2020 Kia Sorento recalls and problems

The 2020 Kia Sorento has 1 safety recall and 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 22V-703 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.

Recalls

Complaints

140

Crashes / fires

11 / 12

Injuries / deaths

21 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Kia Sorento vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Kia Sorento recalls

Recall 22V-703: Trailer Hitches

Park outsideReported Sep 19, 2022 · 70,887 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

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.

2020 Kia Sorento problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	67
Unknown or Other	26
Electrical System	20
Power Train	18
Fuel/Propulsion System	10
Trailer Hitches	9
Forward Collision Avoidance	6
Service Brakes	5
Exterior Lighting	5
Vehicle Speed Control	5
Visibility	4
Steering	4

Most reported parts

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Electrical System › Wiring — 1
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Kia Sorento complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Oct 24, 2026

**Suspected Sudden Unintended Acceleration â 2020 Kia Sorento EX V6** On October 24, 2026, the driver of a 2020 Kia Sorento EX V6 experienced two episodes of suspected sudden unintended acceleration. The vehicle reportedly accelerated unexpectedly while in Reverse (R), causing it to collide with an apartment building. Following the initial collision, the driver shifted the transmission into Drive (D), at which point the vehicle reportedly accelerated forward unexpectedly. According to the driver, both incidents occurred so quickly that she was unable to apply the brakes. The collision caused…

Engine · reported Oct 22, 2026

I bought a used 2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4L in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. AT 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done on this vehicle. I kept a log and now at 54,740 miles it is consuming 1 quart every 500 miles or so. I took it to the dealer on 10/19/2026 and was told that since I was not the original owner there was no warranty coverage on it. So that nullified the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. I was told they…

Engine · at 34,000 miles · reported Oct 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from under the hood of the vehicle and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was temporarily illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Engine · reported Sep 26, 2026

Driving at highway speed, the vehicle began to make a loud rattling noise that came from under the vehicle. A passerby pulled even with my car and began frantically gesturing. After a few seconds of confusion, me daughter said the she thought the man was saying "it's on fire." We pulled over to the shoulder of the road, exited quickly and realized there was fire visible in the engine area, seen through the grill. A good samaritan attempted to suppress the fire with an exstinguisher but moments later, it was fully engulfed.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 35,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked back and forth, accelerated unintendedly, and crashed into the corner plaster wall of a friend's garage, causing plaster to fall onto the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Caliber Collision to be repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. Police officers responded to the scene, inspected the vehicle, and filed a report. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

Other Kia Sorento years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 202120202019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Compare all Kia Sorento years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Kia Sorento have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Sorento: 22V-703 (trailer hitches). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Sorento?

Owners report engine problems most often (67 reports), followed by unknown or other (26). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.