146 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Sportage. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ENGINEApril 5, 2026
I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue for potential safety related defect trends involving excessive oil consumption that progress to catastrophic engine failure in 2020 Kia Sportages equipped with the 2.4L engine. The vehicle consumed oil at an abnormal rate between oil changes despite routine maintenance and regular oil level checks, and the condition ultimately resulted in a non-operational vehicle. Over the months leading up to the failure, I was forced to add oil at least monthly and began checking the oil level more frequently due to the rate of loss. I maintain my vehicle carefully and have consistently kept up with oil changes. In March 2026, the vehicle broke down after I experienced a sudden loss of power and stalling, and the engine ultimately failed and left the vehicle non-operational. When an engine consumes oil rapidly and then stalls or loses power unexpectedly, drivers can face an increased risk of a crash particularly if the failure occurs at highway speeds or in traffic. I have found numerous similar complaints posted online by other Kia owners describing the same pattern of excessive oil consumption followed by sudden loss of power, stalling, and/or engine failure. While I understand online posts are not formal findings, the volume and consistency of these reports suggest a broader trend that warrants NHTSA review for potential defects and safety impacts. After the failure, I had the vehicle towed to Kia of [XXX] . The service department advised that the engine requires replacement and quoted approximately $14,000 for the repair. The invoice I received (#XXX) states that the technician recommends “short block motor replacement,” but the dealership verbally stated they would not perform only a short block replacement and would instead replace the complete engine because, in their view, a short block-only repair would lead to additional problems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApril 2, 2026
Vehicle: 2020 Kia Sportage Issue: Excessive Oil Consumption — TSB #TSB_ENG222 I am reporting a recurring issue involving excessive engine oil consumption in my 2020 Kia Sportage. The engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate between scheduled oil changes, requiring me to add approximately 2.5 quarts of oil every month to maintain safe operating levels. This issue first began approximately 6 months ago and has been ongoing since. The affected component is the engine system, specifically related to abnormal oil consumption. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a serious safety risk to me and my children. If the oil level drops too low, it can lead to sudden engine failure, loss of power while driving, or engine seizure. This creates a dangerous situation, especially when driving at highway speeds or in traffic, increasing the risk of an accident. The problem has been consistent and reproducible. It has been confirmed by an independent service center, which verified that the vehicle is consuming oil excessively beyond normal operating standards. I have brought attention to this issue through service evaluations, but no permanent repair has been provided to resolve the root cause. Prior to the issue, there were no clear warning signs. In some instances, the oil warning light only illuminates after oil levels have already dropped to a critically low level, limiting my ability to prevent potential engine damage or failure. This ongoing defect raises serious concerns about the safety, reliability, and longevity of the vehicle.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cylinder #4 misfire, a knock sensor, and bearing clearance measurement failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty because the warranty was on the vehicle with the previous owner. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and was advised that the repair could not be covered under warranty because the failure was considered the consumer’s negligence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
ENGINEMarch 20, 2026
Consumes more than 1 liter of oil per 1000 miles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 27, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 70,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 107,000 while having a routine oil change. The service records indicated that the mileage had been altered.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFebruary 19, 2026
Car was driving, stopped at a stoplight, never moved again. 3 lights came on, Check Engine, Check Oil (Which had been serviced previously by a month and a half), and Check Battery. Bob Sight Kia has stated Engine issues associated with the rods failing and the starter not functioning due the the manifold, I am uncertain to the technical terms. It was late at night, the area only semi lit up and I had to wait for a tow in unsafe conditions as I was stuck in a turn lane. Prior to the failure, no issues. This is my only means of transport as a waitress, I had recently moved into this area and plan to move again at the end of year, so my car is much needed. From the theft issues of this car to the mechanical issues over the last year, I can honestly say I will not be buying a Kia again. What I need to know now is has the threshold been met by the standards you have set through complaints by consumers like myself and the manufacturer information that a recall or a means of financially assisting this situation exist yet? The repairs quoted are literally almost half of what I owe on the car left and I do not know what to do, but am hoping to hear from you.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFebruary 13, 2026
I came home from vacation and found my car completely dead. We took the battery in and ended up changing this. Soon later my cars power steering and dashboard would go in and out. I took it to Mark Kia who believed it to be the alternator, so they replace this. I picked the car up and not even 20 minutes later the same issues were occurring so I took it back where then they replaced the connector. I picked up my car and about a month went by and same thing occurred while I was driving even having my car completely die while driving it. I took it back in and now they believe it to be the engine harness.
