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2020 Kia Sorento Problems & Owner Complaints

131 NHTSA owner complaints
9 crash 11 fire 20 injury 1 death

Age-normalised, this year draws ~18.7 complaints per year on the road — ranking 11 of 13 Kia Sorento years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Kia Sorento, cited in 63 of 131 filed complaints (48%).

Electrical System is next (19 complaints, 15%), followed by Power Train (18), Fuel/Propulsion System (9), Trailer Hitches (9).

Across all complaints, 9 report a crash, 11 report a fire, 20 report injuries, 1 report a death.

The most safety-critical cluster is Unknown Or Other: 4 crash, 3 fire, 7 injury, 1 death report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Sorento, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 131.

Engine 63 1 crash 4 fire 2 injury

“The vehicle was not even 3.5 years old, it had been serviced in February 2023 and there was no warning before the fire began. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I immediately pulled over. The fire began as soon as I stopped the car and the vehicle was engulfed within minutes. My daughter and I were in the car. We barely escaped before the vehicle was on fire. I did not have a vehicle hitch on the vehicle and this was unrelated to the vehicle recall notice that I received several weeks after my incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11542902, 2023 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“I was driving 2 minutes away from my house and all of the sudden every warning light on the dashboard came on, billowing smoke started coming through the vents. I immediately pulled in a random driveway, as I was turning I. I heard a loud pop. I shut the car off immediately, jumped out. As I looked at the front of my car, flames were coming from the bottom front. I ran up to the house, the man of the house came out with a fire extinguisher. He put out the flames underneath, asked me to pop the hood, I did so and he put out the flames underneath the hood. As I was waiting for a tow truck, I see…”
NHTSA complaint #11711529, 2025 · fire

“To Whom It May Concern, I had a horrible experience with my 2020 Kia Sorento and I can't seem to get anyone to respond to me. This very upsetting. My VIN number is [XXX] , my vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. I kept up with all maintenance, oil changes, checking oil on a regular basis, checking all fluids, including antifreeze, brake fluid as well. I was driving on a clear day, no snow, no rain, no traffic, country road. I was going about 35 MPH and all of the sudden every light that I could possibly think of came on my dashboard, within 30 seconds of that I heard a very loud pop and smoke…”
NHTSA complaint #11710268, 2025 · fire

Unknown Or Other 23 4 crash 3 fire 7 injury 1 death

“MY DAUGHTER'S FATHER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 12/17/2020, HIS VEHICLE FULLY ENGULFED RESULTING IN HIS DEATH”
NHTSA complaint #11481132, 2020 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“Made a right turn wasn't going over 20mph wheel locked system went dead hit a parked car and my car flipped don't know why”
NHTSA complaint #11505858, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11675968, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Electrical System 19 6 fire

“To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 22V703000 (Kia Recall SC249) involving my 2020 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). This recall identifies a fire risk due to a potential electrical short in the tow hitch harness module. The recall notice specifically warns that a vehicle fire may occur while parked or driving. After receiving the recall notification, we made multiple attempts to schedule the required repair with Pompano Kia, the authorized dealership in our area. Despite repeated efforts, we were not provided with a confirmed repair…”
NHTSA complaint #11718700, 2026 · fire

“I was driving 2 minutes away from my house and all of the sudden every warning light on the dashboard came on, billowing smoke started coming through the vents. I immediately pulled in a random driveway, as I was turning I. I heard a loud pop. I shut the car off immediately, jumped out. As I looked at the front of my car, flames were coming from the bottom front. I ran up to the house, the man of the house came out with a fire extinguisher. He put out the flames underneath, asked me to pop the hood, I did so and he put out the flames underneath the hood. As I was waiting for a tow truck, I see…”
NHTSA complaint #11711529, 2025 · fire

“To Whom It May Concern, I had a horrible experience with my 2020 Kia Sorento and I can't seem to get anyone to respond to me. This very upsetting. My VIN number is [XXX] , my vehicle only had 75,000 miles on it. I kept up with all maintenance, oil changes, checking oil on a regular basis, checking all fluids, including antifreeze, brake fluid as well. I was driving on a clear day, no snow, no rain, no traffic, country road. I was going about 35 MPH and all of the sudden every light that I could possibly think of came on my dashboard, within 30 seconds of that I heard a very loud pop and smoke…”
NHTSA complaint #11710268, 2025 · fire

Power Train 18

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11753507, 2026

“The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure of the engine directly caused consequential damage to the emissions system, entirely clogging the catalytic converter with unburned fuel/debris. Despite the clear link to the known, systemic defects…”
NHTSA complaint #11741669, 2026

