2020 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 136 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 17th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 10 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 19, 2022
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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
136 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 24, 2024
On 11/19/2024 I was driving when my Kia begin to sputter and lose power, and the check engine light came on. I was on an interstate so I exited and pulled over, after paying 400.00 in tow fees it was determined my engine had failed with only 126,291 miles. I never had any indication of problems with my engine it happened in the blink of an eye
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
I have noticed at around 36,000 miles excessive oil consumption and knocking sound in the engine.I know the have this problem with older models, but you get the push around from dealership and Kia corporate. Thanks
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 53- 55 MPH, the contact suddenly noticed that their surrounding drivers were honking for her attention. Eventually, another nearby driver notified the contact by pointing down and yelling out "fire". The vehicle then stalled and the contact was able to use its momentum to coast to the side of the road where the vehicle then completely came to a stop. The contact exited the vehicle safely. The police and fire department had arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent a certified mechanic and an inspector from the manufacturer had been sent to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed the origin of the fire was caused by an engine failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,325.
Engine, Aug 15, 2024
Two weeks ago the engine started to consume oil excessively. I had to add 1/2 quart of oil, just to have it above the low level. Last week I added 1/2 quart oil, after driving in the city a few hundred miles. There were no visible oil leaks noticed by the dealership's technician. The SUV has only 37,000 miles, and all the maintenance was done at the KIA dealership.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2024, crash
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 busy freeway. Just cut off in the middle of the exit/road.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 22, 2024
I was on the freeway and I needed to accelerate to get over and I pushed on the gas and the car would not accelerate at all I could not get the vehicle to speed up it was stuck at 40 I had gotten the gas pedal to the ground and no acceleration the RPM were jumping up but the miles per hour were not so I I tried to let it drop down in speed and then tried to accelerate again and at that point I could not get the vehicle over 60 I pulled over turned off the vehicle waited and then restarted it and tried to continue on to the freeway and the car would not go over 60 miles per hour. I had my car towed to DCH Kia of Temecula where they had my vehicle over 2 weeks and proceeded to say they couldn’t find any errors or codes to see what was wrong with it and said it was intermittent and had me pick up my car I picked up my car and when I went to get on the freeway once again with my daughter in the car and vehicles behind me I went to accelerate to get on the freeway and the vehicle would not pick up I could not get my car to go over 40 miles per hour once again and I had a car behind me almost hit me and start honking at me with my kid in the car I had to pull off the freeway because I was causing traffic to back up my car wouldn’t accelerate and it had to be towed back that Monday to the dealership they continue to have the vehicle for another 2 weeks and said they hooked it up to a a flight recorder and drove it and no one could find and thing wrong with it so I picked it up after 2 trips to the dealership and 1 month with out my car and no one can I find anything wrong with it yet I google it and there are multiple recalls on other 2020 Kia sorentos that have acceleration problems but the Kia dealership told me they never heard of this. I once again had it happen at 80 miles per hour tonight and it got stuck this is very unsafe and can cause a catastrophic accident.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 29, 2024
Brought the car in April 1st for oil consumption, was told to bring it back at 1000miles for oil consumption test. Drive the car for 700 miles and it started to sputter while driving on expressway. Car died and was smoking. Checked oil level and it was at L on dipstick. Kia is saying it is the fuel injectors and are still not taking care of the oil consumption. Was told fuel injectors are not covered under warranty and that I have to do another oil consumption test after injectors are fixed. I am terrified to drive this car knowing the engine could seize and I nearly got into an accident going 60mph on 4/25 when fuel injectors went.
Engine, Apr 23, 2024
While driving down the road my 2020 Kia Sorento died in traffic leaving me sitting in a stalled vehicle while traffic resumed around me. I had my vehicle towed to our local Kia Dealership and they told me that the engine was seized
Power train, Mar 21, 2024
Hi, Please this Kia Sorento 2020 LX model of mine has a problem with glow relay. I just saw my check engine light on my dashboard when my mechanic checked for me it was confirmed with the OBD equipment to be a glow relay causing that. i have used my vehicle for only 2 years after purchase. Kindly recall this to be fixed for all users of this vehicle year model. Counting on your usual assistance and support. Thanks
Steering, Jan 31, 2024
MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING LOUD CLUNK NOISES AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THEN 20 MILES PER HOUR AND IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
My vehicle developed an unexpected oil leak, when the oil plug worked itself loose, and then fell out, resulting in a catastrophic engine failure (and subsequent $11,000 engine replacement). Upon taking it to a nearby mechanic, he discovered the plug sitting in the splash shield. The sudden loss of engine power, on the highway, created a traffic hazard for myself, and the other motorists around me; fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and move it to a safe location. The problem has been documented several times to the NHTSA, as well as several other organizations related to vehicle maintenance, specifically oil changes and services. There were no indications as to an oil leak, prior to the plug falling out entirely, and a cloud of black smoke billowing out from behind my vehicle.
Service brakes, Sep 27, 2023
While driving my 2020 Kia Sorrento at low speeds, my brakes will lock up on me, and it sounds like metal to metal. Rubbing, I was almost rear, ended because of it. It feels like a very hard grab. This is happened quite a few times and I am a commuter so it’s very scary not knowing when this is going to happen.
Engine, Firerelated, Sep 6, 2023, fire
The vehicle was not even 3.5 years old, it had been serviced in February 2023 and there was no warning before the fire began. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I immediately pulled over. The fire began as soon as I stopped the car and the vehicle was engulfed within minutes. My daughter and I were in the car. We barely escaped before the vehicle was on fire. I did not have a vehicle hitch on the vehicle and this was unrelated to the vehicle recall notice that I received several weeks after my incident.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2023
While driving on a paved highway, very light traffic in the early afternoon at approximately 65 miles per hour the sunroof on my vehicle suddenly and violently exploded spraying shards of glass everywhere. The "explosion" caused me to veer from the roadway and momentarily lose control of the vehicle. My safety as well as my 2 (two) passengers were placed at risk. Damage to my vehicle is substantial and both of my passengers complained of bits of glass in their eyes.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2023
The engine overheated passed the point that the radiator could keep it cool and cause the radiator to crack and explode
Suspension, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023
While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of incident. I was unable to drive it afterwards as the entire back left wheel was completely detached. I had to get the vehicle towed back to my house then eventually to Kia. Kia will not admit faulty equipment although that is the only explanation of the incident that happened on the freeway. The entire left rear suspension system has to be repaired. ALthought there are no signs of a collision with the vehicle, Kia and the extended warranty company is attempting to place blame on me being in a collision, which is 100% inaccurate.
Power train, Jul 18, 2023
Burning oil and no warning lights come on for low oil, had the car looked at and was told that there are no leaks. Mechanic also told me that it is the piston rings and that he has had other customers with the same experience and was told that kia is honoring the engine warranty even though the car is out of warranty, but will not fix mine.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
Engine light came on flashing and vehicle losing power. Took to Kia Dealership and told there was a rod bearing malfunction.
Electrical system, Engine, May 31, 2023
While adding the anti theft software to our 2020 sorento they short circuited the BLM which is the brain box for the vehicle. They have had the car for 4 weeks now and they say the have the part on order but they do not know when the part will be sent. In the mean while they are making us pay for a rental car on our credit card until the part comes in and then will reimburse us.
Electrical system, May 19, 2023
I had my recalls on my vehicle completed by a kia dealership and need that to reflect in your system for my vin so I can ship my vehicle due to military permanent change of duty station orders. I will be shipping my vehicle on 31 May 2023 and need this resolved prior to doing so. Please assist ASAP. Thank you!
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 6, 2023
This morning, I had the software upgrade patch applied to my 2020 Kia Sorento that was supposed to fix the potential theft issue. After that service appointment, I started a 2 hour road trip. We stopped for gas and when we went into the store, I noticed that my car was not sounding the horn when I hit the key FOB twice like normal. I went back to the car and saw that the car was in fact not locked. I was able to lock the car manually, but had I not paid attention, someone could have snuck into my unlocked car. Later in the roadtrip, I needed to clean my windshield using wiperfluid and wipers. I sprayed the wiper fluid, but to my surprise the windshield wipers did not activate. I tried all the settings on the stick to activate the wipers, but they did not activate. I was driving 70mph on a highway and could not see. This was a huge safety problem. Luckily this was momentary as the speed cleared the wiper fluid. But had it been raining, I would not have been able to see which is unsafe for me, my passengers and those around me. Third, I noticed that my headlights were not working as expected. The Auto setting did not seem to be activating as normal. After playing with it, it appears that the Auto and Off settings on the lights seem to be switched. This is unsafe because drivers rely on that Auto setting to turn the lights on when it is necessary. They may think the lights are on when they are not and are not able to be seen by other drivers. By the time I realized these things, the service department at the dealership was already closed. I have tried to leave them a voicemail, but their phone is not set up to accept that. I have sent an email and will be calling them as soon as they reopen on Monday. There are no warning messages to tell the drive about these issues.
Trailer hitches, May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Trailer hitches, Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Visibility, Mar 27, 2023
The contact had rented a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, both the front passenger and rear passenger's side windows exploded. The contact stated that there was no external cause to the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired, and was returned to the vehicle rental company. The failure mileage was 4,537. The VIN was unavailable.
Trailer hitches, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he recently purchased the vehicle and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) upon purchase. The contact stated that the dealer provided the recall information however, the dealer did not inform the owner of when the parts were to become available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.