative equity) instead of warranty repair
Engine knocking and P1326 code
Engine knocking with illuminated check engine light and P1326 code (cylinder misfire). Typically occurs early in vehicle ownership and can escalate to engine failure.
When: P1326 code occurred in May after purchase; subsequent visits in September; one owner reported P1326 event on highway causing sudden deceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock from engine; Check engine light blinking; Sudden deceleration on highway with loud knock; Engine behaving abnormally
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected)
Repairs/costs cited: Described as 'band-aid' repairs by owner; one dealer replaced spark plugs; another dealer recommended new engine after oil gasket and valve cover repair did not resolve issue; owner reports lack of available receipts and no formal engine claim filed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response noted in narratives
Oil consumption and engine bearing failure
Engine consumes oil at accelerated rates without visible leaks. In advanced cases, connecting rod bearings fail, resulting in severe engine knock and potential catastrophic engine failure. Owner reports piston ring wear as root cause.
When: Oil consumption noted early in ownership; bearing failure can occur even with regular oil changes; one owner experienced bearing failure despite maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption despite no visible leaks; No low-oil warning light activation; Loud engine knock preceding bearing failure; Severe engine knock and failure (reported by owner as imminent)
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic told owner piston rings are the cause; another mechanic reported seeing same issue in multiple customers; one owner states dealer will not honor engine warranty claim despite being told Kia honors warranty for affected vehicles; dealers claim no leaks visible
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Kia denied warranty coverage, stating vehicle VIN not on class action lawsuit affected-vehicles list; another owner states Kia is honoring engine warranty for some customers but not theirs
Engine overheat with coolant loss
Engine overheat warning with coolant loss occurring without visible damage to cooling system or underside of vehicle. Coolant observed pouring out behind vehicle during operation.
When: Occurred at approximately 9,000 miles while driving on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheat chime activation; Temperature gauge reading hot; Trail of coolant pouring out behind vehicle; No visible damage to underside or engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Full jug of coolant added; vehicle towed to dealership for repair; specific repair outcome not provided in narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia roadside assistance contacted but unable to provide tow truck due to weather conditions
Oil burning and emission system codes
Vehicle burns oil with black sooty residue on rear and burnt oil/antifreeze smell. Associated with emission system fault codes and potential catalytic converter issue.
When: Occurred within first week of ownership (5 days after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Black sooty residue covering back of vehicle; Burnt oil and antifreeze smell; Vehicle jerking; Occasional smell of burning (on fire)
Codes mentioned: P0456 (EVAP System Leak Detected–Small Leak), P0741 (O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted EVAP repair; black smut attributed to unknown cause per dealer; catalytic converter code dismissed as history by dealer despite being present
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted
Oil pressure sensor malfunction
Oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently. Dealer replaced sensor; warning light reappeared immediately after vehicle pickup.
When: Occurred early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light on and off
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure sensor replaced by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted
Engine stutter and lurching at low speeds
Engine stutters or hesitates while cruising at 30–40 mph; vehicle lurches when stopped. Drive mode resets at startup vary. Problem persists despite dealer attention.
When: Present from early ownership at 6,000 miles; continued through 7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stuttering while cruising at 30–40 mph; Vehicle lurching when stopped; Varying drive mode at each startup
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset drive modes at 6,000-mile service; issue recurred within one month; subsequent dealer visit found no issue and could not recreate problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted
Glow relay fault
Check engine light caused by glow relay malfunction. Owner requests recall of 2020 model year for this issue.
When: Occurred within 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: Glow relay fault (confirmed via OBD scan)
Repairs/costs cited: None provided; owner requesting recall remedy
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted
Transmission slipping on cold start
Transmission slips when shifting gears from cold start until motor warms up. Vehicle exhibits rolling backward or power loss on inclines when cold.
When: Day after purchase; continues from initial startup
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping when shifting gears after cold start; Car rolls backward when driving; Issue persists until motor warms up
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended waiting until first oil change to evaluate; owner concerned issue worsening
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I bought this can brand new 4/30/20. I noticed small erratic stuttering in the engine while cruising at 30-40 MPH. I wasn't sure what it was or that I did something to create it. A friend was riding with me and ssk what what causing the issues. I said you can feel that? I took the car in in oct @ the first oild change 6kmiles on the care at this point. The drive mode would be different each…
We purchased the 2020 sorrento v6 with the 8 speed automatic transmission. From the very beginning the transmission had an erratic shift when it was cold. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they said they were going to install a new transmission in it. Found out when I pick up the vehicle up that they in fact installed a rebuilt transmission, vehicle now has 1100 miles on it. Problem was not…
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2020 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 24,387 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.