2020 KIA Sportage

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2025· STRUCTURE

  clear coat peeling inspected by dealer

• 12/30/2023· 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 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

• 12/29/2025· STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURECrash

  Vehicle has excessive wandering, that is intermittent, during traffic, surrounding traffic on freeways and on slight wind and rain. The vehicle exhibits behavior that is very very unstable.. I’ve had the vehicle for about three years and it’s been doing this for about two years now intermittently I recently took it into the Kia dealership in Stocton to have it looked at nothing was determined other than the state of the problem.

• 12/29/2025· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  We only have 58,000 on our car . We had extremely low oil and light never came on it blinked randomly. We still had 2,000 miles left before oil change was due . Car was almost bone dry if we did not check we would have been in big trouble.We were told these cars are known to burn oil and we should come in every 3/4 weeks depending on how much we drive to have oil added . This is ridiculous! If this place is right about burning oil that should be recalled and fixed and covered . If this is the case, and not honored repair we will never get a Kia ever again . I am reaching out to others as this is clearly a big issue ,not being addressed by anyone:(

• 12/28/2021· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  Oxt 2021 check engine light illuminated on my 2020 Kia Sportage. Code P242200 was pulled. service technician replaced the Canister Close Valve due to sticking open. Nov 2, 2021 the check engine illuminated again during a trip out of state. During the trip the engine light would go from illuminated to off a number of times. The car was returned to the dealer on November 16, 2021 The service technician retrieved code 2422 and contacted Kia tech line. It was decided to drop the fuel tank and inspect the evap canister. Spiders (yellow sac spiders) were found on the canister and webbing and spiders found in lines. Since this was an “environmental” condition and not mechanical defect this service was not covered under warranty or by a Tech Service Bulletin. At issue is that this problem (spiders being drawn to the evap canister and fuel lines) has previously been identified by the Automotive industry circa 2004 to present. This is clearly a safety defect that could cause fuel tanks or lines to rupture and environmental issues the affected parts were meant to help prevent. At issue is that this problem (spiders being drawn to the evap canister and fuel lines) has previously been identified by the Automotive industry circa 2004 to present. This is clearly a safety defect that could cause fuel tanks or lines to rupture and environmental issues the affected parts were meant to help prevent. See additional attachments.

• 12/26/2019· SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  WHILE DRIVING/TURNING LEFT OUT OF A SCHOOL PARKING LOT, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, ALL CARS STARTING MOVING. GOING ABOUT 10-12 MPH, THE CAR IN FRONT SLAMS ON BREAKS, THE SAFETY FEATURE ALERTED ME AS WELL BUT WHEN ATTEMPTED TO PRESS ON THE BRAKES, THEY WERE RESISTING. I COULD NOT BRAKE AND HAD NO CONTROL OF STOPPING. THE WEATHER WAS DRY AND SUNNY THAT DAY. ABOUT 35 DEGREES.

• 12/23/2025· ENGINE

  I own a 2020 Kia Sportage that is currently within the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The vehicle has been experiencing EXCESSIVE oil consumption, requiring oil to be added between scheduled oil changes, despite no visible leaks or warning indicators. I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to Kia's recommended maintenance schedule. Oil changes were performed regularly, including some done at home. For those oil changes, I have provided bank statements showing the purchases of oil and filters from Autozone, which is a valid form of maintenance. There is NO evidence that improper maintenance caused the oil consumption. The vehicle was kept by the Kia dealership for 18 days during their evaluation. Despite providing documentation and cooperation throughout the process, Kia denied my warranty claim. Denying warranty coverage solely due to oil changes performed at home is not consistent with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires proof that improper maintenance directly caused the failure.

• 12/23/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine oil light was flashing and turning on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that an oil consumption test was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

• 12/21/2025· ENGINE

  The engine failed catastrophically while the vehicle was in operation. The failure involved internal engine components and resulted in the vehicle losing power. The vehicle is currently at a Kia dealership and is available for inspection upon request. I was driving at highway speeds with my children in the vehicle when the engine failure occurred. The sudden loss of power created a dangerous situation where I was unable to maintain speed with traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. I had to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic while vehicles were passing at high speed. Yes. The Kia dealership confirmed engine failure after inspection. The engine was deemed inoperable and required replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by a Kia dealership, and the issue was escalated to Kia America. Kia reviewed the case and denied warranty coverage. The vehicle remains available for further inspection if requested by NHTSA or the manufacturer. There were no immediate warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The engine failure occurred suddenly while driving on the highway, without sufficient warning to prevent the unsafe condition.