ENGINEFebruary 5, 2026
In April of 2025, it was noticed that my Sportage was consuming oil. There were no leaks or smoke just having to put oil in. Two mechanics stated that’s just Kia. On the night of 1/30/2026 my Sportage had an engine light come on. After the winter storm, I was able to get the code read and it came back as a Cylinder 1 Misfire. In May of 2025 I replaced all coil packs and spark plugs. On 2/1/26 we replaced the coil packs and spark plug. On 2/4/2026, Kia told me I have to replace the engine. I am still paying the vehicle off. This does seem to be an issue with Kia engines 2.4 from what I’m reading.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The knock sensors were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, two months after the knock sensors were replaced, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and failed to move forward. The caution warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact called an independent mechanic, who arrived at the location where the contact had pulled over. The independent mechanic used a handheld code reader, and an unknown code showed that the problem was due to the oil and engine. The independent mechanic checked the oil, and the oil level was low. The contact stated that the oil had been changed a week prior to the failure. The independent mechanic added oil, and the vehicle restarted, and the warning lights disappeared. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. However, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed, and the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. However, the oil was changed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the knock sensor had failed, and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, causing damage to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was adding oil to the engine two or three times per week, and the oil was changed every two weeks. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKESJanuary 20, 2026
On [XXX], I had a scheduled repair appointment for my 2020 Kia Sportage, which is experiencing swaying and instability, and unable to keep the vehicle straight at highway speeds in the front end, and ABS/brake issue on the driver-side front wheel. During the service appointment, my service advisor, informed me that a metal undershield was not secure and recommended its removal due to not being vital to the safety, which I agreed to. However, the main concerns of swaying and brake issues remained unresolved. the master mechanic, test-drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the issue. I was told that a possible cause could be a messed-up air gap or a toe ring starting to split. That it would be $500 if that’s not the issue. I need to mention I have a warranty. I scheduled another service appointment for January 16th, 2026, hoping for a resolution. However, the service advisor, informed me that the technician was unable to find any issues with the vehicle after a test drive. I questioned the findings, pointing out that the mileage in and out was only 3 miles, making it impossible to properly diagnose the issue at highway speeds and was told it was taken down [XXX] which is not doable in 3 miles. Given the circumstances, I am concerned about the trustworthiness of the diagnostics and repairs performed on my vehicle, including the recall. I have audio and video evidence to support my claims. I would appreciate answers to the following questions: 1. How are complimentary car washes handled? 2. How was my vehicle driven on [XXX] to diagnose the swaying and inability to keep the vehicle straight in 3 miles or zero miles? 3. Why was I advised that I would be charged $500 for a new axle if that was not the issue when I brought the vehicle in for diagnostic testing? 4. How is my vehicle being diagnosed at highway speeds with no mileage or 3 miles added to the odometer? 5. How vital is the removed metal heat shield to the safety of the car? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINEJanuary 10, 2026
My 2020 Kia Sportage continues to consume too much oil. There is not a leak detected where I park my car during work, nor in my garage. I need to add oil to the vehicle every other week.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEJanuary 10, 2026
I was driving my 2020 Kia Sportage recently and experienced a safety issue 3 times within 30 minutes. I was driving on a highway (Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-76) at night. Prior to the issue occurring, I drove through an area where snow was falling, there was fresh salt on the road, and I had been behind salt trucks briefly at different times. While driving through the snow and with exposure to the salt, my car notified me that the forward Collision Detection system could not operate because the sensors were blocked. Some time later in the drive, after that notification had turned off and remained off for a bit of time, I engaged my cruise control which uses the forward Collision Detection system. At 3 different times, I either approached a barrier (which run a large portion of I-76 to separate the east and west bound lanes) or a vehicle (I believe it was a semi truck) in the lane next to me while entering a curve. While entering the curve, the sensor saw these items and falsely detected a vehicle in front of me, and responded by rapidly slowing my vehicle. Two times the vehicle speed dropped about 20 mph within 30 seconds. On each occasion, I was fortunate that there was no vehicle close behind me that likely would have rear-ended me.
