VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Sorento problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2020 Kia Sorento is among the quieter years of the Sorento on NHTSA's books: 183 complaints (46% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 28 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 66 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

183

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

28

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Sorento years?

Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted2,073 complaints2003: 421 complaints2004: 341 complaints2005: 457 complaints2006: 382 complaints2007: 224 complaints2008: 317 complaints2009: 79 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 2,073 complaints2012: 1,205 complaints2013: 1,293 complaints2014: 1,364 complaints2015: 955 complaints2016: 1,610 complaints2017: 1,021 complaints2018: 332 complaints2019: 616 complaints2020: 183 complaints2021: 335 complaints2022: 278 complaints2023: 179 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kia Sorento problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6636%
Other2514%
Electrical System1810%
Transmission179%
Driver Assistance95%
Trailer Hitch95%
Fuel System95%
Visibility & Wipers63%
Lighting53%
Brakes53%
Speed Control32%
Steering32%
Seat Belts21%
Airbags21%
Suspension21%
Tires & Wheels21%

Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 14, 2024 · crash

“The forward collision warning system went off and instantly brought my vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate and traffic, causing me to be rear-ended. I was at least one car length if not more behind the person ahead of me.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 15, 2023 · crash

“There already is a recall for my problem, NHTSA Recall #22V703, but Kia has refused to honor the recall after my vehicle electrical wires started burning, exactly as warned in the Recall. Kia asserts that the trailer hitch and wiring was not installed by Kia, but in fact it was installed by a Kia…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 17, 2022 · fire

“THE DAY AFTER I PURCHASE MY NEW KIA I HAD STARTED TO WORK THE MOTOR WAS COLD AND WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT GEARS IT SLIPPING WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT UNTIL MOTOR HAS WARMED UP I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STAYED TO JUST DRIVE IT UNTIL THE FIRST OIL CHANGE AND THEY WOULD CHECK ON IT THEN I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 11, 2020

“The forward collision warning system went off and instantly brought my vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate and traffic, causing me to be rear-ended. I was at least one car length if not more behind the person ahead of me.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · February 15, 2023 · crash

2020 Kia Sorento — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 183 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sorento year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Sorento problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (66 complaints), other (25 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints).

Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2020 Kia Sorento?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Kia Sorento earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.