2020 Kia Sorento problems
The Kia Sorento (Korean: 기아 쏘렌토, romanized: Gia Sorento) is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 2002 through four generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sorento transitioned to a larger car-based platform which placed it into the mid-size crossover SUV class, and has been developed alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe.
First generation (BL; 2002)
2002–2006
Debuting in February 2002, the first generation Sorento was a traditional truck-based body-on-frame SUV. All American Sorentos also came with dual front airbags and dual side-curtain airbags in the front and rear. An optional four-wheel drive system with low range received praise for adding to the vehicle's off-road ability.
It had two transmission options, a 5-speed manual or 4- and 5-speed automatic (pre-2005 models have a 4-speed automatic, whilst 2005 Sorentos came with a 5-speed tip-tronic style automatic). First generation Sorentos are equipped with a Hyundai-manufactured 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine producing 192 hp (143 kW) at 5500 rpm, and 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Common features of the first generation Sorento were 4-wheel disc brakes (standard on all models), optional anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a 21.1-gallon (79.9 litres) fuel tank.
There were two trim levels available for the Sorento: either the base LX or the up-level EX. Both models included an AM/FM stereo with a single-disc CD player and an eight-speaker audio system, dual front airbags and front and rear side-impact SRS airbags (side-impact front and rear SRS airbags for North American-market models ONLY), cloth seating surfaces, a power-adjustable front driver's seat, air conditioning, power door locks and windows, tinted windows, aluminum-alloy wheels, keyless entry, wood interior trim accents, a split-folding second-row rear bench seat, and monotone exterior paint as standard equipment. Features such as satellite radio (on later models), leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, a ten-speaker premium audio system, cassette and CD players, an in-dash CD changer, power front bucket seats, seventeen-inch (17") aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, two-tone exterior paint, and a security system were available regardless of trim level choice.
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Common 2020 Kia Sorento problems
The Kia Sorento, a mid-size crossover SUV, has been a popular choice among car buyers since its debut in 2003. While Kia has made significant improvements in the Sorento's design and reliability, some model years have been plagued with common problems. This article focuses on the 2020 Kia Sorento and its most frequently reported issues, based on complaints from owners.
Engine Failure
Although the 2020 Kia Sorento has fewer complaints compared to earlier model years, engine failure is still a concern for some owners. Engine failure can occur due to various reasons, such as faulty components, manufacturing defects, or lack of proper maintenance. The average cost to fix engine failure in the 2020 Sorento is around $2,500, with the problem typically occurring at an average of 62,000 miles.
Check Engine Light
Check engine lights are a common problem in the 2020 Kia Sorento, with many owners reporting this issue within the first 15,000 miles. The source of the check engine light can vary, but a common cause is a failing knock sensor. Replacing the knock sensor costs approximately $250.
Frozen Stereo System
Some 2020 Kia Sorento owners have experienced a frozen stereo system within the first 1,000 miles. Software updates are available to improve the stereo system's reliability, and most dealerships will install these updates for free or a minimal labor charge.
Delayed Gear Changes
Delayed gear changes have been reported by some Kia Sorento owners, typically around 5,000 miles. Software updates for the transmission control module can improve the transmission's performance, and these updates are usually installed for free during regular servicing.
Recall
The 2020 Kia Sorento has one recall covering the towing hitch wiring harness, which can cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Kia will replace the harness assembly on affected models for free.
In conclusion, while the 2020 Kia Sorento has fewer complaints compared to earlier model years, engine failure, check engine lights, frozen stereo systems, delayed gear changes, and recalls are still issues that some owners have experienced. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help prevent or address these problems, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Are there any problems with a 2020 Kia Sorento?
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2020 Sorento. Models from 2011 through 2016 are known to have engine failures, but 2017–2022 are more reliable. Performance 7/10 – Performance is fine from all of the engine choices, but it's not very quick compared to some of the competition.
Are 2020 Kia Sorento good cars?
Highs Simple interior layout, agreeable driving experience, seating for seven in a mid-size body. Lows Difficult-to-access third row, numb steering, some safety features limited to upper trims. Verdict For three rows of seating in an un-huge SUV, the Sorento is tough to beat.
How many miles can a 2020 Kia Sorento last?
200,000 miles
According to CoPilotSearch.com, Kia vehicles are expected to last 200,000 miles.
Is the Kia Sorento a reliable car?
Quality and Reliability 81.0/100
The 2024 Kia Sorento has a predicted reliability score of 81 out of 100.
