Car Yearsto Avoid

2020 Kia Sorento Problems

What owners have reported about the 2020 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento a good year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

137 complaints 1 recall, 1 park outside 13th worst of 17 Sorento years

Top 2020 Kia Sorento problems

1

Engine problems

68 complaints (50%) name the engine, most often the pressure / temperature sensor.

Complaints 68 · Usually at 30,000–113,000 miles

2

Electrical problems

20 complaints (15%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and wiring.

Complaints 20 · Usually at 44,000–86,000 miles

3

Transmission problems

18 complaints (13%) name the transmission.

Complaints 18 · Usually at 2,000–8,000 miles

4

Fuel system problems

10 complaints (7%) name the fuel system.

Complaints 10 · Usually at 18,000–18,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 50%
Unknown or Other 18%
Electrical 15%
Transmission 13%
Fuel System 7%
Towing 7%
Brakes 4%
Wipers and Visibility 4%
Lights 4%
Steering 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (28 of 137). The amber line is the middle value, about 20,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2020 Kia Sorento recalls

Towing

Park outside

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. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V703000 · Sep 2022
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Sorento years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2011 Sorento 1,519
2016 Sorento 1,254
2014 Sorento 988
2013 Sorento 981
2012 Sorento 880
2017 Sorento 806
2015 Sorento 753
2019 Sorento 431
2018 Sorento 255
2021 Sorento 253
2008 Sorento 217
2022 Sorento 193
2020 Sorento 137
2023 Sorento 123
2025 Sorento 76
2009 Sorento 55
2024 Sorento 42

Common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento a reliable year?

It's one of the better years for the Sorento. Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA, the 13th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

What are the most common 2020 Kia Sorento problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and fuel system. 68 complaints (50%) name the engine, most often the pressure / temperature sensor.

At what mileage do 2020 Kia Sorento engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 30,000–113,000 miles, with a middle value near 74,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sorento have?

1. Towing (22V703000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2020 Kia Sorento?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.