• 12/19/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  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.

• 12/17/2025· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle in for an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine was not consuming oil, which caused concern because the vehicle had previously been fueled by the contact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

• 12/11/2024· ENGINE

  I have a 2020 Kia Sportage and the engine failed at 48,000 mi. Car has two attempted thefts as well as one actual theft. Car Also has software upgrade required hello, car was still stolen after software upgrade was implemented as well as steering wheel lock. Car damage windows bus. Cars steering wheel locks stolen damaged door handles scratches to vehicle. I have not had this car for almost 47 days. I am behind in payments as well as still receiving premium insurance increases. This car is still able to be stolen although the software upgrades from Kia promise have not exactly worked. I am wishing for any resolution to this situation. Asking for help.

• 12/11/2024· VISIBILITY

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud popping sound, and the sunroof glass shattered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

• 12/11/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle overheated, and the contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle revved up and idled rough. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

• 12/11/2023· ENGINE

  Check engine light intermittently turned on for years. Took to dealership numerous times with no resolution. Was driving and vehicle overheated to the point I thought I was going to catch fire. Pulled over, had towed to dealership. They replaced 51 + parts and spent $15,900 on repairs just to give me back a vehicle that is a lemon. Car engine Revs louder than before. Terrifying after what was experienced.

• 12/08/2024· ENGINE

  On 12/1/24 I was driving my Kia Sportageto my home around 3pm. The car seemed completely fine and out of no where there was a large knocking noise and the car shut off and would not restart. I was in the middle of a main road and put me in a position of danger as oncoming cars were unable to see my hazards and I was almost hit several times till it was safe to get out of the vehicle. As of right now I was denied warranty work and I am still working with the dealer for a solution. What bothers me is I just spent $3000 less than 2 months ago to replace a cam actuator and timing chain and never once was a blown engine mentioned to me or that I should be concerned about one.

• 12/07/2023· ENGINE

  Engine started to consume oil. I'm now going through a quart or more of oil in a couple hundred miles. Dealerships are aware of an oil consumption issue with kids engines. This needs to be a recall because it can cause engine to sieze while driving or cause a fire.

• 12/06/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed at night, she became aware that the headlamps failed to provide adequate illumination, severely compromising vehicle safety while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the headlamps were within vehicle safety compliance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 6,000.

• 12/03/2025· ENGINE

  My car is a 2020 Kia sportage with 65,000 miles. We bought it bran new. Since we bought the car we've had problems. We took it to the Kia dealership and they did an oil consumption test. They said the car needed a new engine. Kia cooperation refuses to replace the engine and want us to pay for it because they due to lack of documented oil changes.

• 11/28/2024· WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKESCrash

  Car rolled down the hill despite being on Park with Parking breaks engaged

• 11/19/2025· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the vehicle required an oil change every month. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 11/19/2019· ENGINE

  KIA SENT ME A LETTER TELLING ME MY CAR IS SUBJECT TO A "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM" WHICH REQUIRES A PROGRAM UPDATE TO MY CARS ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. THIS IS BECAUSE MY ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE CATASTROPHIC BEARING FAILURE POSSIBLY DESTROYING THE ENGINE. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT THIS NOTICE SHOULD BE A RECALL NOTICE. THEY ARE NOT IMPROVING ANYTHING. THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED AND WON'T BE BY THIS SO CALLED 'PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM'. I ASKED KIA WHY THEY AREN'T FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINES AT THE FACTORY INSTEAD OF JUST ADDING AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM TO THE ECU? THIS IS ABSOLUTELY CRAZY. I DON'T WANT A BRAND NEW CAR THAT CAN POSSIBLY HAVE A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. I DON'T WANT A CAR THAT WARNS YOU THAT YOUR CAR IS ABOUT TO HAVE AN ENGINE FAILURE. THAT IS NOT A PROPER WAY AT ALL TO FIX A PROBLEM. YOU FIX A PROBLEM AT THE ENGINE FACTORY...NOT IN THE FIELD. I AM HAVING THIS PROGRAM UPDATE DONE TOMORROW AND THEN THE NEXT DAY I AM GETTING RID OF MY BRAND NEW 2020 KIA SPORTAGE AND BUYING A CAR, ANY CAR, THAT DOESN'T HAVE AN ENGINE THAT COULD POSSIBLY BLOW UP AT ANY TIME. KIA HAVE PUT THE ONUS OF THIS PROBLEM ON THE BACKS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. IT DOESN'T BELONG THERE. IT BELONGS ON KIA, NOT ME.

