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Model year record

2020 Kia Sorento recalls & problems

The 2020 Kia Sorento has 1 safety recall and 140 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (67 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints140filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 12reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2020 Kia Sorento in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

1 recall for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Trailer hitchesSep 19, 2022

Trailer hitches

Recall 22V70300070,887 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
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.
Risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.8%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2020 Kia Sorento NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2020 Kia Sorento NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Sorento FWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Sorento AWD

23mpg combined
City / highway21 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Sorento FWD

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Sorento AWD

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine6715261,500 mi
Unknown or other26538—
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Wiring2007060,594 mi
Power train180005,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system10120—
Trailer hitches9010—
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Automatic emergency braking6302—
Service brakes5306—
Exterior lightingHeadlights5000—
Vehicle speed control5200—
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly; Glass, side/rear4000—
Steering4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations