2020 Kia Sorento Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Kia Sorento has a complaint index of 60 and ranks 9th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,663, plus one recall tied to a tow hitch fire risk.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #9 of 21 Sorento years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 135
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 21
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22.5
- 20 city / 26 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 21 / 1
Top 2020 Kia Sorento problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine69 (51%)
- Other26 (19%)
- Electrical System22 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (13%)
- Fuel System9 (7%)
- Structure & Body9 (7%)
- Brakes5 (4%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (4%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engines stall or lose power suddenly while driving, sometimes followed by fire.
- Owners report engine compartment fires breaking out with little or no warning, occasionally requiring occupants to escape quickly.
- Some drivers describe the check engine light cycling on and off along with reports of a failing fuel pump.
- Electrical wiring near a trailer hitch has reportedly caught fire, which owners link to a related recall Kia allegedly declined to honor in one case.
- Brake pedals reportedly fail to stop the vehicle normally, with some drivers describing a skipping or pulsating sensation and reduced stopping power.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a rear-end collision at highway speed.
2020 Kia Sorento recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022Structure & Body70,887 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
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.
Risk: 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.
2020 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 Sorento a complaint index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 9th worst among 21 model years. Engine problems make up 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,663.
- What is the main problem with the 2020 Kia Sorento?
- Engine issues account for 51% of complaints, including stalling and fires. Electrical system complaints, including fires, make up another 16%.
- Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 22V703000, covering a tow hitch wiring harness that can pose a fire risk; owners are told to park outside away from structures.
- How does the 2020 Sorento compare to other years?
- The 2020 model's complaint index of 60 is worse than the 2018 (40) and 2023 (30) but better than the 2011 through 2017 model years, which carry Avoid verdicts with indexes from 70 to 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Sorento?
- EPA rates it at 22.5 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,875.