• 11/15/2023· STRUCTURE

  MY KIA 2020 SPORTAGE IS JUST OVER 3 YEARS OLD. THE PAINT AND CLEARCOAT IS PEELING ON THE LT AND RT DOOR MIRRORS AND REAR HATCH SUNSHADE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 26000 MILES ON IT. KIA IS REFUSING TO FIX THIS PAINT PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY SAID THEIR PAINT WARRANTY IS ONLY 36 MONTHS. I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM- LOOK ONLINE AND SEE ALL OF THE PAINT PEELING COMPLAINTS KIA HAS. THEY JUST TURN A BLING EYE TO THIS BIG PROBLEM. I HAVE A SHOP ESTIMATE FOR $800.00 TO REPAINT KIA'S POOR WORKMANSHIP. SORRY, SORRY CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM KIA.

• 11/05/2025· ENGINE

  I've had this car for a little over 3 years, after the 1st year of having the vehicle it started consuming more oil between oil changes. My low oil light would come on in-between oil changes and so I also carried extra oil with me. I just had a routine tune up with oil change and all new spark plugs and I new belt with pully motor 2 months ago. Now I need a whole new motor. It currently is only running on 3 cylinders and has exhaust coming up through the engine. All out of nowhere. Routine oil changes and tune ups, have all my receipts to prove how well kept up on it has been. Single mother without a vehicle and still 20 grand in debit over a car I can no longer drive.

• 11/02/2025· ENGINE

  While driving uphill on Interstate 15 North near Temecula, California, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power without warning. My speed dropped from approximately 75 mph to around 60 mph in heavy traffic. This unexpected loss of acceleration created an immediate safety hazard, as vehicles behind me were traveling at freeway speeds and I was nearly rear-ended. I had to maneuver from the far-left lane to the shoulder while the vehicle continued to lose power. Once stopped, the check engine light was flashing, and the engine temperature gauge showed extreme heat, raising concern for a potential fire. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where technicians confirmed a complete engine failure and recommended a full short-block replacement. The vehicle has been regularly serviced and has more than a dozen documented service visits, including visits for ongoing oil-consumption concerns. Despite this, the low oil warning light never illuminated when the engine oil level was low; the only alert that appeared was the routine maintenance reminder. The lack of a low oil warning contributed to undetected oil loss and sudden engine failure. This failure occurred at approximately 92,000 miles and mirrors previously reported engine and bearing defects in similar Kia models. The vehicle and documentation are available for inspection upon request.

• 11/02/2025· ENGINE

  Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption in Kia Vehicle I am writing to formally report a persistent safety and reliability concern regarding my Kia Sportage. Despite diligently maintaining the vehicle according to Kia’s recommendations, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. This issue has been ongoing for approximately two years, causing repeated inconvenience, potential safety risks, and significant concern regarding the vehicle’s reliability. I reported this problem to Kia multiple times, seeking a resolution under the warranty and for guidance on repair or remediation. Unfortunately, my concerns have been consistently minimized or dismissed, and no meaningful solution has been offered. I was informed by Kia representatives that the issue does not warrant action, despite evidence that similar engine oil consumption problems have affected other vehicles of the same make and model. This situation has left me without recourse and raises concerns about the safety, durability, and quality of this Kia vehicle. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigate this matter to determine whether it constitutes a defect that could affect the safety or reliability of Kia vehicles and to ensure that affected consumers are protected. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

• 11/01/2024· SERVICE BRAKES

  Brakes, yes When the issue is happening, we loose the ability to stop promptly and with ease. The entire vehicle shakes, and it metal on metal. Yes, we've taken our car to a Kia, as well as 2 other companies. Kia did an inspection and told us that it was rust. There are no warning sounds or alarms. We average needing to take the car in every 6 months but having said that we just took the car in, in October and it is already making sounds.

• 10/30/2022· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  I have and had many problems including: Steering components that break suddenly, causing partial or complete loss of vehicle control, Problems with fuel system components, particularly in their susceptibility to crash damage, which result in leakage of fuel and may cause vehicle fires or gets a strong fire smell at the moment, the Accelerator controls that break or stick and has been acknowledged a Kia dealership repair man. Most recently, Wheels that make loud cracking sound, which may result in loss of vehicle control, had a poor Windshield wiper assemblies that fail to operate properly causing bad vision for driving, Critical care components that are constantly and simantously needing repair. Beyond belief. Also, Wiring system problems that result in a strong fire smell, or loss of lighting, Wiring system problems that result in a strong fire smell or loss of lighting, or loss of power. Many times, I have been left stranded after having 20 seconds of power flickering and then the car abruptly shuts off. This is very hazardous. I fear for my 5 year old child when this happens. I also have proof of emergency road side assistance for loss of power. Furthermore, I have proof and evidence via road side assistance, many invoices to different dealerships all keeping my car for several hours for diagnostic testing. Then after paying for the services, my car will have another episode of leaving me stranded in bad situations., I have pictures and videos of all these malfunctions occurring and its only a part of what I have been able to catch on video and camera because it happens so fast. I had all of the lights light up on ths dash almost looks like Christmas lights. On and off I have pictures.

