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2020 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Sportage do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 37 of 160 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 73 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports12 fire reports7 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

31 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Car has barely any power and it will not accelerate more than 40 mph. It stutters from a stop to moving at a red light like it’s going to stall out. Will not do steep hills without almost no power and a stalling sound and bucking. Not sure what’s wrong but I think I was sold a lemon and I am not happy. I need my vehicle to c…

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Car has barely any power and it will not accelerate more than 40 mph. It stutters from a stop to moving at a red light like it’s going to stall out. Will not do steep hills without almost no power and a stalling sound and bucking. Not sure what’s wrong but I think I was sold a lemon and I am not happy. I need my vehicle to continue working to make money to support my family! The car is not that old and has less than 30,000 miles. It’s a 2020 and has been getting worse and worse. I’ve had a few issues since I got it only 6 months ago. It was a used vehicle from 1 owner and should not be having so many issues already. Please help

NHTSA ODI #11562697

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2023
StructureUnknown Or OtherInjury

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!!! CAUSING EXTREME DURESS AND FINCIAL DISTRESS. THIS RECALL WAS JUST A SMOKE SCREEN TO LET EVERYONE THINK IT WAS FIXED …

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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!!! CAUSING EXTREME DURESS AND FINCIAL DISTRESS. THIS RECALL WAS JUST A SMOKE SCREEN TO LET EVERYONE THINK IT WAS FIXED AND THAN TACK A COUPLE SECURITY STUFF ON THE WINDOWS. WHEN IS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH AND THE NHTSA FINALLY MAKES KIA RECALL THERE CARS AND INSTALL AN IMOBILIZER AS PER NHTSA CODE.

NHTSA ODI #11544622

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2023
Unknown Or Other

On the evening of Saturday, August 5, while driving to dinner with my wife, an unexpected and startling incident occurred with my 2020 Kia Sportage. The sunroof of my vehicle suddenly exploded with a sound resembling a gunshot. There were no apparent signs of debris or any external force from another vehicle that could have caus…

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On the evening of Saturday, August 5, while driving to dinner with my wife, an unexpected and startling incident occurred with my 2020 Kia Sportage. The sunroof of my vehicle suddenly exploded with a sound resembling a gunshot. There were no apparent signs of debris or any external force from another vehicle that could have caused the glass to shatter. This incident was both unexpected and concerning, highlighting a safety issue that requires investigation and potential resolution by the manufacturer or authorized service center.

NHTSA ODI #11540212

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2023
Electrical SystemLane DepartureUnknown Or Other

Fuse out and back doesn't open by its self. Not sure if it's supposed to . I don't remember and the guy who sold it to me no longer works there. I was in park and the lane assist came on .

NHTSA ODI #11511063

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other

My engine seized while driving. I had it immediately towed to the local Kia dealership for inspection. The technician found that the oil drain plug was missing and the engine seized needing a complete engine repair for about $14,000. There was no indication from my vehicle that oil pressure was low or that maintenance was req…

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My engine seized while driving. I had it immediately towed to the local Kia dealership for inspection. The technician found that the oil drain plug was missing and the engine seized needing a complete engine repair for about $14,000. There was no indication from my vehicle that oil pressure was low or that maintenance was required. My vehicle only had 23,027 miles on it when it seized and I take my vehicle to be serviced as required. Warranty said that they will not cover the repair for my vehicle for (outside influence) because I did not get my oil change at a Kia Dealership. I have been denied by Kia customer care with every attempt to get my car repaired under warranty and I continue to be denied. I had my oil changed three months prior to the drain plug falling out and I did not need an oil change for another 2000 miles. This is a brand new vehicle with very low mileage and as a Kia customer I am not protected and with the oil drain plug just mysteriously falling out months after oil change. KIA Warranty continues to deny this and I am suffering greatly with no resolution. The oil company assured that a serious check and cross check, in addition to other procedures, are performed on every oil change that they perform. And their certified lube technicians will never use a pneumatic/power tool to tighten oil drain plugs, and it is done manually using a torque wrench to the manufacturer's specified torque. Even with this information Kia Warranty has continued to deny fixing my vehicle for outside influence. I am desperately seeking a resolution.

NHTSA ODI #11497988

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Where you insert the Key to start the car can be broken and started with a cell phone charger which intern makes it a target car theft. No safety whatsoever. My Kia was stolen in St. Louis Missouri along with hundreds of others if not thousands. I do have a police report along with everyone else in the city who has one too. No o…

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Where you insert the Key to start the car can be broken and started with a cell phone charger which intern makes it a target car theft. No safety whatsoever. My Kia was stolen in St. Louis Missouri along with hundreds of others if not thousands. I do have a police report along with everyone else in the city who has one too. No one should be able to start a car with a cell phone charger.

NHTSA ODI #11489404

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2022
Unknown Or Other

My car was stolen August 4, 2022. My 2020 Kia Sportage was stolen out of my yard they smashed the back window face they busted the column and they use my iPhone charger to steal my car. It took 43 days for me to get back. I’m scared to park the car anywhere I don’t want the car anymore.

NHTSA ODI #11485536

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or Other

Over 5,000 vehicles are being stolen because of a defect in the steering and ignition of kia cars made between 2011 and 2020 just in my area where i live. I bought a $28,000 car that I can't even drive to work or to a store unless I have someone with me to stay in the car. I couldn't even take grandkids to a fest this past wee…

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Over 5,000 vehicles are being stolen because of a defect in the steering and ignition of kia cars made between 2011 and 2020 just in my area where i live. I bought a $28,000 car that I can't even drive to work or to a store unless I have someone with me to stay in the car. I couldn't even take grandkids to a fest this past weekend cause I don't want it to get stolen. I even have to walk to work despite owning a car that I just bought four months ago. Kia dealer did not tell me about the flaw or defect. They did not tell me that kia can be started with a USB cord or I would not have bought it. They failed to tell me that so many kia's were being stolen and I would not have bought it. They are hiding flaws and defects and costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and nothing is being done about it. Do I have so spend more money to file a class action or is the NHTSA going to finally stop and make Kia issue a recall? Stolen Kia's are wasting police officer times and city money to recover and while causing damage to other vehicles and lives of other people when they flee and a pursuit exists? When is enough is enough? This is a safety issue because these are kids stealing them and crashing them and hurting other people. Are you going to wait until someone gets killed from fleeing stolen cars before you do something?

NHTSA ODI #11482930

Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2022
Unknown Or OtherFire

Driving on hwy going to pass a car look and the mirror and was black smoke Minutes later I was trying to get out of the car took car to the shoulder car was on fire Totally lost no answers yet over what happened be careful second Kia Sportage lost

NHTSA ODI #11476817

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2022
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Since I took delivery of the Sportage on 1/18/20, there has been a fuel leak. On three occasions, I asked Kirby Kia to check it and they said there was no problem. I notice that they did not include on their paperwork my requests to inspect this problem. The gas fumes are so strong that if I'm idling or stopped in traffic, I h…

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Since I took delivery of the Sportage on 1/18/20, there has been a fuel leak. On three occasions, I asked Kirby Kia to check it and they said there was no problem. I notice that they did not include on their paperwork my requests to inspect this problem. The gas fumes are so strong that if I'm idling or stopped in traffic, I have to close all my windows and set air to recirculate. I am a senior and need someone to step in and help with this issue. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI #11476681

Official recalls

2

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 4, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

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. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems