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.
Trailer hitches, Mar 22, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Trailer hitches, Mar 21, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Feb 28, 2023
No remedy to fix in over three months. Told not to drive car if installed
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2023, crash
The forward collision warning system went off and instantly brought my vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate and traffic, causing me to be rear-ended. I was at least one car length if not more behind the person ahead of me.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 6, 2023, crash
Made a right turn wasn't going over 20mph wheel locked system went dead hit a parked car and my car flipped don't know why
Electrical system, Trailer hitches, Jan 30, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the battery drained quickly after not driving the vehicle for several days. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Trailer hitches, Jan 3, 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Dec 26, 2022, fire
There already is a recall for my problem, NHTSA Recall #22V703, but Kia has refused to honor the recall after my vehicle electrical wires started burning, exactly as warned in the Recall. Kia asserts that the trailer hitch and wiring was not installed by Kia, but in fact it was installed by a Kia Dealer.
Visibility, Dec 22, 2022
Friday 12/16 car was being driven at 55 MPH on a rural road with no traffic around it when the Panoramic Sunroof exploded. Very loud boom and my wife thought she had a blow out. Immediately pulled over to check the vehicle. No tire or body damage was found until she looked on top of the vehicle. Total back panel of the Sunroof (over the back seat area) had shattered and appeared to be raising up in the middle of the glass. She had no other options so she drove the car on home. As she drove home glass fell down onto the sunshade as the glass came apart. I have reported the incident to Kia Consumer Assistance and Power Kia of Salem where we bought the vehicle but neither are responding to my request for them to fix the problem through the warranty program. Car only has a little more than 20,000 miles on it. Dealer Service Manager says he has never heard of such a problem but it only takes a google search to see that this happens often. Very dangerous if that sunshade had been open and I think this needs to be looked into.
Trailer hitches, Dec 14, 2022
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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Oct 4, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her daughter saw smoke coming out of the vehicle. The contact stated that as she opened the vehicle, she saw flames on the front side of the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent out a field technician to investigate the cause of the failure. The manufacturer later sent a letter to the contact stating that the cause of the failure was undetermined. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) as her vehicle was equipped with a trailer hitch. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Firerelated, Sep 26, 2022, fire
Driving back from vacation from California to Texas we smelled smoke and then within minutes of trying to pull over from highway the car was on fire. Got burt on my face and hand,second degree burn. CW
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2022
My problem is the "Emergency" key on the key fob. I've never had the problems with other fobs that I've had with this one. The other day I was in a food store and had my keys in my jacket pocket and I must have leaned forward and all of a sudden my horn started blowing fiercely. I heard it when it started because I was in the store and about 100 feet from my car. Several times I've accidently depressed the rear hatch button and it would go up. I feel these fobs are a great hazard because you may not be close enough to hear the horn, or notice when your rear hatch goes up. People could walk by and steal whatever you have in the back. I'm always worried when I leave my vehicle in a parking lot.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2022
Unknown. There is a rattling noise coming from behind the steering wheel. I have it on video on 2 different occasions. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer and had it looked at they cannot figure out the issue or hear it. It comes and goes and happens when I accelerate. I spoke to Kia customer service and they advised me to make a complaint on here.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2022, crash, fire
MY DAUGHTER'S FATHER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 12/17/2020, HIS VEHICLE FULLY ENGULFED RESULTING IN HIS DEATH
Air bags, Aug 25, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 mph when another vehicle swerved in front causing them to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's vehicle, as well as, the other vehicle had been damaged. The contact sustained injuies to her head, neck, and back. The contact had a passenger in the vehicle who sustained abdomen and neck injuries. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed however it had not been decided if the vehicle was totaled. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure was 37,000.
Power train, Lane departure, Feb 23, 2022
Here’s the deal, what I would is for the dealership to accept a fair trade of equal monthly payments on a new Kia Sorento 2022. So here’s the deal I have a 2020 Kia Sorento LX looking to do a even trade for a 2022 Kia Sorento, same monthly payments of 540. I’ve filed a complaint with corporate about a issue I’ve had with my current kia which it has had a issue running around 4k rpm in sport mode and won’t drop down below normal ranges until in smart mode when I brought it in for its routine maintenance they said that the transmission was just catching up to the speed? Well on February 11th my wife was driving my car and the car experienced a issue were the engine was loud and car was slow an couldn’t get above 60mph. My cars drive SyncUP got this error code Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction (PRNDLInput) (P0705), took it into kia east the next day, they claimed everything was safe and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it after having 3 techs look at it. On February 13th on Alabama highway going 70mph my blind spot collision warning came on, car made a clunking noise from the transmission, felt like we got hit, went from 70mph to 30mph. Completely unsafe, had to restart the car an seems to run normal for now but I do not feel safe in this car anymore. The same issue I got the second time was the same code that I got the first time, I have reached out on social media to see if others have had this issue since kia should have started a investigation to determine the root cause of this issue an have had another person step forward with the same experience. This is completely unacceptable and unsafe to have to second guess a vehicle that I was ensured would be completely safe after having it looked at. I’ve already contacted corporate about the issue, they are looking into it now. I have yet to hear back from the kia general manager, they are offering to trade the car in but yet have more negative equity on the car, how about a fair trade.