• 10/29/2024· STEERING

  When turning the steering wheel, it makes a squeaky/grinding noise. I called into Kia to inquire about this and they said they would call me back after investigating about a recall on this but never received a call back.

• 10/26/2021· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and Medved Kia (11201 W Interstate 70 Frontage Rd N, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 10/24/2024· ENGINE

  I purchased a 2020 Sportage in 2022 from St.Cloud Honda in St. Cloud, MN. Recently my engine locked up after no oil. I was over in mileage, but had an oil change in April. I would receive warning lights for tire pressures but never received an indication that my oil was low until my engine seized. I don't understand why a critical component for the car, the oil, would not issue an indication that it was low until it was empty (too late). During my recent problem, my oil light came on as did the battery light, but the car stalled at that moment. During my last oil change in April, I let the advisor know that my engine light was on (not oil nor battery). The mechanic said it was from a previous repair, but there wasn't anything detected. They had the light turned off and then as soon as I left the dealership it turned back on. When I called back to let them know, they said it wasn't anything. That was a relief because I didn't want anything to be wrong with my engine. My vehicle is currently at Cornerstone Kia in Elk River, MN should you have anything to discuss with the advisors.

• 10/19/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  My Kia Sportage was stolen, however a couple of years ago I had the Kia Anti Theft Logic software updated on the car. I’ve been told that although it does not prevent anyone from breaking in, they should not have been able to move the car. Prior to this, the engine is running on 3 cylinders instead of 4 which has caused major issues with the car burning oil rapidly.

• 10/17/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine and the oil pressure warning lights were illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact opened the hood and noticed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle though he had completed the oil change on June 4, 2022. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine oil had leaked due the oil drain plugs missing. The dealer informed the contact that the oil drain plugs may not have been properly tightened during the last oil change. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 23,027.

• 10/15/2022· 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 one should be able to start a car with a cell phone charger.

• 10/14/2022· VISIBILITY

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, an unknown object struck the middle of the windshield and formed a spiderweb crack. The contact called the dealer to file a claim but was informed that the windshield was not covered under warranty. The contact then called her insurance provider and an independent mechanic performed a minor repair to the windshield which made the crack less visible. Since the initial failure, three additional cracks had formed on various parts of the windshield after a minor impact. The contact stated that the cracks obstructed her vision while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

• 10/12/2025· ENGINE

  There were no known issues with my vehicle not even a check engine light or anything was on. I was driving then the car randomly stopped accelerating. It would only go up to about 25 miles per hour. Something started rattling under the hood and it cut off in the middle of an intersection. I was almost hit because it was a 4 way intersection which put myself and all of the other cars on the road at risk. A police offer had to direct traffic until a tow truck made it. I had to get my car towed to a mechanic shop and I was told my engine blew. I checked for engine recalls using my VIN but nothing came up but my car had the same issue and symptoms as all of the 2020 Kia sportages that did have recalls.

• 10/09/2025· ENGINE

  In 2024 the car was losing power. I took the car to the shop. I had to replace some type of rings. the cost was like 600.00. Then the car stated using oil like crazy. When I went in for a oil changed I told the man that was doing the oil change. The looked over the car and said that everything was fine. I continued to drive my car. But I was getting oil changes early and having to add oil to car. Then on October 3 2025 my car powered down and was towed to the shop on October 6th. Then on October 9th I was told my car engine was gone.

