P0520 on Kia
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction
P0520 on Kia vehicles indicates engine oil pressure sensor/switch circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Kia model — most commonly on Cadenza. This code indicates a general electrical fault in the circuit for the engine oil pressure sensor or switch. The computer monitors this circuit to know your oil pressure, and it has detected a signal that is missing, shorted, or otherwise out of the expected electrical range. This is typically a wiring or sensor problem rather than an actual loss of oil pressure, but because oil pressure is critical to engine life, it should never be ignored until confirmed. If oil pressure truly is low, serious engine damage can result.
Common Causes of P0520
- •Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch
- •Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the sensor
- •Open or short in the sensor circuit wiring
- •Poor ground connection
- •Low engine oil level or genuinely low oil pressure
- •Failed PCM/ECM (less common)
P0520 on Kia by Model
Kia Cadenza(1 issue)
- 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Failure2014-2020
The Cadenza's 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 is covered under the Hyundai/Kia engine settlement for connecting rod bearing failure. Manufacturing debris in the crankshaft oil passages can restrict oil flow to the connecting rod bearings, causing premature wear and eventual engine seizure. Kia extended the engine warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles. The issue typically manifests as a knocking noise from the bottom end of the engine, often preceded by an illuminated oil pressure warning light.
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View P0520 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0520 mean on Kia?▼
P0520 stands for "Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit Malfunction." This code indicates a general electrical fault in the circuit for the engine oil pressure sensor or switch. The computer monitors this circuit to know your oil pressure, and it has detected a signal that is missing, shorted, or otherwise out of the expected electrical range. This is typically a wiring or sensor problem rather than an actual loss of oil pressure, but because oil pressure is critical to engine life, it should never be ignored until confirmed. If oil pressure truly is low, serious engine damage can result. On Kia specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0520 on Kia vehicles?▼
Common causes on Kia: Faulty oil pressure sensor or switch, Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the sensor, Open or short in the sensor circuit wiring, Poor ground connection, Low engine oil level or genuinely low oil pressure. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0520 on a Kia?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Kia model.
Which Kia models have P0520 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0520 on 1 Kia model: Cadenza.