2020 Kia Sorento: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 136 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (47% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 shoulder of the road, exited quickly and realized there was fire visible in the engine area, seen through the grill. A good samaritan attempted to suppress the fire with an exstinguisher but moments later, it was fully engulfed.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked back and forth, accelerated unintendedly, and crashed into the corner plaster wall of a friend's garage, causing plaster to fall onto the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision to be repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. Police officers responded to the scene, inspected the vehicle, and filed a report. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2026
“The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change when the contact was informed that there was an unknown issue with the vehicle however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid was leaking and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
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“Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flickered and dash dings. Two independent shops ran diagnostics and noted that only battery was dead. Replaced battery and the lights came back immediately.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with her daughter and parents in the vehicle, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard emanating from the steering wheel. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the repair was delayed because the manufacturer required information from the dealer, while the dealer claimed to be waiting for a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 19,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2026
“Engine is burning oil at a significant rate, when I get my oil changed at the dealers recommendation it is extremely low. I have to replace the oil regularly between oil changes, and there is an exhaust smell. Also lagging when I hit the gas.”Owner report · Engine · May 2026
“My Oil Pressure Switch is diagnosed as faulty by independent service center as well as Kia. Kia is denying coverage. I have found information that it should be covered. My check engine light shows an oil can light.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“Car is 6 years old less then 100k miles and losing oil and motor problems Went through entire oil change in 1 month Kia unable or willing to assist with any coats I was told by a private garage that the motor in my car should be part of a recall that was already listed for 2021 through 2026 but they're saying it's not covered”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the front passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated while an occupant was seated in the front passenger's seat. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls or warranty associated with the vehicle failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2026
“The engine check light is on and the car is using more oil than it should. I had the oil changed and had to add quarts before 2000 miles. I called Kia and was told my VIN is not part of the recall. I got an inspection and Cylinder 2 is misfiring and has low pressure so the entire engine needs a replacement.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 21 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Sorento years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Sorento by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?
NHTSA has 136 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2020 Kia Sorento. The most complained-about area is engine (47% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Kia Sorento problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 20,000 miles or less.
Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning trailer hitches. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.