• 10/07/2023· STEERING

  I had my 2020 Kia Sportage in for the anti-theft recall. They installed the necessary information. My concern is I would also like the steering wheel lock harness free of charge to me. How do I go about receiving one of these? Also my SUV insurance has gone up because of this and I would like it to go down next year with me having this on my SUV. Thank you for your help, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 10/02/2025· ENGINE

  On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving my 2020 Kia Sportage on [XXX] in California at approximately 75 miles per hour. Without warning, the engine made a loud, abnormal noise and the vehicle suddenly and dangerously lost power. My speed dropped abruptly to around 62 miles per hour, nearly causing a rear-end collision as surrounding vehicles were traveling at freeway speed. I was forced to immediately pull over to the shoulder to avoid being struck. At that point, the engine was running extremely hot, creating a hazardous situation. Out of concern for my safety, and with fear that the vehicle could potentially catch fire, I exited the vehicle and waited at a safe distance until I could arrange for a tow truck. This incident placed me and other motorists in serious danger. The abrupt loss of power at freeway speed could have easily resulted in a major accident. It is important to note that this Sportage has been meticulously maintained, with 12 documented service records in just 2.5 years of ownership. This clearly demonstrates proper care and maintenance, ruling out negligence as a cause of the failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 09/29/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed that the piston rings had failed and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,445.

• 09/28/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Car was stolen using a known design flaw in the steering column. Have been without my car for over two months now.

• 09/27/2025· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Engine Overheated lights on dash HECU ABS ADAS CRUISE CONTROL TIRE SENSOR WINDOW DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY AUTO DIMMER RADIO BLANKS OUT WATER PUMP WENT OUT TOW TRUCK DAMAGED MY CAR. I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY DAMAGES UNTIL I WAS ACCUSED BY DEALERSHIP I HIT SOMETHING AS I DID NOT. I HAVE WITNESSES N PICTURES.

• 09/26/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I leased my 2020 Kia Sportage LX in August 2019 and purchased the Vehicle after the lease. In April 2025, the Vehicle started emitting a strong gas smell after filling. Often, the pump would stop short around 8-10 gals instead of the usual 13-14 gals. I attributed both to perhaps cheap gas and faulty pumps. On September 23, 2025, I went to the dealership to check the gas odor and possible gas leakage and ticking engine noise. I ended up having to replace the entire fuel tank. The car is now 6 years old and, of course, out of its 5-year warranty. The report indicates that the leak was from the top of the tank and in the cabin; therefore, nothing was caused by normal wear or damage. Upon searching, I found that in January of 2019, previous years were recalled to replace the fuel tank due to similar issues (Gas Tank Recall # SC172). Some of these models had recalls for the KSDS as well, and my vehicle had been recalled and repaired. My concern is that this is my 3rd Kia and 6th car total in life. Never have I had to replace a gas tank. I firmly believe some of these 2020 vehicles were built at the end of 2018 with the same parts in the 2019 recall; however were missed due to recall time and manufacturing rollouts.

• 09/24/2025· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Top clear coat started peeling on handles, mirrors and above the trunk.

• 09/23/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact then stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to accelerate above 25 MPH, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the intake boot was torn and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the dealer performed a brief examination. The contact stated that he was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

• 09/20/2022· 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.

• 09/15/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil warning light flickered on the instrument panel. While the contact's son was driving the vehicle at highway speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact's son pulled off to the right shoulder of the highway, and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. Despite the failure, the driver was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact called the dealer and made an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. While driving the vehicle to the dealer, the failure occurred again, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 10 MPH. Due to the failure, the contact took the vehicle to a dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The following day, the contact called the dealer and was informed that the engine had not failed, and a knock sensor test was performed which restored the engine function. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken back to the original dealer, where an appointment had been scheduled. The dealer performed a series of oil consumption tests and monitored the oil consumption every 1,000 miles. After four consumption tests, the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was informed that the oil consumption had worsened, and that the vehicle had consumed 4 quarts of oil in less than 5,000 miles. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

• 09/14/2023· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 09/12/2025· ENGINE

  Driving 70mph on the freeway and check engine light started flashing. Car immediately went into “limp mode” and within a few hundred feet went from 75mhp 30mph. Used ODB reader and code p1326 came up for “engine knock sensor”. Engine was two quarts low on oil. No low oil warning. I just had an oil change a month ago and there is no apparent oil leak. When I opened the oil cap small amount of smoke was visible coming up from engine. Car has 75400 miles on it. I reset the code, put 2 quarts of oil and drove 2 miles to a Kia dealership. The said they couldn’t look into it since I reset the code. I drove another 4 miles and the same code and symptoms showed up. Having my car towed home because the dealer can’t inspect until next week. Other Kia’s have had this same error code and were recalled with engine replacement.

• 09/12/2024· ENGINE

  My 2020 Kia sportage ex has been experiencing pre-ignition problems for a while since I got the car I’ve heard this rattling noise and my vehicle has been running hot every time I am driving or even if I’m in stall mode it’s ready hot. I am requesting something be done about these faulty engine problems.