Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Kia Sportage: recalls and problems

2 recalls and 161 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

2recalls
161complaints
11crashes reported
12fires reported
8injuries reported
2 recalls with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine74 · 46%
  • Unknown Or Other31 · 19%
  • Electrical System19 · 12%
  • Structure10 · 6%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling9 · 6%
  • Steering8 · 5%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System7 · 4%
  • Service Brakes6 · 4%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance6 · 4%
  • Service Brakes (Hydraulic)6 · 4%

What owners report

Engine

My daughter's 2020 kia sportage s was purchased september 22, 2025 from a nissan dealership with 96,574 miles on it. it dove great. she used it less than 20 miles per day on residential streets to get to and from work and to church on sunday. it was not used for interstate or freeway driving. by june of 2026, we noticed that it was requiring more oil between oil changes. the oil level was checked at least once ev

Power Train

High oil consumption burning a quart of oil every 500-600 miles.

Engine

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. acceleration was not an option, causing hazardous conditions to have to put my hazards on and cross two lanes of heavy traffic. vehicle went into limp mode. vehicle was caught up on an oil change, and was regularly checked and fille

Engine

Need an engine replaced for the infamous knocking of the motor from the previous class action but my model isn’t covered. ridiculous to need a new engine on a less than 5 year old car

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Kia Sportage SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2020 Kia Sportage SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Sportage. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.