Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 KIA Sorento Reliability Report
The 2020 KIA Sorento scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 115 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
115
Complaint Rate
15.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$533
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (39)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
- POWER TRAIN (15)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the Third generation (UM).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 1 year after the last refresh (2019).
- 3rd generation Sorento (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2016: Third generation (UM) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is the last model year of the Third generation (UM).
Should You Buy the 2020 KIA Sorento?
At 71/100, the 2020 KIA Sorento lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is the last model year of the Third generation (UM).
Owners log 115 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to engine (39). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 KIA Sorento, which scored 5 points lower. See also the 2019 KIA Sorento for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ENGINE issues reported (39 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (16 complaints)
Compare 2020 KIA Sorento With

2020 Ford Edge
Reliability: 64/100

2020 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 70/100

2020 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 73/100

2020 Nissan Rogue
Reliability: 79/100

2020 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (39)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 KIA Sorento carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
15.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 21.2
Safety Incidents
9
Crashes
10
Fires
20
Injuries
1
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 KIA Sorento Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 KIA Sorento. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2020 KIA Sorento? Check its history first
Every 2020 KIA Sorento has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 KIA Sorento NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.0%
Safety Technologies
KIA SorentoRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$533
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–25 MPG
Running cost: $2,950–$3,550/yr
Fuel + repair
18–22 city / 24–29 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorento FWD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Sorento AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,600 |
| Sorento FWD 3.3L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Sorento AWD 3.3L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 KIA Sorento.
Check for excessive engine oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and checking for oil leaks
Inspect the electrical system for signs of previous fires or smoke damage
Test drive to check for transmission jerking or hesitation, especially at low speeds
Verify sunroof integrity and inspect for any signs of previous shattering
Confirm all dashboard warning lights function correctly and do not remain illuminated
Ensure headlights and other exterior lights operate without failure
2020 KIA Sorento Common Problems by Component
115 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
39 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently experiences excessive oil consumption, often requiring additional oil between changes, with some vehicles consuming up to 2 quarts per 1,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention engine misfires, especially in cylinders, and a decrease in acceleration performance, sometimes accompanied by check engine lights. These issues typically emerge around 60,000 to 100,000 miles, with many reports indicating the need for engine replacement. Safety implications include two reports of fires and one crash, as well as instances of vehicles entering limp mode or complete engine failure. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential engine issues and the associated maintenance challenges.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently report issues related to the electrical system, with a significant number mentioning incidents involving fires. Complaints often describe warning lights illuminating on the dashboard, followed by smoke and flames, particularly in vehicles with approximately 75,000 to 130,000 miles. Several reports involve fires linked to the fuse box or trailer hitch wiring, leading to vehicle destruction. Other common issues include inoperable headlights and horn failures, posing safety risks such as loss of visibility or inability to signal. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, especially regarding fire hazards and electrical failures, which prospective buyers should consider.
POWER TRAIN
15 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving erratic transmission behavior. Common symptoms include jerking, stuttering, or hesitating shifts, especially when the vehicle is cold or has been sitting for some time. These issues often occur at low speeds, typically between 20 and 40 mph, and may persist until the car has been driven for several miles. Complaints also highlight concerns about engine oil consumption and engine overheating, with some reports of engine failure potentially linked to these issues. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing sudden deceleration or loss of power, which could pose risks during highway driving. These problems are reported across various mileage ranges, from as low as 9,000 miles to over 97,000 miles, suggesting potential long-term reliability concerns.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (10 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the sunroof, with multiple complaints describing it suddenly exploding while driving, leading to loss of vehicle control and injuries from glass shards. Additionally, there are reports of dashboard warning lights activating simultaneously, followed by engine smoke and, in one case, a fire. Some complaints also mention unexpected system failures, such as the forward collision warning system causing abrupt stops, leading to crashes. The incidents often occur around 75,000 miles, and several involve significant safety implications, including crashes, fires, and vehicle control loss. These patterns suggest potential safety risks that prospective buyers should consider.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly at low speeds and during emergency braking situations. Common symptoms include brakes locking up, a metallic rubbing sound, and brakes failing to engage properly, leading to loss of control. Two complaints involve crashes, with one incident resulting in three injuries, highlighting significant safety implications. In one case, an owner describes the vehicle pulling hard to the left during a crash, suggesting potential uneven brake engagement. These issues are reported without specific mileage ranges, indicating that they may occur regardless of vehicle age or usage. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering this model, especially concerning safety and brake reliability.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento report issues related to steering, particularly noting loud clunking noises and steering wheel vibrations. Complaints frequently mention these symptoms occurring at low speeds, with one owner stating difficulty driving above 20 miles per hour due to the issue. Additionally, some owners describe intermittent rattling noises from behind the steering wheel, often occurring during acceleration. While one report mentions the vehicle stalling, it is unclear if this is directly related to the steering issues. Safety implications include reduced driving speed and potential loss of control, which may be a concern for prospective buyers.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento report issues related to excessive engine oil consumption and engine fires. Complaints frequently mention significant oil loss, with one owner needing to add oil daily, and no diagnosis or repair has been reported in this case, occurring around 100,000 miles. Another owner describes a fire incident while driving, leading to the vehicle stalling and requiring emergency services to extinguish the fire, with the manufacturer confirming the fire originated from an engine failure at approximately 58,325 miles. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including the risk of fire and vehicle stalling, which are critical for prospective buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento report issues with the air bags not deploying during crashes, as described in the complaints. In one instance, a collision occurred at approximately 65-70 mph, resulting in injuries to both the driver and a passenger, and the air bags failed to deploy. Both complaints involve crashes with a total of four injuries reported, indicating significant safety implications. The issue is noted at around 37,000 miles in one case, suggesting potential concerns for vehicles within this mileage range. These reports highlight the importance of checking the air bag system's functionality when considering purchasing this vehicle model.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2020 Kia Sorento's vehicle speed control, primarily involving acceleration problems. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle's inability to accelerate beyond certain speeds, with one owner noting the car would not exceed 40 miles per hour despite pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Another symptom described is fluctuating RPMs without corresponding increases in speed. These issues occur intermittently, and diagnostic checks at dealerships reportedly do not reveal error codes or clear causes. Safety implications include potential hazards during freeway driving, as described by an owner who experienced near-collisions due to sudden loss of acceleration.
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)
SUSPENSION
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Kia Sorento report issues related to the suspension system, with complaints frequently mentioning persistent loud noises from the wheel hubs and difficulties in resolving the issue despite multiple repairs and replacements. Symptoms include noise from the wheel hubs and, in one case, a sudden loss of steering control while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a rear wheel detachment. These issues appear to arise after approximately one year of ownership. Safety implications are noted, with one owner experiencing a loss of vehicle control and potential risk of collision. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported problems, particularly concerning the suspension system and potential safety risks associated with wheel detachment.
When Do 2020 KIA Sorento Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA Sorento Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Sorento Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA Sorento year is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (75/100) and 2020 (71/100).
2024
2025
2020
(Current Model)
KIA Sorento Years to Avoid
The worst KIA Sorento year is 2019 with a score of 64/100, primarily due to engine (93) issues.
KIA Sorento Reliability Score Trend
KIA Sorento reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 70/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
KIA Sorento Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 KIA Sorento reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 KIA Sorento?
How many recalls does the 2020 KIA Sorento have?
Is the 2020 KIA Sorento expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 KIA Sorento without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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