ENGINEJanuary 5, 2026
Engine started tapping/knocking and oil light started flashing. Once home I checked the dipstick. Appeared burnt with no oil on dipstick. Waited an hour to cool and started adding oil. Added 2 quarts nothing on dipstick. Added 2 half quarts and finally a touch on the end of dipstick. Added more oil and finally got it to the bottom the range. It would take at least another quart to get to proper levels. Took to dealership where I was told I needed a new engine. Prior to the failure there was NEVER any indicator light letting me know oil was low. Just as a car goes low on gas and the gas light comes on you would think it would do the same for 'low oil'....that NEVER happened. This is a 2020 KIA Sportage with a 2.4L Theta II engine. There is a class action lawsuit for the years 2011-2019. I unfortunately, fall oustide of the covered suit. It's still the same engine with the same faults
ENGINEJanuary 2, 2026
I own a 2020 Kia Sportage that is currently within the 100,000-mile power-train 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 kept vehicle maintained with regular oil changes and more the last 9 months. There is NO evidence that improper maintenance caused the oil consumption. Will be reaching out to Kia customer service to see what next steps are. Maintenance dept constantly wants to fix things on car that are not needed yet will not report issues with Engine. Very disappointed customer.
ENGINEJanuary 1, 2026
Driving to grandmas Christmas weekend on the highway all of a sudden my car couldn’t keep speed was shaking the check engine light came on. Now my cylinder one psi is only 50. I have noticed over 100 complaints with very similar car issues. I just bought this car 5 months ago from a dealership. I have barely put 4,000 miles on the car myself.
STRUCTUREDecember 30, 2025
clear coat peeling inspected by dealer
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEDecember 29, 2025
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:(
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTUREDecember 29, 2025
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.
ENGINEDecember 23, 2025
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 23, 2025
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.
ENGINEDecember 21, 2025
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.
ENGINEDecember 17, 2025
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.
ENGINEDecember 3, 2025
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.
ENGINENovember 19, 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.
ENGINENovember 5, 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.
ENGINENovember 2, 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.
ENGINENovember 2, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEOctober 19, 2025
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.
ENGINEOctober 12, 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.
ENGINEOctober 9, 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.
ENGINEOctober 2, 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)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 29, 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCESeptember 27, 2025
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSeptember 26, 2025
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.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 24, 2025
Top clear coat started peeling on handles, mirrors and above the trunk.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 15, 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.
ENGINESeptember 12, 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 11, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINESeptember 10, 2025
Update: after second opinion from another auto shop they said my car entered limp mode to prevent fire. Again, I had no warning! Kia tried to tell me the engine light must have came on and cleared itself (engine lights don’t clear themselves) and they refuse to check the recall fix of the HECU. They tell me the recall has been fixed so it can’t be the problem. Myself and my kids were put at risk as this problem causes risk of wrecks or even fires and Kia is not wanting to take any responsibility for it. These are the same issues as other Kia’s but because of my vin number they won’t even speak to me (literally, called Kia Clarksville and left a message with a woman for service to call me back for repairs and they won’t even call me back to schedule the repair - they are charging me over $6000)
ENGINESeptember 5, 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.
ENGINESeptember 2, 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.
ENGINEAugust 30, 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.
AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMAugust 20, 2025
My car has the same issues as the Kia Soul and Kia Sorento. Kia has issued recalls for certain Soul and Sorento models due to various issues. A significant recall involves the 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, where the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially leading to engine damage and even fires. Additionally, some 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 models have been recalled due to a potential loss of drive power caused by a faulty transmission oil pump. I purchased my car within the same time frame between 2020 - 2021 as well. Many mechanics have also told me the fast oil burn issue has been happening to a lot of Kia Sportages as well. I have also been told by Kia dealership they have stopped selling my particular model for a while now as well. My engine is having issues, and the air in my car is also not working as well. Please help assist in this concern of mine and the issue that is very relevent and related to the Kia Soul and Kia Sorento. Thank you!
ENGINEAugust 14, 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.
STRUCTUREAugust 5, 2025
Clear coat began peeling from side mirrors about a year ago. It is now peeling aggressively on the rear liftgate cover/spoiler. This seems common and is very unsightly. Only impacts the plastic parts.
