2020 Kia Sorento Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 14%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,594miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Kia Sorento, 14% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,594 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2025-07“While adding the anti theft software to our 2020 sorento they short circuited the BLM which is the brain box for the vehicle. They have had the car for 4 weeks now and they say the have the part on order but they do not know when the part will be sent. In the mean while they are making us pay for a rental car on our credit card until the part comes in and then will reimburse us.”
NHTSA complaint #11524619, filed 2023-05“I had my recalls on my vehicle completed by a kia dealership and need that to reflect in your system for my vin so I can ship my vehicle due to military permanent change of duty station orders. I will be shipping my vehicle on 31 May 2023 and need this resolved prior to doing so. Please assist ASAP. Thank you!”
NHTSA complaint #11522970, filed 2023-05“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, filed 2026-07“There already is a recall for my problem, NHTSA Recall #22V703, but Kia has refused to honor the recall after my vehicle electrical wires started burning, exactly as warned in the Recall. Kia asserts that the trailer hitch and wiring was not installed by Kia, but in fact it was installed by a Kia Dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11498880, filed 2022-12Related service bulletins
- 11037387Sep 10, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC365) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting an important Voluntary Emissions…
- 11037384Sep 9, 2026Sc365_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11037383Sep 9, 2026Sc365_poc: proof of correction card
- 11037382Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC365) – This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding…
- 11037381Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is…
- 11037380Sep 9, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC365) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting an important…
- 11037385Sep 8, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions‑related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU)…
- 11029979Mar 6, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11024469Oct 23, 2025Sc340_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
- 11024468Oct 23, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC340) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 | 22 | 29% |
| 2024 | 11 | 25% |
| 2023 | 38 | 30% |
| 2022 | 31 | 16% |
| 2021 | 47 | 18% |
| 2020 | 20 | 14% |
| 2019 | 68 | 16% |
| 2018 | 30 | 12% |
| 2017 | 97 | 12% |
| 2016 | 107 | 8% |
| 2015 | 58 | 8% |
| 2014 | 153 | 15% |
| 2013 | 116 | 12% |
| 2012 | 127 | 14% |
| 2011 | 246 | 16% |
| 2009 | 14 | 25% |
| 2008 | 32 | 15% |
| 2007 | 21 | 14% |
| 2006 | 53 | 22% |
| 2005 | 49 | 16% |
| 2004 | 28 | 13% |
| 2003 | 29 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Sorento
67 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsBrakes
5 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 29, 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