2020 Kia Sorento car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Sorento problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Trailer hitches problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Kia Sorento vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2020 Kia Sorento
The NHTSA has received 58 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Kia Sorento. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2020 Kia Sorento vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 5XYPGDA55LG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Two weeks ago the engine started to consume oil excessively. I had to add 1/2 quart of oil, just to have it above the low level. Last week I added 1/2 quart oil, after driving in the city a few hundred miles. There were no visible oil leaks noticed by the dealership's technician. The SUV has only 37,000 miles, and all the maintenance was done at the KIA dealership.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XYPH4A54LG
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-16
- VIN: 5XYPH4A52LG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I was on the freeway and I needed to accelerate to get over and I pushed on the gas and the car would not accelerate at all I could not get the vehicle to speed up it was stuck at 40 I had gotten the gas pedal to the ground and no acceleration the RPM were jumping up but the miles per hour were not so I I tried to let it drop down in speed and then tried to accelerate again and at that point I could not get the vehicle over 60 I pulled over turned off the vehicle waited and then restarted it and tried to continue on to the freeway and the car would not go over 60 miles per hour. I had my car towed to DCH Kia of Temecula where they had my vehicle over 2 weeks and proceeded to say they couldn’t find any errors or codes to see what was wrong with it and said it was intermittent and had me pick up my car I picked up my car and when I went to get on the freeway once again with my daughter in the car and vehicles behind me I went to accelerate to get on the freeway and the vehicle would not pick up I could not get my car to go over 40 miles per hour once again and I had a car behind me almost hit me and start honking at me with my kid in the car I had to pull off the freeway because I was causing traffic to back up my car wouldn’t accelerate and it had to be towed back that Monday to the dealership they continue to have the vehicle for another 2 weeks and said they hooked it up to a a flight recorder and drove it and no one could find and thing wrong with it so I picked it up after 2 trips to the dealership and 1 month with out my car and no one can I find anything wrong with it yet I google it and there are multiple recalls on other 2020 Kia sorentos that have acceleration problems but the Kia dealership told me they never heard of this. I once again had it happen at 80 miles per hour tonight and it got stuck this is very unsafe and can cause a catastrophic accident.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-25
- VIN: 5XYPGDA30LG
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-23
- VIN: 5XYPG4A57LG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: While driving down the road my 2020 Kia Sorento died in traffic leaving me sitting in a stalled vehicle while traffic resumed around me. I had my vehicle towed to our local Kia Dealership and they told me that the engine was seized
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-20
- VIN: 5XYPGDA3XLG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Hi, Please this Kia Sorento 2020 LX model of mine has a problem with glow relay. I just saw my check engine light on my dashboard when my mechanic checked for me it was confirmed with the OBD equipment to be a glow relay causing that. i have used my vehicle for only 2 years after purchase. Kindly recall this to be fixed for all users of this vehicle year model. Counting on your usual assistance and support. Thanks
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: 5XYPG4A54LG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING LOUD CLUNK NOISES AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THEN 20 MILES PER HOUR AND IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-27
- VIN: 5XYPGDA5XLG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My vehicle developed an unexpected oil leak, when the oil plug worked itself loose, and then fell out, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure (and subsequent $11,000 engine replacement). Upon taking it to a nearby mechanic, he discovered the plug sitting in the splash shield. The sudden loss of engine power, on the highway, created a traffic hazard for myself, and the other motorists around me; fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and move it to a safe location. The problem has been documented several times to the NHTSA, as well as several other organizations related to vehicle maintenance, specifically oil changes and services. There were no indications as to an oil leak, prior to the plug falling out entirely, and a cloud of black smoke billowing out from behind my vehicle.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-13
- VIN: 5XYPH4A51LG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: While driving my 2020 Kia Sorrento at low speeds, my brakes will lock up on me, and it sounds like metal to metal. Rubbing, I was almost rear, ended because of it. It feels like a very hard grab. This is happened quite a few times and I am a commuter so it’s very scary not knowing when this is going to happen.
ENGINE,FIRERELATED PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-23
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 5XYPGDA32LG
- Components: ENGINE,FIRERELATED
- Summary: The vehicle was not even 3.5 years old, it had been serviced in February 2023 and there was no warning before the fire began. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I immediately pulled over. The fire began as soon as I stopped the car and the vehicle was engulfed within minutes. My daughter and I were in the car. We barely escaped before the vehicle was on fire. I did not have a vehicle hitch on the vehicle and this was unrelated to the vehicle recall notice that I received several weeks after my incident.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 5XYPHDA59LG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: While driving on a paved highway, very light traffic in the early afternoon at approximately 65 miles per hour the sunroof on my vehicle suddenly and violently exploded spraying shards of glass everywhere. The "explosion" caused me to veer from the roadway and momentarily lose control of the vehicle. My safety as well as my 2 (two) passengers were placed at risk. Damage to my vehicle is substantial and both of my passengers complained of bits of glass in their eyes.
