2020 Kia Sportage
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 166
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 166 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
48% · 79 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I was driving and my vehicle and saw smoke and it caught on fire and burnt..
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-22
Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes
Tl* the contact owned a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact was at a red light when a smoke odor was detected and another driver informed him that black smoke was coming from the exhaust.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-03-10
Rod Bearing failure June 29,2026 with prior Kia manufacturer recalls June 19,2023: (1.) SC206, HECU fire Recall, a serious safety recall regarding the Hydraulic Electronic Control unit.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-12
Electrical system
12% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and key/sender.
Service brakes
8% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving/turning left out of a school parking lot, the light turned green, all cars starting moving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-26
Structure
6% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2020 KIA SPORTAGE WAS STOLEN AFTER THE RECALL WHERE KIA INDICATED THE RECALL WOULD DETECT THAT A KEY WAS NOT INSERTED AND WOULD SHUT DOWN CAR. THIS DID NOT WORK BECAUSE MY CAR WAS STOLEN AFTER THE RECALL!!!
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-14
Steering
5% · 9 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-04-30Service brakes, hydraulic21V137000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
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.
-
I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 79 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V137000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Kia Sportage reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Kia Sportage is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sportage have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.