**Suspected Sudden Unintended Acceleration – 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 significant damage to the apartment building, including structural damage requiring reinforcement, and damaged two other vehicles. The airbags did not deploy. No injuries to the driver have been reported. The driver also recalls receiving a previous recall notice for a vehicle component that was not repaired. The specific recall has not yet been identified. The vehicle has been towed and is being preserved for a potential independent investigation, including examination of the Event Data Recorder (EDR). We request that the federal safety agency review this incident as a possible vehicle safety defect. The cause of the unexpected acceleration has not yet been determined.
The worst 2020 Kia Sorento problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine69
- Electrical20
- Transmission18
- Fuel system10
- Driver assistance7
- Visibility6
- Acceleration5
- Brakes5
- Lights5
- Airbags4
- Steering4
- Seat belts2
- Suspension2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Kia Sorento
Engine failure 23Oil consumption 22Check engine light 18Fire or smoke 13Knocking 10Misfire 6Stalling 6Loss of power 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2020 Kia Sorento mention
P0304 2
Recalls 1
Trailer hitches
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 22V703000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2020 Kia Sorento
Defect investigations
Loss of Motive Power
the federal safety agency received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to the federal safety agency which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. Â There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in the federal safety agency's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, the federal safety agency does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing the federal safety agencyâs reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to the federal safety agency cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
DP22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Kia Sorento 92
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- High-pressure fuel pump replacement (WTY034)
- Owner notification (WTY034)
- Reimbursement form (WTY034)
- Dealer principal memo (WTY034)
- Dealer parts & service managers memo (WTY034)
- Question and answer (WTY034)
- High-pressure fuel pump replacement (WTY034)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC365)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: dealer principal memo (SC365)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: dealer parts and service manager memo (SC365)
2020 Kia Sorento fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22 | 29 | 25 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | AWD | 21 | 26 | 23 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 26 | 22 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | AWD | 18 | 24 | 20 |
What 2020 Kia Sorento owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 could do a chamber cleaning for $800.00 and if that failed I would need to replace the engine at an out of pocket cost to me of $9,000.00 to $10,000.00 I have to monitor the oil level constantly to avoid the engine seizing and breaking down in traffic . This auto is used by my spouse to drive my grand kids to and from school. There are no warnings or messages on the oil level so it is driven with uncertainty .
This incident occurred on 10/03/26 at approx. 11:45 AM. Location: Squankum-Yellowbrook Rd. (524A) Howell NJ. Temp: 73 F. Road condition: 2 lane rural clear and dry. Description of incident: While driving @ approx. 40 MPH with no on-coming or traffic ahead or behind, the entire right rear passenger window spontaneously imploded, explosively showering the entire rear seat with glass shards. Upon immediately pulling off the road and upon my own examination (and shortly thereafter by responding police) no impact object that could have caused the glass breakage was found. Had there been rear seat passenger(s) at that time undoubtedly that person(s) would have sustained head/face or eye injuries.
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.
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.
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.
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 warning lights, messages, noises, cracks, or other indications that the glass was about to fail. Because I was traveling at freeway speed when this occurred, the sudden explosion/shattering of the glass was extremely distracting and created a serious safety concern. I was frightened by the unexpected loud noise and could have lost control of the vehicle. Broken glass from a panoramic sunroof also presents a risk to the occupants of the vehicle and to other motorists. The component that failed was the panoramic sunroof glass. To my knowledge, the failure has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a Kia dealer or independent repair facility, and the vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia for the cause of the failure. I am reporting this incident because the sunroof appeared to shatter suddenly during normal highway driving without any prior warning, and I am concerned that this may represent a safety defect.
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 vehicle failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
My 2020 Kia Sorento stalled and shut off while driving and eventually stopped working completely, requiring it to be towed to a Kia dealership. The dealership first replaced the starter and then the high-pressure fuel pump, but the vehicle still would not operate. After further diagnosis, I was informed that the timing chain had failed/broken and the engine needed to be replaced, with a new engine quoted at approximately $12,000. I am concerned that this type of sudden engine failure and shutdown could create a serious safety hazard, especially if it occurs while driving in traffic or at highway speeds. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this incident for similar failures involving 2020 Kia Sorento vehicles.
The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for a routine oil change when the contact was informed that there was an unknown issue with the vehicle however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid was leaking and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento
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Other model years
200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2020 Kia Sorento
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2020 Kia Sorento, fewer than a typical Sorento model year.
What is the 2020 Kia Sorento year score?
The 2020 Kia Sorento scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Sorento: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Sorento?
Engine and cooling, with 69 complaints, typically around 89,000 miles. Next is electrical (20).
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sorento have?
1 recall, covering trailer hitches.
What year does the Kia Sorento have bad engine?
The Kia Sorento model years with the most engine complaints are 2016 (722 complaints), 2013 (516 complaints) and 2012 (475 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Sorento get?
Official estimates for the 2020 Kia Sorento range from 20 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22 city and 29 highway.
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