2020 Kia Sorento problems and complaints

Owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Sorento. The most-reported areas: Engine (64), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (19).

Key takeaways

  • 135 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 10 involve a crash, 11 a fire, 21 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6447%
Unknown Or Other2418%
Electrical System1914%
Power Train1813%
Fuel/Propulsion System97%
Trailer Hitches97%
Exterior Lighting54%
Service Brakes54%
Vehicle Speed Control43%
Air Bags43%
Forward Collision Avoidance43%
Steering43%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD5/55/55/54/5
2020 Kia Sorento SUV FWD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control - filed 2026-09-18

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...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-01

While driving my 2020 Kia Sorento on the freeway at highway speed, the panoramic sunroof suddenly shattered without warning. There was a very loud explosive sound that startled and frightened me while I was driving. I was not aware of anything striking the sunroof immediately before it shattered, and there were no warn...

Air Bags - filed 2026-08-31

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated while an occupant was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls or warranty associated with the vehicl...

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More for the 2020 Kia Sorento

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.