2020 KIA Sorento

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified100ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2020 KIA Sorento shows a potential reliability concern due to its recall related to the trailer hitch harness, which poses a fire risk. With numerous complaints and a peak failure mileage of over 100k miles, owners should be vigilant about this issue.

Key Factor:Fire risk from trailer hitch

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The recall regarding the trailer hitch harness on the 2020 KIA Sorento highlights significant safety risks. Debris and moisture accumulation can lead to electrical shorts, increasing the potential for vehicle firesβ€”a serious hazard for both drivers and passengers. The presence of 100 complaints suggests that this is not an isolated issue but rather a pressing concern for many owners in this vehicle class.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

In terms of safety trends, the 2020 KIA Sorento is experiencing challenges with its electrical systems due to the recall. Given that KIA typically has a decent engineering reputation, these concerns are more pronounced and may suggest a dip in quality for this model year compared to expectations.

Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

87/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 KIA Sorento

Model Year2020
MakeKIA
ModelSorento
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
May20
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

18 complaints (18% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
28(28%)
🟑Medium
20(20%)
🟒Low
52(52%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Considering the peak failure range exceeds 100k miles, it indicates that issues could arise as vehicles accumulate more mileage. For current owners or buyers near this threshold, proactive inspection and maintenance of components like the trailer hitch harness are crucial to avoid severe risks.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 31 of 100 complaints (31% coverage)
0-20k
6 reports (19%)
20k-40k
4 reports (13%)
40k-60k
3 reports (10%)
60k-80k
3 reports (10%)
80k-100k
5 reports (16%)
100k+
10 reports (32%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

TRAILER HITCHES

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Trailer Hitch Harness

Issue: Potential for fire due to electrical short caused by debris and moisture.

βœ…

Inspect your trailer hitch harness for signs of wear or damage immediately.

πŸ”

Ensure any used vehicle has had the recall addressed before purchasing.

Campaign:21V-350
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 22V703000

TRAILER HITCHES

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Sorento.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning18%
Burn14%
Fire11%
Leak8%
Check Engine Light8%
Stall8%
Acceleration Issues7%
Accident6%
Explode6%
Noise6%
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a small oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact checked the oil level and added a quart of oil to the engine. The vehicle was driven approximately 50 miles. The contact parked the vehicle and checked the oil level again. They noticed that the oil level was low and added another quart of oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven another 15 miles, and the contact stopped at the grocery store. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the contact noticed a clicking sound, as if the engine was attempting to start. The contact continued, stating that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that there was no warranty on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 151,025.

Dec 18, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

the car the engine wast the oil in 1 week that every weeks it has problem in the ring of the engine , we just buy the car they tell us it has it had guarantee talking to the bank and the where I buy the car it don't show . it has a bad smell of wet and burnt oil ..

Nov 1, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that for approximately a month, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the jerking stopped while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the mechanic test-drove the vehicle and stated that the failure might be associated with the transmission. The contact stated that after visiting the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,085.

Oct 27, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

My car is burning excessive amounts of oil with no leak

Oct 27, 2025Open
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The blinkers and the radio were inoperable for several seconds before returning to normal function. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while the contact and the contact's wife were driving the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was a major safety hazard, especially while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was required to pay a fee for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Oct 23, 2025Open
Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I stayed in my car and turned the interior lights on until after highway patrol officer escorted me to a safe turn off. Thankfully my rear hazard lights were working. My husband had to drive a hour to come pick me up. I got home 3 hours later than originally planned. I talked to a mechanic who said it was likely a fuse that went out. I asked him why there was no warning and he said the warning for the lights is likely on the same fuse as the lights! How is that helpful?! We weren’t able to find the right fuse late at night in the dark, so we had to leave it on the side of the road about 60 miles from home until we could go to an auto parts store and drive it home in the daylight. It was a very dangerous situation. I could have been killed.

Oct 17, 2025Open
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

Burning oil at dangerous rates. No leak yet having to refill oil weekly. Burning at a rate of 2q per 1k miles. Car currently has 95k miles and has had regular oil maintenance until this issue began a few months ago. This is a frequent issue with the 2020 Sorrento.

Oct 13, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

The engine is consuming oil at a rapid rate that could be potentially dangerous. This is happening to other people with the same make and model as well.

Oct 6, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that on several occasions, there was no oil or low oil in the oil pan. The contact stated that oil needed to be added to the vehicle daily. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Oct 6, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

Vehicle Information: Make: Kia Model: Sorento Year: 2020 VIN: [XXX] Mileage: ~80,000 miles Complaint Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding excessive engine oil consumption in my 2020 Kia Sorento. The vehicle burns oil between regular oil changes, requiring frequent top-ups. There are no visible leaks, and this consumption poses a serious safety risk, including potential engine failure or fire hazard. Detailed Description: I purchased the vehicle used from a Kia dealership. I requested an oil consumption test from the dealership, but they refused, stating the vehicle is out of warranty. I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, and they also refused to authorize the test or provide assistance. This engine issue is widely reported by other owners of the 2020 Sorento and similar Kia vehicles, particularly those with Theta II / GDI engines, which are known for oil consumption problems. The vehicle has approximately 80,000 miles, and the oil consumption is significant enough that I must frequently add oil between changes, creating a safety concern. Actions Taken: Requested an oil consumption test from local Kia dealership β€” refused. Contacted Kia Consumer Affairs for assistance β€” refused. Maintained detailed records of oil use and maintenance. Request: I request that the NHTSA investigate this oil consumption issue for my vehicle and the 2020 Kia Sorento model line. I also seek guidance on any recalls, service campaigns, or safety actions related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Oct 3, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about the fire risk associated with the trailer hitch on my 2020 KIA Sorento?

The fire risk comes from debris and moisture accumulating on the trailer hitch harness module's PCB, which can lead to electrical shorts. It's critical for owners to inspect their hitches regularly and understand if their vehicle is affected by ongoing recalls or service campaigns.

How common are complaints regarding electrical issues in the KIA Sorento?

'Common' would be an understatement hereβ€”there have been around 100 complaints related to various issues in just one model year. This points towards a potentially troubling trend that prospective buyers need to consider seriously when looking at used models.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official KIA records to ensure no 1 recalls remain open.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in KIA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 1 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
βš–οΈ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.