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 PER YEAR
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 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 130 |
| 2017 | 394 |
| 2018 | 158 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 153 |
| 2021 | 46 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 182 |
| 2024 | 64 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 19 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
45% of complaints: engine — 69 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20210310
10% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20230914
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 21V137000 — check if this car was fixed
Loss of Motive Power
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.
Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sportage have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.