A much better Sorento
The 2020 Sorento drew about a third of the model's average complaints. Oil consumption is reported on some engines, so check the level.
Updated November 2026 · based on 140 owner complaints and 1 recalls
187 68% below the Sorento average
1 free to fix at a dealer
Every Sorento year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2020 Sorento
Top problems and what they cost
Oil consumption
Some engines burn more than a quart every 1,000 miles.
Fix: Kia oil consumption test; engine repair may be covered.
Engine
Warning lights at once
Rare reports of several warning lights at highway speed.
Fix: Diagnosis $100 to $200.
Electrical
Trailer hitch recall
Recall 22V703 covers a trailer hitch wiring issue.
Fix: Free under recall.
Trailer hitch
Recalls
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Kia Sorento
- Confirm the trailer hitch recall (22V703) shows as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2020 Sorento has 1 recall on record, listed below.
- Check the oil level and ask for oil change records.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 26 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2020 Sorento.
- Check that no warning lights stay on.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.20 of the 140 owner complaints about the 2020 Sorento involve the electrical system (14%).
Questions
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?
A much better Sorento. The 2020 Sorento drew about a third of the model's average complaints. Oil consumption is reported on some engines, so check the level.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sorento have?
1 recall. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Sorento problems?
Oil consumption; Warning lights at once; Trailer hitch recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.