MyCarTSB

2020 Kia Sportage Engine Problems

57 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

57
Complaints
1
Crashes
4
Fires
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (57)

criticalENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2026

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is consuming oil much faster than normal, requiring you to add about 2.5 quarts every month between oil changes. This started about 6 months ago and has been confirmed by a service center. The main concern is that if oil levels get too low, your engine could suddenly fail or seize while driving, especially at highway speeds, which could cause an accident. A fix would likely involve inspecting the engine for internal leaks, worn seals, or piston ring problems, and replacing the faulty components.

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NHTSA #: 11728809
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your 2020 Sportage started consuming oil in April 2025 with no visible leaks or smoke, requiring frequent top-ups. In January 2026, the check engine light came on with a Cylinder 1 Misfire code. After replacing coil packs and spark plugs twice (once in May 2025 and again in February 2026), Kia determined the engine needs to be replaced. This may be a known issue affecting Kia 2.4L engines.

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NHTSA #: 11715739
criticalENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jan 2026

Your engine is making abnormal knocking sounds and the knock sensor has failed twice in two months. Your engine is also burning through oil much faster than normal, requiring you to add oil several times per week. The excessive oil consumption is causing engine damage, and your vehicle won't accelerate properly (limited to 40 MPH). The fix will likely involve replacing the knock sensor again and addressing the underlying engine issue causing the excessive oil burn, which may require engine repairs or replacement.

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NHTSA #: 11712999
criticalENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your engine started making tapping and knocking sounds, and the oil warning light began flashing. When you checked the oil level, the dipstick showed almost no oil—you had to add approximately 4.5 quarts to reach minimum levels, and the engine likely needed even more to be properly filled. You never received a low oil warning light before this happened, despite the engine losing a dangerous amount of oil. The dealership told you the engine needs to be replaced, likely due to internal damage from running on insufficient oil.

NHTSA #: 11708845
criticalENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your engine failed suddenly while driving on the highway at normal speeds, with no warning lights beforehand. The loss of power created a dangerous situation where you couldn't keep up with traffic, risking a rear-end collision. The Kia dealership confirmed the engine is inoperable and needs replacement, though Kia denied warranty coverage. Fixing this will require a complete engine replacement.

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NHTSA #: 11706408
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2026

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is making an abnormal knocking sound when you start the engine. The dealer diagnosed this as a cylinder #4 misfire combined with a knock sensor problem and bearing wear issues. Unfortunately, the dealer determined the vehicle is out of warranty and refused to cover the repair, claiming the damage resulted from owner negligence rather than a manufacturer defect. Fixing this issue will likely require replacing the knock sensor, checking the engine bearings, and addressing the cylinder misfire through spark plugs or fuel injector service.

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NHTSA #: 11726703
highENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine is burning through oil at an unusually high rate — you're losing more than a liter of oil for every 1,000 miles you drive. This means you'll need to top up your oil frequently between regular oil changes. The issue likely involves worn piston rings, valve seals, or another internal engine component allowing oil to burn during combustion.

NHTSA #: 11725802
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is burning through oil quickly, requiring you to top it off every other week. There are no visible oil leaks underneath where you park, which suggests the engine is consuming the oil internally rather than leaking it. The issue may be related to worn engine components or improper combustion, and a mechanic should diagnose whether this requires internal engine repair or replacement of seals and gaskets.

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NHTSA #: 11710062
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is consuming oil much faster than normal, requiring you to add oil between scheduled oil changes even though you don't see any leaks and no warning lights are coming on. You've maintained the vehicle on schedule with regular oil changes, so improper maintenance isn't the cause. The engine may need internal inspection to identify where the oil is being lost, possibly involving valve seals, piston rings, or gaskets.

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NHTSA #: 11708313
highENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

While driving on the highway, your car suddenly lost speed and began shaking, and the check engine light came on. A mechanic found that cylinder one has only 50 PSI of compression, which is significantly low and indicates an internal engine problem. This issue may require replacing or rebuilding the engine or its internal components like pistons, rings, or valves.

NHTSA #: 11708215
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is consuming oil at an excessive rate, requiring you to add oil between scheduled oil changes even though there are no visible leaks or warning lights. You've maintained the vehicle according to Kia's schedule and have documented your home-performed oil changes with receipts, but Kia denied your warranty claim anyway. Getting the oil consumption issue resolved will likely require the engine to be inspected for internal wear, damaged seals, or other sources of the excessive oil loss.

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NHTSA #: 11706765
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is burning through engine oil faster than normal, and your oil warning light keeps flashing on and off. The dealer confirmed the problem exists but didn't finish diagnosing or fixing it. The issue started around 91,000 miles. You'll likely need the engine inspected to find the source of the oil leak or internal burning, and may require engine repairs or component replacement.

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NHTSA #: 11706818
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2020 Kia Sportage's engine failed at around 114,000 miles and required replacement. An independent mechanic diagnosed the failure after the dealer mentioned the engine wasn't consuming oil as expected. The vehicle was never repaired, and although the manufacturer was notified, the dealer did not diagnose or fix the issue. Engine replacement typically involves removing the failed engine and installing a new or rebuilt one, which may also require replacing gaskets, seals, and fluid hoses.

NHTSA #: 11705594
highENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2020 Kia Sportage is consuming oil abnormally, and the dealership determined it needs a new engine after performing an oil consumption test. Kia is refusing to cover the replacement under warranty and wants you to pay for it, claiming the lack of documented oil changes voids coverage. You may need to dispute this with Kia or pursue the warranty claim with documentation of your maintenance.

NHTSA #: 11702835
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11700376
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11697561
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11697027
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11697033
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11692911
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11692327
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2025

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)

NHTSA #: 11690897
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11690254
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11687265
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11686894
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FireFiled: Sep 2025

The contact owned a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that driving at 25 MPH with her daughter, another driver on the opposite lane, alerted them that the engine was on fire. Upon checking the rearview mirror, the contact noticed black smoke. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off the vehicle, and exited. The front hood had partially opened on its own, revealing flames coming from the engine. Coolant was leaking from under the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact called 911. No warning lights were illuminated before or after the incident. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. The contact has experienced panic attacks and issues sleeping as a result of the vehicle fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed, but the report number was unknown. The vehicle was towed off the scene to Leo's Auto Body Parts. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,120.

NHTSA #: 11686591
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

I own 2020 Kia Sportage under 50,000 miles. I have been dealing with oil consumption problem since December 2024. My car will burn all it's oil before next oil change. I have been to H&H Kia in Papillion Nebraska and had several oil consumption tests. One in January 2025 and another in June 2025. They tell me that the car is burning oil but according to Kia not enough to to replace the engine. My last oil change was June 2025 and my milage is 49650 and my car is out of oil and my next oil change is not until 54933 miles. By the vehicle consuming oil at an undetermined rate it is impossible to tell when the oil will run dry causing the vehicle to cease to run. If this happens on the interstate or highway this could cause accidents or engine fires. It is also a safety issue leaving drivers stranded on the roadside in extreme cold or heat. Yes my problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership but unable to get Kia to make repairs and honor the warranty Yes it has been inspected by a Kia dealership and they confirmed problem with oil consumption and that other Kia sportages are having same problems Yes the oil light comes out when the car is empty - since it burns at a fast rate there is no way of knowing if you can get the car and yourself to somewhere safe before the car shuts down.

NHTSA #: 11685414
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

I was driving home and the car kind of jerked, like it was down shifting, and the engine light came on. If I had to stop, it would almost stall out. When I got home I checked the oil and it was bone dry, however, my oil light never came on and I am diligent about oil and filter changes. I added oil to it, but the engine light still is on (flashing). The recall shows two, one for the hitch and one for an engine fire. I only received one for the hitch.

NHTSA #: 11684518
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

While I was driving on a very busy road (hurstbourne parkway in Louisville KY) during 5:00pm rush hour traffic my car stalled and died on me. We tried to jump it but it would not turn on and I had to have it towed. My life was put at risk as this was a high traffic area during rush hour traffic ( I have anxiety and even had an anxiety attack). I had no warning! No warning lights came on, no noises causing concern. I did not even have time to pull over to a safe spot. It literally shut off right there and would not come back on again. The dealer says it needs a new engine. My car is only 5 years old/ I’ve only have it for 9 months with no issues detected at purchase. My car was running fine with no issues, no concerning sounds or lights until it did this. I have taken very good care of this car and can show proof of oil changes upon request. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle with my 6 month old son and 3 year old daughter in it.

NHTSA #: 11684091
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

My 2020 Kia vehicle experienced a potential engine failure while driving, entering “limp mode.” It was towed to Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia, PA) on August 3, 2025, under warranty coverage. The vehicle has remained inoperable since. Kia initially accepted my oil change receipts but later rejected them for alleged “nonconformance to PA invoice regulations.” This change in requirements was never disclosed before submission. The rejection appears intended to delay or deny warranty coverage, leaving me without transportation and creating ongoing safety concerns if the vehicle were to be returned without proper repair. The service manager stated in writing that the warranty is “not denied” yet still invoiced me for diagnostic fees. I have not received the requested warranty denial letter, copy of my warranty, or the specific clause supporting their rejection of my receipts. This raises concerns over Kia’s warranty handling practices, which could leave other consumers at risk if safety-related repairs are delayed or denied on similar grounds.

NHTSA #: 11680772
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to update you regarding a prior concern I raised about the premature engine failure on my 2020 Kia Sportage at just over 66,000 miles. While I was not covered under Kia’s powertrain warranty due to being the second owner, the dealership—Kia Cornerstone in Elk River, MN—has now agreed to submit a goodwill reimbursement request to Kia America on my behalf for the $7,500 engine replacement. At this time, I have not yet received reimbursement, and there is no set timeline for when the funds will be issued. However, the dealership has acknowledged responsibility to submit the request and follow through with Kia corporate. I wanted to provide this update as a matter of record and to ensure that this case remains visible should further follow-up be needed. I continue to hope Kia will do the right thing and take responsibility for a major failure that occurred well below industry expectations for engine longevity.

NHTSA #: 11671927
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that weeks after having an oil change, the oil warning light became illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where the oil change was performed, and the contact was informed that the failure was common for the model vehicle. The contact was advised to have the oil topped off every 6 weeks due to the failure. The contact then stated that while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that three unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and remained for several days before the vehicle could be diagnosed. The dealer asked for receipts of the oil changes and the contact provided the receipts available. The contact was later informed that since there were missing receipts, the engine would not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #: 11667433
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

My car shut down in the middle of the road one day to work on the 4/17/25. I toll the suv to dealer and I paid $299 to find out what is the problem and the problem is that I need a new engine that cause $10000 . I am cover under power train warranty to fix my engine and dealer warranty refuse to give me a new engine. They told drive to drive it home. While driving home it broke down again on 5/19/25. I paid $75 to toll it to my house. The first time it broke down I paid $139.05. While it was at the dealership I paid $1520 for rental. Kia knows that these engine is on recalls and refuse to repair instead they in danger my life every time the Kia break down. These are all out of pocket expenses that I paid when it broke down and they refuse to help me.

NHTSA #: 11664116
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Engine is burning oil, having to continuously add. No low oil light coming on.

NHTSA #: 11663575
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally, with the check oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the spark plugs, ignition coils, valves, and piston rings needed be replaced, and an oil consumption test needed to be performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA #: 11661153
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Apr 2025

The contact owned a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the contact discovered smoke coming from the engine compartment and from out of the A/C unit; the contact pulled to the side of the road as she discovered that the engine compartment, the front driver side and passenger side of the vehicle, and underneath the vehicle had caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was occupied during the fire. The contact's spouse sustained burns from attempting to extinguish the fire that he discovered had spread onto him and the contact's clothes while they were still driving. Once all of the passengers had safely exited the vehicle, the vehicle exploded. Medical attention was sought. A fire department and police report was filed. A dealer was not contacted however, the vehicle was pronounced totaled at the scene. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA #: 11656568
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

This is the second time my check engine light popped up blinking they said it was a knock sensor and that was gonna fix the problem and that wasn’t the case. Said there was two recalls on certain Kia Sportage but not all but this has been with these Kia cars and it very frustrating that now I’m stuck without my car when the first thing came up with the knock sensor they should have replaced the engine they kept giving me the run around my engine was going bad after that and I reach out to multiple dealerships to see what the noise was in my engine and everyone kept telling me no you’re fine. You’re fine. You have a lot of life left in it and that was not the case. My engine been failing.

NHTSA #: 11654343
mediumENGINE
Filed: Mar 2025

The engine stalls and starts up again when I’m driving. There is a diagnostic code that says engine has internal damage and continuing driving it with out repair will damage the engines. The car burns gasoline very fast. I am reporting the issue as I’m a mother with kids and it’s a safety issue is the engine stalls while I’m driving and leaves me in an unsafe place.

NHTSA #: 11649243
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Jan 2025

The contact's parents owned a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact's parent stated that the vehicle was parked and turned off at a local grocery store. The contact's parents were informed that the front of the vehicle had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA #: 11639413
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

My vehicle (and I've heard from others with a Sportage) has been burning oil with no errors. I regularly get my oil changed. My last oil change, I had no oil and didn't know (oil change every 5000 miles or less). After this oil change and before next is due, I looked and oil is burned up again. Concerning due to the age of vehicle and this should not happen. Again, I'm seeing this happening to others with the same vehicle. Several online discussions and doesn't seem to be a one off issue and a recall may be required.

NHTSA #: 11636884
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11630018
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11629515
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11621713
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

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.

NHTSA #: 11614307
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

When driving slow or creeping through an intersection to turn, when you hit the gas there is a significant pause or sometimes you will have to pump the gas pedal before the engine responds. This has been an ongoing problem since about September 2020.

NHTSA #: 11602783
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

Driving on highway going 75 mph oil lamp came on.Had to safely get to right shoulder.Had towed to Kia.oil plug had fallen out. Oil everywhere. Kia will not cover cost of new engine because oil change was not done at dealership. Still under warranty. Only 65800 miles. Fought for 2 months with Kia cooperate and they would not help us either. This is a known problem for this car so why should I be out the money for a new engine. It was still a running car when I had it towed. Kia technician checked and saw no oil. He then started car and it started knocking and died. They are the ones that seized up the engine. They should be held accountable. Make sure to get your oil changed at the dealership even if you have to sit and wait 4 to 5 hours. Then and then only maybe they would have covered the engine.

NHTSA #: 11594754
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11559523
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Dec 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11559544
mediumENGINE
Filed: Dec 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11558906
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2023

Engine failure. Check engine light illuminated for the first time at 2:30pm on 2/11/23 while traveling at 65mph, light then begins flashing and speed immediately decreased to 25mph on a 2 lane bridge. There was a loud unusual knocking sound coming from the engine that had never been heard prior to the engine going into limp mode. I limped the vehicle home at 25mph to find that the oil level was critically low even after adding oil just 3 days prior due to an issue with the vehicle that began consuming an excessive amount of oil following repairs made to the engine by the dealership due to an auto accident in 2022. Information found on kias website stated that the vehicle could be driven while the light is flashing so after limping home and finding the oil had been completely consumed, oil was added to bring it back to the recommended level then it was driven a mile away to auto zone to have the code read. It threw code P1326. The vehicle was then driven back home where just 2 blocks away from home the engine completely seized and would no longer start and had to be towed home. The warranty has run out due to high miles on the vehicle. So the vehicle sits in the driveway with payments still being made and the repairs being too costly to take care of out of pocket.

NHTSA #: 11526957
mediumENGINE
CrashFiled: Feb 2023

I was involved in an accident in February 2022 in which I had auto body damage after hitting a vehicle cutting across an uncontrolled intersection through 3 lanes of traffic where I collided into it going 35mph. On March 22 I began having issues with my car idling high, jumping and running very poorly etc. the other party’s insurance approved the repairs. March 22 My car was towed to the local Kia Dealership where it remained until may 1 due to the parts being on back order. I am unsure of what repairs were completed at that time. The day after I picked my car up I noticed a substance splattered on both sides of my car as well as the hatchback. That same day, I stopped for an oil change at my usual place when they informed me that I have a tremendous amount of oil soaking the rocker panel under my engine. They insured me that everything was put back together all nuts and bolts were in place as they should be. Showed me where the oil measured on the dipstick. A few weeks later, I stopped in for my top off to find that I was 2 quarts low on oil. I had noticed also that there were oil spots all over our driveway where there use to never be. Due to the mileage on my vehicle and reading that this is a common occurrence in vehicles with high miles I made sure I kept a close eye on my oil levels, watched for any warning lights on my vehicle(which never appeared)and never thought much more about it. But as time passes and I get my oil changed I’m always still low on oil. I reached out to the service manager at the dealership to let him know about the leak i now had. He immediately made every attempt to make this my fault. He said that the repairs they made wouldn’t have caused a leak. He was very defensive and not really interested in the concerns I had. Never once did he mention anything about the known issues these vehicles are having which are not caused by the customer. He left me feeling helpless

NHTSA #: 11508460
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2023

About 6 weeks ago, I began to hear a clattering noise occasionally when I would accelerate. It wasn’t constant and I didn’t notice my vehicle driving any differently. So I chalked it up to being bad gas and thought maybe I should add a cleaner the next time I filled up. That seemed to work for a few days and then it was back. In addition to this not terrible noise, On Saturday February 11th around 2pm, while driving 75mph on the highway, out of nowhere, my check engine light began to flash and I lost speed. From 75mph on a 2 lane down to 25mpb with no shoulder to safely pull over to. I was 15 minutes from home so I continued to drive at the low speed, limping, my way home. Once at home my husband came outside and I explained what had happened. We dug into Google and found the hundreds and hundreds of articles regarding the 2.4GDI engines and the recalls etc. a couple of hours later I drove to Auto Zone to have them read the code for me. P1326 is the code that registered. So back home I went to dig around on the web for more information about what could be wrong with my car. While on my way home, only a mike from Auto Zone, my car completely stalled out. Lights, radio, etc still working the car would not start. My husband came and pulled me being that I had made it just 2 blocks from home. I drive a lot and have racked up the miles, I’m over mileage for my warranty as well as the extended warranty I purchased. Seeing that there have been so many claims denied I’m not sure what I should even do at this point. And if the 2020 were to ever be recalled it could be months before anything is done. I’m at a loss and very frustrated having to deal with this disaster.

NHTSA #: 11508454
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2023

- On four separate occasions, the car failed to start. On all four occasions, it was towed to the Yonkers Kia dealer. It is available for inspection if necessary. - Failure to start jeopardizes my safety as I could be stranded in the wrong neighborhood or situation. - The problem was reproduced on the third tow to the Yonkers Kia dealer. - The vehicle has been inspected on for separate occasions by the entire Yonkers Kia service team. - There were no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the failure. The first time the problem occurred was October 4, 2022.

NHTSA #: 11504165
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11489593
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11486028
mediumENGINE
FireFiled: Mar 2021

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. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE WAS EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE SAW FLAMES IGNITING UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED IT TOTALED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE BUT THE DEALER WANTED TO SELL THE CONTACT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,600. *DT

NHTSA #: 11400126
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2020

MY CAR WOULDN'T START TWICE. WHEN I DID GET IT TO START, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ONCE ON THE FREEWAY, THE GEARS DID NOT CHANGE UNTIL AFTER 45 MPH. THIS ALL HAPPENED BEFORE MY FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT AND I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 56 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA #: 11321812
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2019

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.

NHTSA #: 11281019

Other 2020 Kia Sportage Issues