“I bought a Kia 2020 from Long Lewis 3 days after i got it the check engine light come on, I called and told them, then around the 5th day black smut started covering the back of the suv, and i was smelling a burnt oi; and antifreeze smell, took it to a shop and they pulled the codes and one code was P045600 and another was P074100 then airbag codes, not even a month it started jerking they told me to bring it in so i did, he said they cleared the codes and was gonna fixed the evap, i asked about the torch converter and he said that must've been a code from the history but it wasn't, it did hav…”
NHTSA complaint #11717937, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 9 1 crash 1 fire

“To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding NHTSA Recall 22V703000 (Kia Recall SC249) involving my 2020 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). This recall identifies a fire risk due to a potential electrical short in the tow hitch harness module. The recall notice specifically warns that a vehicle fire may occur while parked or driving. After receiving the recall notification, we made multiple attempts to schedule the required repair with Pompano Kia, the authorized dealership in our area. Despite repeated efforts, we were not provided with a confirmed repair…”
NHTSA complaint #11718700, 2026 · fire

“The engine light consistently comes on and off. When you go to diagnose problem it would read- because the engine light would stay on. Two mechanics looked at it, and are saying it’s a failing fuel pump. And it’s not working correctly. The car just shut off and stopped working while exiting a busy freeway. Just cut off in the middle of the exit/road.”
NHTSA complaint #11600830, 2024 · crash

“The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure of the engine directly caused consequential damage to the emissions system, entirely clogging the catalytic converter with unburned fuel/debris. Despite the clear link to the known, systemic defects…”
NHTSA complaint #11741669, 2026

Trailer Hitches 9 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the fuse box located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. A Police report was filed and provided to the contact. The dealer was not contacted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000(Trailer Hitches). The vehicle was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11656250, 2025 · fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11520112, 2023

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that he recently purchased the vehicle and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) upon purchase. The contact stated that the dealer provided the recall information however, the dealer did not inform the owner of when the parts were to become available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disc…”
NHTSA complaint #11513411, 2023

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Exterior Lighting 5

“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 ..”
NHTSA complaint #11696904, 2025

“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, t…”
NHTSA complaint #11695305, 2025

“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 co…”
NHTSA complaint #11694133, 2025

Service Brakes 5 3 crash 6 injury

“VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF US ON A STATE HIGHWAY. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR FAILED TO STOP WITHIN REASONABLE DISTANCE AND PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT. CAUSING US TO STRIKE A CONCRETE WALL DESTROYING THE CAR AND MASONRY WALL. THREE OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED MINOR IMJURIES. BRAKES ALWAYS FELT WEAK BUT SINCE WE BOUGHT IT AS A NEW CAR WE DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER. UPON LOOKING OVER THE CRASH SCENE ONLY A SINGLE SKID MARK WAS OBSERVED FROM OUR CAR. IT APPEARS THAT THE BRAKES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR DID NOT ENGAGE OR THE ABS SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING ONLY THE LEFT SIDE TIRES TO BRAKE FULLY. I AM…”
NHTSA complaint #11406564, 2021 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11675968, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“THE ABS DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY. WHEN I CONTACTED KIA THEY SAID THAT THE BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO PULSATE MY KIA DOES NOT DO THAT WHEN I HAVE TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES THE BRAKES DO WHAT I CALL SKIP WHERE MY FOOT IS USUALLY PUSHED OFF BRAKES AND STOPS BRAKING COMPLETELY. DUE TO THIS MY FAMILY ALMOST LOST OUR LIVES WHEN I COULD AVOID A DEER THAT RAN OUT INTO THE ROAD WHEN I WAS EVATUCATING FOR HURRICANE DELTA.”
NHTSA complaint #11397141, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Forward Collision Avoidance 4 2 crash 2 injury

“Made a right turn wasn't going over 20mph wheel locked system went dead hit a parked car and my car flipped don't know why”
NHTSA complaint #11505858, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The forward collision warning system went off and instantly brought my vehicle to a stop in the middle of the interstate and traffic, causing me to be rear-ended. I was at least one car length if not more behind the person ahead of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11508164, 2023 · crash

“Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flickered and dash dings. Two independent shops ran diagnostics and noted that only battery was dead. Replaced battery and the lights came back immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11749809, 2026

Steering 4

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH with her daughter and parents in the vehicle, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard emanating from the steering wheel. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the repair was delayed because the manufacturer required information from the dealer, while the dealer claimed to be waiting for a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileag…”
NHTSA complaint #11749302, 2026

“MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING LOUD CLUNK NOISES AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MORE THEN 20 MILES PER HOUR AND IT FEELS VERY UNSAFE”
NHTSA complaint #11569114, 2024

“Unknown. There is a rattling noise coming from behind the steering wheel. I have it on video on 2 different occasions. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer and had it looked at they cannot figure out the issue or hear it. It comes and goes and happens when I accelerate. I spoke to Kia customer service and they advised me to make a complaint on here.”
NHTSA complaint #11484070, 2022

