2020 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 125 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2020 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2020 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2020 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Kia Sorento has 125 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 125
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Kia Sorento?
The 2020 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like engine and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like engine and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2020 Kia Sorento shows a concentration of issues in the engine, with 63 complaints, followed by uncategorized issues and electrical faults. There is one recall and nine crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 63.
- Uncategorized Issues and Electrical Faults are the next most reported components.
- There is one recall associated with this model year.
- Engine Problems
- Uncategorized Issues
- Electrical Faults
All 2020 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 63 | 1 | 5 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | 6 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
2020 Kia Sorento consuming 1.5 or more quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. Completing oil consumption testing with Kia dealer, which requires I take the car back to the dealer every 1k miles, times, so they can verify the oil levels. Last check, when issue was discovered, vehicle w…
Driver seatbelts randomly unlatches itself while operating vehicle.
Oil pressure light would come on and off, dealer said was probably the sensor got it replaced. Came back on the night I picked it back up.
I own a 2020 Kia Sorento. There is currently a class action lawsuit settlement ongoing. I have been informed that my 2020 Kia Sorento is not eligible while the settlement clearly states the 2020 Kia Sorento is included as part of the settlement. My Kia’s engine did not fail un…
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.
Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint – Premature Engine Failure Risk Due to Excessive Oil Consumption and Confirmed Cylinder Scoring – 2020 Kia Sorento Dea…
Oil is leaking from my car. The dealership said I would need to replace the engine. The car is only 6 years old.
Component/System Affected: UNKNOWN – suspected fuel system or related component due to strong gasoline odor. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. What Happened: There is a strong gasoline odor specifically at the front driver’s side wheel well/tire area. The odor is…
The engine is burning oil despite all maintenance being up to date and having fewer than 80k miles. Kia of Duluth Service Center checked the oil and said levels were good on 12/31/25. Fewer than 30 miles were driven and it was brought back to the dealership service center on 1/2/…
To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 22V703000 (Kia Recall SC249) involving my 2020 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). This recall identifies a fire risk due to a potential electrical short in the tow hitch harness module.…
I bought a Kia 2020 from Long Lewis 3 days after i got it the check engine light come on, I called and told them, then around the 5th day black smut started covering the back of the suv, and i was smelling a burnt oi; and antifreeze smell, took it to a shop and they pulled the co…
Check engine light came on indicating a problem with cylinder 4(P0304). Replaced all spark plugs and coil pack to no avail. Car still struggles to accelerate even though light has went out. Especially noticeable at higher speeds.
Oil consumption, causing 8 spark plugs and dangerous driving. Refusing to cover under warranty.
My engine light is on. Codes show cylinder 4 misfire. Code P0304. My vehicle slows down while driving. It takes time to excelerate to a reasonable speed. My vehicle is becoming harder to start each time. I purchased a new battery and replaced spark plugs to no avail. I’ve be…
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…
The engine began leaking and burning oil, and general engine issues.
I was driving 2 minutes away from my house and all of the sudden every warning light on the dashboard came on, billowing smoke started coming through the vents. I immediately pulled in a random driveway, as I was turning I. I heard a loud pop. I shut the car off immediately, jump…
Around 100,000 miles I noticed that my engine was going through a lot of oil. Every time I would get an oil change, I would ask why and they stated that these Kia engines after hitting 100,000 start to burn oil fast and about every 1,000 miles you have to add a quart of oil and …
The oil pan got a large crack in it right by the plug
To Whom It May Concern, I had a horrible experience with my 2020 Kia Sorento and I can't seem to get anyone to respond to me. This very upsetting. My VIN number is [XXX] , my vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. I kept up with all maintenance, oil changes, checking oil on a regul…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Kia Sorento.
2020 Kia Sorento Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Sorento. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 125 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2020 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (63 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (23 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 11 fire reports out of 125 total complaints. 20 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2020 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is TRAILER HITCHES. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2020 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.