ENGINEJuly 8, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEJune 20, 2025
The car started making a knocking noise. I got it checked out and nothing showed up on the diagnostic. Today I was driving and it wouldn’t go over 65 and the engine light keeps blinking.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJune 17, 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.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 13, 2025
On May 19, 2025 I was driving down the highway at approximately 70mph and experienced a loud explosion sound and my panoramic sunroof exploded. I did have the sunshade closed so I was not hit with any debris. I did swerve and narrowly avoided an accident. There were no warnings before this happened. I was not passing under any bridges or immediately behind any vehicles (there were vehicles to the side and behind me). I took the automobile to the Kia dealership and they filed a claim with Kia Consumer Affairs and a representative came out and told them they needed to file with Kia Tech Line. They did that weeks ago, to no response. The dealership actually called me today and told me to try to contact Kia Consumer affairs ourselves to see if they would respond to us. I did see that there have been reports of this previously and class-action lawsuits for this issue. The Kia dealership guy said they had a customer that this had also happened to and when we went to get a rental car Enterprise told us that they also had a customer with a Kia in the last two weeks that had the same thing happen to them. My Kia is still at the dealership and is available for inspection as it has not been repaired yet because they were waiting for Kia.
ENGINEMay 31, 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.
ENGINEMay 28, 2025
Engine is burning oil, having to continuously add. No low oil light coming on.
ENGINEMay 15, 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.
ENGINEApril 24, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMApril 23, 2025
On October 27th my 5 year old daughter and I were driving home just after leaving Tiresplus getting four brand new tires and an oil change. On the way home out of no where my vehicle caught fire. Driving down the highway, once noticing the car was on fire, no warning no nothing- until I hit the breaks which did not work cause they were completely burnt. Within moments of thinking how I am going to get to my child in her car seat and save myself I went into the median of the highway thinking grass would slow me down. Once the car was going about 30 MPH I opened my driver door fearing we would be locked in the burning vehicle. As soon as I opened my door my legs were burning, I unbuckled my seat belt and jumped out of the car. Only to get up and chase the vehicle to get my 5 year old out. The car was fully engolfed in flames when approaching the vehicle thinking my daughter was dead. By the grace of god she unbuckled her self, climbed through the center counsel out the driver door and jumped into my arms! We were down to seconds of dying. Breaks didn’t work, nothing told me the car was hot, the trauma we endured. No one has taken responsibility for this and it’s frustrating that I owe money on the vehicle with full coverage and gap insurance still.
ENGINEApril 13, 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.
ENGINEMarch 19, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEMarch 5, 2025
Just got my oil changed 2 weeks ago and the oil light came on, checked and there was no oil, so been adding oil and it keeps burning it up, after reading a bunch of forums I see that I’m not the only one to have this issue. This isn’t the first time I’ve had this issue, I figured first 2 times were accidental but now that I’m on my 3rd time I believe that something is wrong.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 10, 2025
[XXX] the vehicle was driven approx. 20-25 miles and parked at a local grocery store in front of the propane tanks. No warning lights came on. Regular maintenance on vehicle. The vehicle caught on fire and was extinguished by the local FD. Total loss. Case filed with kia to request an investigation however no timely response. The vehicle is at the insurance auction yard now and we are waiting on guidance for an investigation regarding the start of the fire. No guidance given and insurance would like to settle the claim, however we would like to know why/where the fire started. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINEJanuary 29, 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.
ENGINEJanuary 19, 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.
ENGINEDecember 11, 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.
VISIBILITYDecember 11, 2024
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.
ENGINEDecember 8, 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.
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKESNovember 28, 2024
Car rolled down the hill despite being on Park with Parking breaks engaged
SERVICE BRAKESNovember 1, 2024
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.
STEERINGOctober 29, 2024
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.
ENGINEOctober 24, 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.
ENGINESeptember 12, 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.
ENGINEJuly 16, 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.
ENGINEJune 17, 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEJune 12, 2024
The engine has excessive engine oil consumption. Frequent oil changes and payment for oil. Vehicle also is not indicating when it is low on oil. This has been ongoing since the purchase of the vehicle in 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 28, 2024
The anti theft software failed. The vehicle is not available for inspection it was stolen. The vehicle was locked and key fob was in my possession. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the theft happened in broad daylight in a crowded hospital parking lot. The theives erratically sped away as seen by security. The vehicle has not yet been recovered so there has been no inspections. I do not know if any accidents were caused by this to date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEApril 23, 2024
On [XXX] had oil change at Kia of Orangeburg, SC. On [XXX] travelled to Summerville, SC on [XXX]. Exited at the [XXX] exit and stopped at the traffic light. Observed smoke coming from under the hood. Pulled over at gas station on right. My daughter opened the hood and there was fire under the hood. Dropped hood and called 911. Fire Department arrived and put the fire out. There were no warning lights in dash board or unpleasant odors observed while driving. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFebruary 27, 2024
When pulling out of a parking area the vehicle accelerated without me pressing the gas pedal. Attempts to stop the vehicle by pressing the brake were unsuccessful. The vehicle stopped when we struck a building.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 10, 2024
The Kia with big radio screen suffers of delamination on the screen. The issue is noted on all Kia vehicles with the big screen radio.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FIRERELATEDFebruary 9, 2024
As I was driving down the road,I started to see steam/smoke coming out of the enginge. I went to pull over and lost my brakes. I ended up tapping the car in front me. My car started to fill with smoke and then engulfed in flames. By looking at the pics, it appears the fire started on the driver's side. The car is a total loss.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 30, 2023
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
ENGINEDecember 11, 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 11, 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.
