2020 Kia Sorento: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The 2020 Sorento is a comfortable, V6-available 3-row value pick with relatively few complaints, though it shares the generation's Theta-era engine history; a documented engine and oil-service record matters. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Kia Sorento ranged from $26,990 to $40,090 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The 2020 Sorento is a comfortable, V6-available 3-row value pick with relatively few complaints, though it shares the generation's Theta-era engine history; a documented engine and oil-service record matters.
Sources (4)
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/kia-sorento-reliability-and-common-problems/
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/kia-sorento-engine-problems/
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2017-kia-sorento/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
Known issues
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Theta II 2.4L GDI and 2.0T turbo engines can suffer connecting-rod-bearing failure, oil consumption, stalling and in some cases fire, covered by engine recalls, a knock-sensor (KSDS) software update and a large class settlement; most acute on 2016-2018.
widespread · 519 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–120k miles · engine
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Certain 2016-2017 models with the 3.3L V6 were recalled for crankshafts that may have been improperly heat-treated and can fail.
occasional · 80 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Electronic power-steering complaints, warning lights, heavier effort or intermittent assist loss, were common on early gen-3 cars.
occasional · 94 NHTSA complaints · steering
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Exterior paint and clearcoat (notably bright and Snow White Pearl finishes) can peel, bubble or flake with no formal recall remedy.
commonly reported · 60 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (10)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sorento&m…
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/kia-sorento-engine-problems/
- safetyresearch.nethttps://safetyresearch.net/hyundai-kias-billion-dollar-engine-problem-that-br…
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/new-hyundai-kia-engine-failure-settlement-co…
- autosafety.orghttps://www.autosafety.org/vehicle-safety-check/2017-kia-sorento/
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/kia-sorento-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Comfortable, quiet cabin with strong value and equipment.
- Available smooth V6 and a roomy, genuinely usable 3-row layout.
- Long 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty when bought new.
Cons
- V6 fuel economy is unremarkable.
- Paint and clearcoat durability problems on some colors.
- Theta II 2.4/2.0T GDI engines carry real failure risk, insist on service records and completed engine and KSDS recalls.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $26,990 | discontinued | — | — |
| LX | $28,090 | $32,390 | — | — |
| S | $33,190 | $35,290 | — | — |
| EX | $35,490 | $38,490 | — | — |
| SX | $40,090 | $42,290 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-kia-sorento-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sorento-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,990). Higher trims started higher (up to $40,090), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 27% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sorento/resale-value
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sorento
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/kia/sorento/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Kia Sorento have?
Documented issue patterns include: Theta II 2.4L GDI and 2.0T turbo engines can suffer connecting-rod-bearing failure, oil consumption, stalling and in some cases fire, covered by engine recalls, a knock-sensor (KSDS) software update and a large class settlement; most acute on 2016-2018; Certain 2016-2017 models with the 3.3L V6 were recalled for crankshafts that may have been improperly heat-treated and can fail; Electronic power-steering complaints, warning lights, heavier effort or intermittent assist loss, were common on early gen-3 cars; Exterior paint and clearcoat (notably bright and Snow White Pearl finishes) can peel, bubble or flake with no formal recall remedy. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Kia Sorento reliable?
The 2020 Sorento is a comfortable, V6-available 3-row value pick with relatively few complaints, though it shares the generation's Theta-era engine history; a documented engine and oil-service record matters.
How much did the 2020 Kia Sorento cost new?
Between $26,990 and $40,090 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Sorento expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $500–550/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.