Service brakes, Jan 9, 2022
Was approaching a light at 40 mph when light turned green. Road was slightly wet. Applied break and it would not engage. Went thru red light and fortunately no car had started thru intersection. Pumped breaks snd they finally engaged but engine was not steady. Kind of up and down on speed 1/8/2022 at snot 4 pm
Seat belts, Oct 26, 2021, crash
I was driving on the highway at 65 mph with other flow of triffid. As I was crested a hill, I had notice ahead there was emergency vehicles ahead about half-three quarter mile and I had let go of the accelerator. By the time I had looked down in front of me there was a vehicle that appeared to not have stopped due to not seeing any brake lights. By the time I realized the vehicle had stopped, I rear ended him. During the collision the was six people in the vehicle including myself. Me, my wife and four of our children. Ages 13, 11, 7 & 2. The 2 yr old was in a car seat. Out of the the 6 seatbelts that were buckled were dislodged from it receptacle. The 11 yr old daughter was flung to the front of the vehicle hitting her head into the dashboard causing a concussion and neck pain. The front facing car seat had its buckle dislodged but the 2yr old did not sustain any injuries. Both of them sitting in the 2nd row. The 13 yr old in the 3rd row, his seatbelt was dislodged and sustain bruising and scrapes on his right side of his face. The 7 yr old complained about his stomach, but his seat belt did not dislodge. And my wife had sustained bruising around her waist and a broken collarbone. Theses seatbelts should not have dislodged from its receptacles if the were clicked in. I always make sure that everyone has there seatbelts on before operating the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2021
The moon roof is not closing. When trying to close it, it makes clicking noises and goes slow to close but then just goes half way of less and opens all the way up. The inside cover is the only thing that closes. I’ve checked to see if any debris is stuck but nothing is there and I cannot close the window at all.
Other or unspecified, Jul 17, 2021
I was driving on my way to work and suddenly I heard a Boom and the car turn off, all the warning signs came on, no power steering while I’m driving at 45 mph. Few seconds later the car turns on by itself. All this while I was driving. I was so scared. There was other vehicles around me, I was afraid to hit them or them to hit me.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 3, 2021
MY CAR STALLED AS I STARTED TO DRIVE. AS I STARTED TO PARK AGAIN IT SHUT DOWN. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND IT STARTED AGAIN. MY INTENTION IS TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ASAP.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2021
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SORENTO. AFTER ABOUT 7000 MILES I NOTICED CHUNKS OF RUBBER MISSING FROM MY TIRES. I CALLED KHUMO THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO KIA. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY DID NOTHING. NOW I HAVE 20000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND THE SAME TIRES ARE CUPPING. THIS IS GOING TO END UP WITH SOMEONE DYING AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE THAT PERSON.
Visibility, Apr 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRIM PIECE LOCATED UNDER THE WINDSHIELD REFLECTED A DISTRACTING GLARE FROM THE VENTS ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFLECTION OBSTRUCTED HIS VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.
Service brakes, Apr 5, 2021, crash
VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF US ON A STATE HIGHWAY. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR FAILED TO STOP WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE AND PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT. CAUSING US TO STRIKE A CONCRETE WALL DESTROYING THE CAR AND MASONRY WALL. THREE OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED MINOR IMJURIES. BRAKES ALWAYS FELT WEAK BUT SINCE WE BOUGHT IT AS A NEW CAR WE DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER. UPON LOOKING OVER THE CRASH SCENE ONLY A SINGLE SKID MARK WAS OBSERVED FROM OUR CAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE BRAKES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR DID NOT ENGAGE OR THE ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING ONLY THE LEFT SIDE TIRES TO BRAKE FULLY. I AM AWARE OF BRAKE ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND IT MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CRASH. CAR WAS SEEMED A TOTAL LOSS.*DT