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ProblemsByVin File / 2020-KIA-SORENTO
2020 · kia

kia Sorento problems

0 safety recalls. 125 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 7 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
46 reports · avg $3,100
severe
electrical
18 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
16 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
4 reports · avg $450
severe
visibility
4 reports · avg $350
moderate
lighting
3 reports · avg $250
moderate
steering
3 reports · avg $700
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2020 Sorento · electrical
I wanted to add to a previous claim I had already submitted, I found an item that had fallen out of my engine, I don't know if I can submit a picture on here but I will try.
12/28/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707314.0
2020 Sorento · other
I was driving my vehicle and all the sudden all the lights on my dashboard came on, I am going to try and remember exactly which ones came on. The engine malfunction light, the ABS light, the battery light, the EPS light, the oil light, there were more lights that came on but I…
12/26/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707188.0
2020 Sorento · electrical 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…
12/26/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498880.0
2020 Sorento · visibility
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…
12/22/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498521.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Kia Sorento is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2020 Kia Sorento?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 46 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sorento has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2020 Kia Sorento?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 125 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 17 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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