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-22
- VIN: 5XYPG4A59LG
- Components: ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The engine overheated passed the point that the radiator could keep it cool and cause the radiator to crack and explode
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-04
- VIN: 5XYPG4A39LG
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-25
- VIN: 5XYPG4A37LG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Burning oil and no warning lights come on for low oil, had the car looked at and was told that there are no leaks. Mechanic also told me that it is the piston rings and that he has had other customers with the same experience and was told that kia is honoring the engine warranty even though the car is out of warranty, but will not fix mine.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-02
- VIN: 5XYPGDA38LG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine light came on flashing and vehicle losing power. Took to Kia Dealership and told there was a rod bearing malfunction.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-05
- VIN: 5XYPGDA56LG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: While adding the anti theft software to our 2020 sorento they short circuited the BLM which is the brain box for the vehicle. They have had the car for 4 weeks now and they say the have the part on order but they do not know when the part will be sent. In the mean while they are making us pay for a rental car on our credit card until the part comes in and then will reimburse us.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-19
- VIN: 5XYPG4A38LG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I had my recalls on my vehicle completed by a kia dealership and need that to reflect in your system for my vin so I can ship my vehicle due to military permanent change of duty station orders. I will be shipping my vehicle on 31 May 2023 and need this resolved prior to doing so. Please assist ASAP. Thank you!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-06
- VIN: 5XYPG4A56LG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: This morning, I had the software upgrade patch applied to my 2020 Kia Sorento that was supposed to fix the potential theft issue. After that service appointment, I started a 2 hour road trip. We stopped for gas and when we went into the store, I noticed that my car was not sounding the horn when I hit the key FOB twice like normal. I went back to the car and saw that the car was in fact not locked. I was able to lock the car manually, but had I not paid attention, someone could have snuck into my unlocked car. Later in the roadtrip, I needed to clean my windshield using wiperfluid and wipers. I sprayed the wiper fluid, but to my surprise the windshield wipers did not activate. I tried all the settings on the stick to activate the wipers, but they did not activate. I was driving 70mph on a highway and could not see. This was a huge safety problem. Luckily this was momentary as the speed cleared the wiper fluid. But had it been raining, I would not have been able to see which is unsafe for me, my passengers and those around me. Third, I noticed that my headlights were not working as expected. The Auto setting did not seem to be activating as normal. After playing with it, it appears that the Auto and Off settings on the lights seem to be switched. This is unsafe because drivers rely on that Auto setting to turn the lights on when it is necessary. They may think the lights are on when they are not and are not able to be seen by other drivers. By the time I realized these things, the service department at the dealership was already closed. I have tried to leave them a voicemail, but their phone is not set up to accept that. I have sent an email and will be calling them as soon as they reopen on Monday. There are no warning messages to tell the drive about these issues.
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-02
- VIN: 5XYPG4A50LG
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-19
- VIN: 5XYPGDA51LG
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-02
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact had rented a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, both the front passenger and rear passenger's side windows exploded. The contact stated that there was no external cause to the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired, and was returned to the vehicle rental company. The failure mileage was 4,537. The VIN was unavailable.
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-23
- VIN: 5XYPG4A53LG
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he recently purchased the vehicle and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) upon purchase. The contact stated that the dealer provided the recall information however, the dealer did not inform the owner of when the parts were to become available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-13
- VIN: 5XYPK4A57L
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
TRAILER HITCHES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-01
- VIN: 5XYPGDA57LG
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-11
- VIN: 5XYPGDA52LG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: No remedy to fix in over three months. Told not to drive car if installed
2020 Kia Sorento recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 Kia Sorento.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: TRAILER HITCHES
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
- Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Negative 2020 Kia Sorento car reviews
Positive 2020 Kia Sorento car reviews
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Awesome vehicle! It has all the bells and whistles you could want. I'm so glad I decided to do something for myself. Thank you, Mark!
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Hey there! I think you'll be happy to hear that this SUV is one of the best options out there for the price!
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Great car and great dealership!
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It sounds like you really enjoy your car! From your description, it seems like it's both powerful and easy to handle, which is a great combination. I love that you describe it as having character and personality - that's always a plus in a car!
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I appreciate your positive feedback on the features and power of the product. However, I understand your concern regarding the trim on the doors inside. Rest assured, I will investigate this issue and find a solution to ensure the highest quality of our product.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Kia Sorento problems:
2020 Kia Sorento Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Nov 21, 2023 ... Cheap, unreliable, light, low price. Car feels cheap and lightweight in comparison to other cars it drive good and effortlessly but feels very ...
Advice on 2020 Kia Sorento S before buying : r/KiaSorento
Sep 18, 2023 ... Consumer Reports from 2023 shows the most significant issues plaguing the Sorento until 2016 for the engines. 2017-2020 are OK, especially the ...
2020 Kia Sorento Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Kia Sorento? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Compiling common problems... | Kia Forum
Aug 8, 2022 ... That's all I can think of right now. -- 2020 Kia Sorento SX White, Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II -- 2023 Hyundai Kona Preferred ...
Here Are The Kia Sorento Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Mar 27, 2024 ... Common Kia Sorento Problems · Engine problems - One prevalent reliability issue with the Sorento is that its engine tends to fail. · Faulty doors ...
Other years of Kia Sorento
Are you having problems with your 2020 Kia Sorento?
Jalen Reichel 2024-07-04
There seems to be a bit of hesitation when you hit the gas pedal, and the handling may not be the best on windy days. However, the EX model has a sporty look and the gas mileage is decent.
Lucius Dickens 2024-06-16
Our 2020 Sorento has been in the shop multiple times over the past couple of years due to an ongoing issue with the sunroof. Despite being informed that the repairs would take at least a month, we were not offered a loaner vehicle during that period. This lack of consideration for their customers is unacceptable and has led us to decide not to consider Kia in the future.