Air Bags 3 2 crash 4 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 mph when another vehicle swerved in front causing them to rear-end the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's vehicle, as well as, the other vehicle had been damaged. The contact sustained injuies to her head, neck, and back. The contact had a passenger in the vehicle who sustained abdomen and neck injuries. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed however it had not been decided if the vehicle was totaled. The vehicle had not been taken to…”
NHTSA complaint #11481124, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I REALLY DONT REMEMBER THE DRIVER IMPACTED THE FRONT DOOR AREA OF MY VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11675968, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flickered and dash dings. Two independent shops ran diagnostics and noted that only battery was dead. Replaced battery and the lights came back immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11749809, 2026

Engine And Engine Cooling 3 1 fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 53- 55 MPH, the contact suddenly noticed that their surrounding drivers were honking for her attention. Eventually, another nearby driver notified the contact by pointing down and yelling out "fire". The vehicle then stalled and the contact was able to use its momentum to coast to the side of the road where the vehicle then completely came to a stop. The contact exited the vehicle safely. The police and fire department had arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. There were no injuries…”
NHTSA complaint #11622429, 2024 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11691653, 2025

“The engine overheated passed the point that the radiator could keep it cool and cause the radiator to crack and explode”
NHTSA complaint #11540270, 2023

Lane Departure 3

“All of the adas not working. The wheel sensor right rear quit working and causes all the advanced safety systems to quit working. Had the left rear sensor to go out this year. I am [XXX] and do not feel safe driving without these safety systems working. No urgency to fix the issue. Vehicle under Warranty with 48980 miles. Have a January 7 appointment at Kia Hilton Head and a Feb 7 at Kia of Savannah. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11631807, 2024

“Here’s the deal, what I would is for the dealership to accept a fair trade of equal monthly payments on a new Kia Sorento 2022. So here’s the deal I have a 2020 Kia Sorento LX looking to do a even trade for a 2022 Kia Sorento, same monthly payments of 540. I’ve filed a complaint with corporate about a issue I’ve had with my current kia which it has had a issue running around 4k rpm in sport mode and won’t drop down below normal ranges until in smart mode when I brought it in for its routine maintenance they said that the transmission was just catching up to the speed? Well on February 11th my…”
NHTSA complaint #11453616, 2022

“VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AUG 2020. AS OF JAN 10, 2021 "CHECK BLIND SPOT COLLISION WARNING (BCW) SYSTEM" LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 6 TIMES. IF THE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT DOWNSHIFTS. LIGHT HAS ALSO COME ON WHILE WAITING FOR A RED LIGHT. THE BCW SYSTEM WAS TURNED OFF THE LAST TWO TIMES THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE LAST TIME IT CAME ON WAS JAN 10, 2021 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:45PM. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. THE BCW SYSTEM WAS TURNED OFF & THERE WERE NO VEHICLES NEXT TO ME. THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN FELT LIKE IT DOWNSHIFTED. I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE WARNING LIGHT TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11387446, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“My 2020 Kia Sorento engine light came on and not able to accelerate more than 40 mph. The code when I went to an auto repair shop says knock signal range/ performance. I had it reset by the mechanic and the engine light still on. The engine is also eating through oil very fast. We have to fill the car with oil frequently in between oil changes.”
NHTSA complaint #11673429, 2025

“The Kia was using to much oil, the engine light came on and it’s the cam shaft sensor…just got it replace but still doing the same thing as the RPM’s is fluctuating …”
NHTSA complaint #11666174, 2025

“I was on the freeway and I needed to accelerate to get over and I pushed on the gas and the car would not accelerate at all I could not get the vehicle to speed up it was stuck at 40 I had gotten the gas pedal to the ground and no acceleration the RPM were jumping up but the miles per hour were not so I I tried to let it drop down in speed and then tried to accelerate again and at that point I could not get the vehicle over 60 I pulled over turned off the vehicle waited and then restarted it and tried to continue on to the freeway and the car would not go over 60 miles per hour. I had my car t…”
NHTSA complaint #11595839, 2024

Visibility 3

“The contact had rented a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, both the front passenger and rear passenger's side windows exploded. The contact stated that there was no external cause to the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired, and was returned to the vehicle rental company. The failure mileage was 4,537. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #11514011, 2023

“Friday 12/16 car was being driven at 55 MPH on a rural road with no traffic around it when the Panoramic Sunroof exploded. Very loud boom and my wife thought she had a blow out. Immediately pulled over to check the vehicle. No tire or body damage was found until she looked on top of the vehicle. Total back panel of the Sunroof (over the back seat area) had shattered and appeared to be raising up in the middle of the glass. She had no other options so she drove the car on home. As she drove home glass fell down onto the sunshade as the glass came apart. I have reported the incident to Ki…”
NHTSA complaint #11498521, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRIM PIECE LOCATED UNDER THE WINDSHIELD REFLECTED A DISTRACTING GLARE FROM THE VENTS ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFLECTION OBSTRUCTED HIS VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 0.”
NHTSA complaint #11412791, 2020

