2020 Kia Sportage

● Typical for this model

2020 Kia Sportage
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:59:45.900Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2020: 160 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	380
2014	122
2015	146
2016	131
2017	399
2018	163
2019	70
2020	160
2021	50
2022	46
2023	190
2024	68
2025	50
2026	26

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 46%

46% of complaints: engine — 73 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show 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

Need an engine replaced for the infamous knocking of the motor from the previous class action but my model isnât covered. Ridiculous to need a new engine on a less than 5 year old car

NHTSA ODI report, 20260813

While driving on the expressway posted speed 65 was doing 70, left lane driving, suddenly my check engine light started flashing, my oil light came on and my vehicle started slowing down.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260813

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and key/sender.

FIRE

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING/TURNING LEFT OUT OF A SCHOOL PARKING LOT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, ALL CARS STARTING MOVING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20191226

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body.

INJURY

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, 20230914

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210430 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230727 — trailer hitches

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

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires