2020 Kia Sorento Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Kia Sorento, 4% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2021-02, 20,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11406564, filed 2021-04, 12,000 miles“While driving my 2020 Kia Sorrento at low speeds, my brakes will lock up on me, and it sounds like metal to metal. Rubbing, I was almost rear, ended because of it. It feels like a very hard grab. This is happened quite a few times and I am a commuter so it’s very scary not knowing when this is going to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11546800, filed 2023-09“Was approaching a light at 40 mph when light turned green. Road was slightly wet. Applied break and it would not engage. Went thru red light and fortunately no car had started thru intersection. Pumped breaks snd they finally engaged but engine was not steady. Kind of up and down on speed 1/8/2022 at snot 4 pm”
NHTSA complaint #11446765, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 33% |
| 2025 | 6 | 8% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 12 | 10% |
| 2022 | 18 | 9% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 4% |
| 2019 | 14 | 3% |
| 2018 | 8 | 3% |
| 2017 | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 2% |
| 2015 | 37 | 5% |
| 2014 | 84 | 9% |
| 2013 | 88 | 9% |
| 2012 | 103 | 12% |
| 2011 | 132 | 9% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 27 | 12% |
| 2007 | 24 | 16% |
| 2006 | 26 | 11% |
| 2005 | 14 | 5% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 24 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Sorento
67 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Sorento
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology