In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
What Owners Say
"Often cannot use voice commands to make call"
Anonymous A., PA (2020 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)
2020
Kia Sorento
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
EPA MPG:
21 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2020 Sorento is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Kia Sorento owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
What Owners Say
"The transmission will occasionally up shift abruptly. This is rare and happens at low rpm. I am scheduling a trip to the dealership at the moment."
Anonymous, IL (2020 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)"Transmission seems to be in too high a gear for optimal engine power. Transmission occasionally takes too long shifting from one gear to another. I can sometimes smell burnt clutch plates. The dealership reflashed the transmission programming which resolved the problem temporarily. The problem returned after a month and the dealership claims this is normal and no error codes found. The car is still under warranty so not to worry."
Anonymous, IL (2020 Kia Sorento EX 3.3-L V6)Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
What Owners Say
"We had all routine maintenance done on this car when we received the notices. Suddenly on the driver side front axle is broken and leaking. We had to have it replaced at a huge cost."
Anonymous, DE (2020 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
What Owners Say
"fuel pump was replace by Kia with a hidden warranty. The dealer didn't know the warranty extension existed if I hadn't told them."
Anonymous, GA (2020 Kia Sorento SX 3.3-L V6)Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
What Owners Say
"This car has had a noise in the passenger side rear area since I brought the car in 2020. I love the car but this noise is ridiculous. We have had it looked at. Kia said they didn't hear it. I don't know how they couldn't. Then said it was the shocks. The shocks were replaced. The noise continues. It is so frustrating. If I needed to buy another car, I don't think I would buy another Kia because of this."
Anonymous, DE (2020 Kia Sorento EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
What Owners Say
"the problem was that when shifting gears there was a noticeable hesitation .. was told the transmission needed to be replaced"
Anonymous, CO (2020 Kia Sorento LX 3.3-L V6)Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
What Owners Say
"Rear windows required track replacement under warranty due to stiff operation"
Anonymous, GA (2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
2020 SUVs Reliability
This Car
0
100
Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
TRAILER HITCHES
Sep 19, 2022
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
22V703000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
70887
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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"Intermittently when starting the car the screen will be blank. To fix this I have to shut the vehicle off and restart. This happens about every 2-3 months"
Anonymous A., AB (2020 Kia Sorento SXL 3.3-L V6)