Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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
What owners actually said
160 reports
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
12,000 miles · Dec 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 dea…
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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 ODI #11559544
Mileage unknown · Dec 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 lem…
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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 ODI #11559523
Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 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.
NHTSA ODI #11558906
6,000 miles · Dec 6, 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 headlamp…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11558744
Mileage unknown · Nov 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 S…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11555370
Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 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 hav…
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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)
NHTSA ODI #11548817
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 23, 2023
Structure
On August 22, 2023, without warning the panoramic sunroof of our 2020 Kia Sportage exploded. There was a loud bang, and glass flew into and out of the vehicle. Most of the glass was expelled from the vehicle upon the sunroof exploding. The edges of the glass that remained point upward, indicating an outward force. Thankfully, …
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On August 22, 2023, without warning the panoramic sunroof of our 2020 Kia Sportage exploded. There was a loud bang, and glass flew into and out of the vehicle. Most of the glass was expelled from the vehicle upon the sunroof exploding. The edges of the glass that remained point upward, indicating an outward force. Thankfully, the cloth sunscreen on the underside of the roof was closed and kept the remaining debris from falling further into the vehicle. My husband and I were in the front of the vehicle looking out the windshield at the time of the incident and did not see any object come in contact with the roof that could have reasonably caused such a large explosion. Our concerns are twofold. First, the sunroof exploded. It would seem that the sunroof should be made of the same type of laminated tempered glass as a windscreen, which does not shatter - even if the glass is cracked by some object. Again, we did not see any external force impact the sunroof such that it should have completely shattered. Second, the glass shards that were left behind were relatively large pieces (1"x2" to 1"x3"). Had the sunscreen not been closed, my husband and I could have sustained serious bodily injury. Additionally, the shock and noise associated with the explosion significantly impacted safe driving, which was along a major interstate with moderate traffic.
NHTSA ODI #11540369
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.
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.
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.
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