Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems for the 2020 Kia Sorento include engine problems, electrical system problems, and transmission problems.
One recall has been issued for this vehicle and concerns the tow hitch harness and a circuit board within it.
When looking to purchase a new vehicle, consumers often wade through seas of information like ConsumerReports articles, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s website, Cars.com, and more.
This research can be extensive and exhausting, which is why we have summarized the most common complaints for the 2020 Kia Sorento here in this article!
We will also go over the lemon law and how you can use it to receive compensation for purchasing a warrantied but defective vehicle.
Common 2020 Kia Sorento Problems
- Engine Problems: Engine failure, loss of power, overheating, oil draining, engine stalling
- Electrical System Problems: Wires burning
- Transmission Problems: Problems shifting gears, gear slippage, stuttering gears
2020 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
Of all the problems a vehicle can encounter, engine problems are likely some of the most dangerous and impactful on the driving experience.
When a vehicle’s engine is not working properly, it can cause anything from a loss of motive power to the vehicle combusting and being totaled.
Consumers who own a 2020 Kia Sorento reported engine failure, losses of power, overheating, oil draining, and engine stalling as the main issues they encountered.
Any of these issues, once discovered, should prompt a trip to the mechanic for inspection and repair.
2020 Kia Sorento Electrical System Problems
Electrical system problems are unfortunately fairly common in modern vehicles simply because there are a lot of different systems in a vehicle and therefore a higher likelihood that one or two may malfunction.
In the 2020 Kia Sorento, consumers mentioned their wires burning and their vehicles catching fire. This was most likely related to the recall that Kia issued.
Kia issued a recall for the 2020 Kia Sorento in September 2022 concerning the tow hitch harness, which contains a circuit board which can catch fire if exposed to moisture.
Kia recommended for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer to be inspected and repaired. The NHTSA Recall ID is 22V703.
What Sorento Owners Mention
“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.”
“Car has 11,000 miles had for over 1 year and now it is having problems. Makes loud noise like you ran over something, but nothing in the road. First time the engine RPM went to over 4000, like an old manual transmission in the wrong gear. Took to dealer can’t fix – No CODE Happened again this time all the light about front end collision system needed checking, Will see what happen when I take back to the dealer this time.”
“My main concern is reliability and with this vehicle that,s a lone star. It looks nice, its comfortable but unreliable mechanically. And that “great manufacturer’s warranty” has a lot of loop holes in it.”
The Advantages of the Lemon Law
Most states in the U.S. have a lemon law to protect consumers who buy or lease cars with warranties that turn out to have defects.
Despite advancements in manufacturing, some cars still become “lemons,” meaning they have defects that affect their use, value, or safety.
Lemon laws provide solutions in these cases, ensuring consumers can receive a refund or a replacement vehicle instead being stuck with a defective one.
If a car exhibits issues within its original warranty period, the manufacturer or seller is obligated to repair the defects. If the car cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, the consumer is typically entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
The lemon law process begins when a consumer discovers a defect in their vehicle and takes it in for repairs to an authorized manufacturer dealership.
If the repair fails, the consumer should continue seeking repairs. Once there have been repeat repairs or if the vehicle has been out of service for an extended number of days due to warranty repairs, the consumer may meet the lemon law standard, typically two to four attempts in most states or 30+ days out of service.
It’s crucial to document these repairs carefully, as this evidence will be essential in proving that the vehicle is indeed a lemon.
Once it becomes evident that the vehicle is likely a lemon, the consumer should consider bringing a lemon law claim.
Having a skilled lemon law attorney is highly recommended, as they understand the process in detail and can help the consumer make decisions throughout the claim.
If a consumer wins their case against the manufacturer, their attorney’s fees and costs are typically paid for by the defense, so the legal representation doesn’t cost the consumer anything.
Overcome Vehicle Issues with the Lemon Law Experts!
Lemon laws are powerful tools that fight for consumer rights, but they don’t do it by themselves.
Consumers must bring claims against manufacturers in order to protect their rights and be compensated for purchasing a defective vehicle.
Consider the Lemon Law Experts for your legal representation if you intend to file a lemon law claim against a manufacturer for selling you a lemon!
Our team of attorneys have been working with consumers like you since 2009 and would love to represent you in your case.
You can reach us by phone at (877) 885-5366 or through the online form to receive a free case evaluation today!
