Kia · Known Issues
2020 Kia Sorento Problems: 13 Known Issues
2020 model year · 534+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2020 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2020 model year · 534+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2020 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 534+ owner reports, the 2020 Kia Sorento has 13 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are P0300 — Random/Multiple Misfire from Theta II GDI Ignition Coils, Carbon Buildup, or Low Oil / CVVT Starvation ($150-$600 repair), P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1) from Clogged OCV, Stretched Timing Chain, or Low Oil ($150-$1,500 repair) and AWD Coupling Failure and Grinding Noise ($800-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Clunk with 534 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sorento vehicles. The air bag warning labels on the driver and front passenger sun visors may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire.
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 534+ owner reports, the 2020 Kia Sorento has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: P0300 — Random/Multiple Misfire from Theta II GDI Ignition Coils, Carbon Buildup, or Low Oil / CVVT Starvation, P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1) from Clogged OCV, Stretched Timing Chain, or Low Oil, AWD Coupling Failure and Grinding Noise. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2020 Kia Sorento has 13 known issues documented across 534+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: P0300 — Random/Multiple Misfire from Theta II GDI Ignition Coils, Carbon Buildup, or Low Oil / CVVT Starvation and P0016 — Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1) from Clogged OCV, Stretched Timing Chain, or Low Oil and AWD Coupling Failure and Grinding Noise. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Kia Sorento issues range from $30 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, P0300 — Random/Multiple Misfire from Theta II GDI Ignition Coils, Carbon Buildup, or Low Oil / CVVT Starvation, typically costs $150-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
On the Kia Sorento, a P0300 random/multiple-cylinder misfire most often appears on the 2.4L Theta II GDI four-cylinder (G4KE/G4KJ) and 2.0T, typically in the 2011-2020 XM/UM generations. Because GDI does not wash fuel over the intake valves, carbon accumulates and disturbs airflo… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: high.
P0016 means the crankshaft and Bank 1 camshaft positions no longer line up within spec. On the Sorento's Theta II 2.4L GDI and Lambda V6 (2011-2020), the leading causes are a failing/clogged CVVT Oil Control Valve (OCV) and, on higher-mileage engines, a stretched timing chain or… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: high.
The electronically-controlled AWD coupling (transfer case) in Sorentos fails due to worn clutch packs inside the coupling unit. The coupling is responsible for distributing torque to the rear wheels and uses a multi-plate clutch actuated by an electric motor. When the clutch pack… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.
P0011 indicates the Bank 1 intake camshaft is over-advanced — the CVVT phaser is stuck or the ECM cannot control it. On the Sorento's Theta II 2.4L GDI (and Lambda V6), the overwhelming cause is a failing intake-side Oil Control Valve (OCV/VVT solenoid) that sticks open or closed… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: medium.
The 3.3L Lambda II V6 engine in the Sorento develops oil pan gasket leaks, typically after 60,000-80,000 miles. The gasket material hardens and shrinks over time due to heat cycling, allowing oil to seep from the oil pan-to-block mating surface. The leak is slow initially but wor… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.
P0430 only applies to the V6 Sorento, since Bank 2 (the cylinder bank containing cylinders 2-4-6) exists solely on the 3.3L and 3.5L Lambda II V6 (2011-2020). The ECM sees the upstream and downstream oxygen-sensor signals tracking too closely on that bank, meaning the rear (post-… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
P0303 is a Cylinder 3-specific misfire on the Sorento, and the cylinder-3 ignition coil is the single most common cause — it sits directly on the plug and fails from internal shorts, cracked housing, or worn terminals. Worn spark plugs with widened gaps and GDI intake-valve carbo… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
P0301 is a dedicated Cylinder 1 misfire on the Sorento. The most common causes, in order, are a worn/fouled spark plug and a failing ignition coil at cylinder 1 (each Theta II GDI cylinder has its own coil-on-plug). A clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 1 is next — frequ… Repairs typically run $150-$400. Severity: medium.
P0302 is a Cylinder 2-specific misfire on the Sorento. As with the other single-cylinder codes, the top causes are a failing cylinder-2 ignition coil and a worn spark plug, but on the Theta II GDI engine a distinctive contributor is carbon buildup on the intake valves — because d… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.
The 3rd generation Sorento (2016-2020) develops a noticeable clunking or popping sound from the steering column when turning at low speeds, particularly over bumps or during parking maneuvers. The issue originates from the intermediate steering shaft universal joint losing its lu… Repairs typically run $200-$650. Severity: low.
P0455 is a large/gross EVAP leak on the Sorento — a much bigger opening than P0442. On the 2012-2015 XM Sorento the most common cause is again a loose or faulty gas cap, but when the cap checks out the two prime suspects are the Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV) in the engine b… Repairs typically run $30-$500. Severity: low.
The panoramic sunroof on 2016+ Sorentos develops a persistent rattling noise, especially at highway speeds or on rough roads. The sunroof glass panel vibrates against its frame due to deteriorating seal material and insufficient dampening. Wind noise also increases as the seals l… Repairs typically run $50-$800. Severity: low.
P0442 signals a small evaporative-emissions leak on the Sorento. The single most common cause is a loose, worn, or poorly-sealing fuel (gas) cap. The next most common Sorento-specific culprit is the vapor canister Purge Control Solenoid Valve (PCSV), which lets fuel vapor pass fr… Repairs typically run $30-$400. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.