repaired · 2026 Q1
Trailer hitches
Park outsideRisk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2020 Kia SorentoProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 140 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia Sorento, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 22V-703 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Kia Sorento has problems
140 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
67Engine6 crash/fire/injury
20Electrical system7 crash/fire/injury
18Power train
10Fuel/propulsion system
9Trailer hitches
5Exterior lighting
5Vehicle speed control
5Service brakes
4Air bags
2911 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 67 | 6 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 7 |
| Power train | 18 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 3 |
| Trailer hitches | 9 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 3 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 |
| 11 other systems | 29 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2020 Kia Sorento recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Sorento year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sorento median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Kia Sorento safety ratings
2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Kia Sorento, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
In owners' words
What Sorento owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I bought a used 2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4L in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. AT 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was temporarily illuminated. The…
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…
Own a 2020 Sorento?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.