NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Sorento scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 128 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Kia Sorento achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. While its NHTSA crash test scores are notable, a recall requiring the vehicle to be parked outside due to fire risk, coupled with a defect record scoring 10/20, introduces a tempering nuance. This presents a competitive safety profile for a used SUV, but with specific issues warranting attention.
The 2020 Kia Sorento SUV AWD received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Sorento ranks 62 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 128 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 62 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Sorento?
The 2020 Kia Sorento's Safety Index of 82/100 represents a one-point gain over the 2019 model's 81/100, a modest but directionally positive movement within the same Strong band. The story behind that score is uneven. Crash protection is the clear strength, contributing 66 of a possible 70 points, a figure anchored by the NHTSA five-star overall, five-star frontal, and five-star side ratings. The rollover score of four stars and a 16 percent rollover risk rate are within normal range for a mid-size SUV. Where this model year loses ground is in the avoidance tech score of 6/10, because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard. Only electronic stability control comes standard. The defect record score of 10/20 reflects the weight of the single trailer hitch recall, which carries a park-outside designation, the most serious classification in MotorCaliber's framework. The 128 complaints, including alleged fires and injuries, concentrate heavily in the Engine and Electrical System categories, patterns that a prospective buyer should weigh carefully alongside the recall status.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Sorento perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Sorento AWD achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This included 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash tests. The rollover assessment resulted in 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" finding in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14398
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Sorento carries one recall campaign, and it is a serious one flagged as a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign. The recall involves trailer hitches across a broad range of Sorento model years, issued by Kia America. Any used buyer must verify whether the remedy has been completed on the specific VIN before driving.
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Reported 2022-09-19
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Sorento?
NHTSA has received 128 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Engine (63 reports), Unknown Or Other (23), Electrical System (18), Power Train (17), Fuel/Propulsion System (9), and Trailer Hitches (9). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
128 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Sorento?
A significant safety alert accompanies the 2020 Kia Sorento, specifically concerning a trailer hitch recall that carries a park-outside designation. This means an unrepaired vehicle poses a serious enough risk that it should not be parked in an enclosed space. Prospective owners of a used 2020 Sorento should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm this critical remedy has been performed.
- The 2020 Sorento's single recall is a park-outside campaign tied to trailer hitches, the most serious recall classification, and remedy completion must be verified by VIN before use.
- A defect record score of 10/20 is the primary drag on this model year's Safety Index of 82/100, despite near-perfect crash test scores contributing 66/70 in crash protection.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this model year, not standard, which holds the avoidance tech score to 6/10 and distinguishes this year from vehicles where those systems come equipped by default.
- NHTSA has logged 128 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Engine category alone accounting for 63 alleged reports, a concentration that used shoppers should note when reviewing a specific vehicle's history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Sorento places
The 2020 Kia Sorento qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Sorento safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Sorento crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Sorento, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Sorento crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Kia Sorento earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sorento have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Kia Sorento, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Sorento?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 128 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Sorento. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sorento years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14398), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sorento 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 62 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.