The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Sorento · 2020

2020 Kia Sorento. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index69100 = average car
Complaints50NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold74,677U.S. model year
Per 100K sold67complaints
Year rank#2 of 18#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD22 / 29 / 25Regular$2,500
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)AWD21 / 26 / 23Regular$2,700
3.3L 6-cylAuto (S8)FWD19 / 26 / 22Regular$2,850
3.3L 6-cylAuto (S8)AWD18 / 24 / 20Regular$3,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 6,400 and 68,000 miles. Median 19,500, from 28 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine61,50015,400–150,3006
Transmission & drivetrain5,000100–9,0007

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Transmission & drivetrain20%
Trailer hitches16%
Engine12%
Electrical12%
Brakes8%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
138101211111

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 22V703000 Sep 2022 Trailer Hitches

    Defect. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023

Manufacturer communications 92

Kia filed 92 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Technical service bulletin: lambda 3.3l gdi engine hesitation at high altitudes logic…
  • PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Sorento SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Kia Sorento SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalOptional

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento, 17.3M views.

TopicVideosViews
Brakes & ABS5410K
Infotainment, battery & electrical2255K
Oil changes & service2208K
Gauges, lights & wiring3181K
Transmission & shifter1130K
Windows, doors & mirrors280K
Spark plugs & ignition coils140K
Heat, A/C & blend door138K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201716818499,684Engine
20185661107,846Engine
201911311495,951Transmission & drivetrain
2020695074,677Transmission & drivetrain
202120916581,785Transmission & drivetrain
202215416386,406Transmission & drivetrain
202314515688,625Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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