Firerelated 2 2 fire 3 injury

“The vehicle was not even 3.5 years old, it had been serviced in February 2023 and there was no warning before the fire began. The vehicle stopped accelerating and I immediately pulled over. The fire began as soon as I stopped the car and the vehicle was engulfed within minutes. My daughter and I were in the car. We barely escaped before the vehicle was on fire. I did not have a vehicle hitch on the vehicle and this was unrelated to the vehicle recall notice that I received several weeks after my incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11542902, 2023 · fire · 2 injury(ies)

“Driving back from vacation from California to Texas we smelled smoke and then within minutes of trying to pull over from highway the car was on fire. Got burt on my face and hand,second degree burn. CW”
NHTSA complaint #11486479, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 4 injury

“I was driving on the highway at 65 mph with other flow of triffid. As I was crested a hill, I had notice ahead there was emergency vehicles ahead about half-three quarter mile and I had let go of the accelerator. By the time I had looked down in front of me there was a vehicle that appeared to not have stopped due to not seeing any brake lights. By the time I realized the vehicle had stopped, I rear ended him. During the collision the was six people in the vehicle including myself. Me, my wife and four of our children. Ages 13, 11, 7 & 2. The 2 yr old was in a car seat. Out of the the 6 seatbe…”
NHTSA complaint #11438180, 2021 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“Driver seatbelts randomly unlatches itself while operating vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11733472, 2026

Suspension 2

“While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of incident. I was unable to drive it afterwards as the entire back left wheel was completely detached. I had to get the vehicle towed back to my house then eventually to Kia. Kia will not admit faulty…”
NHTSA complaint #11535395, 2023

“We bought a brand new 2020 Kia Sorento on [XXX]. A little after a year we started to notice noises from the wheel hubs. Kia has replaced the tires thinking that was the problem, but it failed to be fixed. We have replaced Rotors, wheels, hubs and bearings but the problem persists. The last facility that replaced all 4-wheel hub bearings assembly said that since we have brought the vehicle to 4 different locations and the problem persist that we should write a complaint to nhtsa.gov. We feel unsafe to drive the kia due to the noise which is very loud. There are no warning lights on in the vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11628051, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 2

“This morning, I had the software upgrade patch applied to my 2020 Kia Sorento that was supposed to fix the potential theft issue. After that service appointment, I started a 2 hour road trip. We stopped for gas and when we went into the store, I noticed that my car was not sounding the horn when I hit the key FOB twice like normal. I went back to the car and saw that the car was in fact not locked. I was able to lock the car manually, but had I not paid attention, someone could have snuck into my unlocked car. Later in the roadtrip, I needed to clean my windshield using wiperfluid and wiper…”
NHTSA complaint #11520786, 2023

“RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CATASTROPHICALLY EXPLODED. RESIDENTIAL STREET APPROX 10MPH. BREAKING FOR STOP SIGN. TEMPERATURE 63F. OVERCAST. WINDS RELATIVELY HIGH(APPROX 20+ MPH). NO SIGN OF IMPACT. IVE HAD THE VEHICLE 7 MONTHS. COULD HAVE CAUSE OPTICAL INJURY IF A SMALL PASSENGER OR CHILD SEAT WAS IN THAT LOCATION. WINDOW SHATTERED INTO THOUSANDS OF SMALL PIECES COVERING 1/2 OF THE REAR SEAT AREA. NO PREVIOUS DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11400254, 2021

Wheels 2

“While driving on freeway, approximately 70mph, on my way to work, I all of a sudden without warning was unable to control my vehicle with the steering wheel. Somehow I seemed to have lost control of the steering wheel and the vehicle spun around. I could have collided with another vehicle or could have been hit by oncoming traffic, but thankfully I was not near to any other vehicles at the time of incident. I was unable to drive it afterwards as the entire back left wheel was completely detached. I had to get the vehicle towed back to my house then eventually to Kia. Kia will not admit faulty…”
NHTSA complaint #11535395, 2023

“I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SORENTO. AFTER ABOUT 7000 MILES I NOTICED CHUNKS OF RUBBER MISSING FROM MY TIRES. I CALLED KHUMO THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO KIA. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND THEY DID NOTHING. NOW I HAVE 20000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND THE SAME TIRES ARE CUPPING. THIS IS GOING TO END UP WITH SOMEONE DYING AND I DO NOT WANT TO BE THAT PERSON.”
NHTSA complaint #11414351, 2020

Back Over Prevention 1

“I was at a stop sign waiting for my turn to go and I got hit from behind”
NHTSA complaint #11647848, 2025

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Kia Sorento draws about 18.7 complaints per year on the road, ranking 11 of 13 among the Kia Sorento model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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