ENGINEDecember 7, 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDecember 6, 2023
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.
STRUCTURENovember 15, 2023
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.
STEERINGOctober 7, 2023
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)
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 14, 2023
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.
STRUCTUREAugust 23, 2023
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 22, 2023
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.
SERVICE BRAKESAugust 9, 2023
The brake pum liquid is low i add more of 2 times the break liquid.
STRUCTUREAugust 1, 2023
I am concerned with the liftgate/trunk panel latching/operation. On our liftgate/trunk it falls sometimes and comes down on you while you are still in the way. My wife was slightly injured on her head, when it malfunctioned, and she was in the way when it came down. Several times it just started coming down on me while I was unloading items from the cargo hold. Sometimes the lift cargo door will just open on its own and you go outside and see it, or a neighbor will see it and come let us know.
ENGINEJune 14, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 29, 2023
KIA America sent a letter to me dated May 8, 2023 regarding the interim repair to mitigate the spontaneous fire hazard for vehicles equipped with the Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory with which my 2020 KIA Sportage is equipped. I made the initial appointment on May 9, 2023 with the local KIA dealer, Westgate KIA Wake Forest, NC, to have the interim fix done. When we arrived at the dealer, the service manager told us they had not been notified of an interim fix. We made another on May 26, 2023 at the same dealership to have the interim fix done and this time bought the May 8, 2023 Interim Notice Update letter with us which noted that the dealer would change the fuse associated with the trailer wiring harness. The service tech told me again that nothing would be done but agreed to examine our vehicle. When I picked up the vehicle, the service tech told me that nothing had been done, that the vehicle did not need a fuse change as noted in the letter, and that our vehicle would be noted at KIA as "Recall Completed". The KIA connect website, https://owners.kia.com/us/en/recalls.html, updated through May 27, 2023 still shows our vehicle as "Recall Incomplete". We plan a trip and cannot leave our vehicle parked in the street as required by KIA.
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEMay 11, 2023
A vehicle failed to the right of way to me and resulted in a front end collision. Upon collision the airbags deployed and immediately began smoking. I thought my car was about to catch fire and smelt as if was going to. The airbags heat alone resulted in the entire arm of my jacket to completely melt and I now have a permanent scar on my left wrist from where I was burned.
TRAILER HITCHESMay 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he would experience uneven braking upon depression of the brake pedal, without warning. The contact stated that the brakes was pulling to the left and then to the right, before coming to a complete stop. The contact had performed several brake repairs which included the replacement of the brake pads, rotors, and hoses; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was then notified of the failure and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact was also informed that the brake repair would not be covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
STEERING,TRAILER HITCHESApril 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and turning, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that after an hour, the steering wheel was unlocked. There were no warning lights illuminated. While taking the vehicle to the local dealer, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle drove over the curb. The contact was unsure of the diagnostic result or the repair. Additionally, while driving, a passenger noticed wires hanging from the tow hitch. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 400.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 31, 2023
The genuino Kia Tow Hitch Harness accessory si un ruso of fire02
POWER TRAINMarch 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled and would not accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 19,019.
VISIBILITYMarch 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, it was discovered that a crack had developed on the front windshield. The contact stated that no rock or object had impacted the windshield to cause the crack. The contact stated that the crack started at the lower section of the windshield and extended up approximately 6-inches. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.
TRAILER HITCHESMarch 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTUREMarch 9, 2023
Fuse out and back doesn't open by its self. Not sure if it's supposed to . I don't remember and the guy who sold it to me no longer works there. I was in park and the lane assist came on .
STEERINGMarch 6, 2023
When I turn my steering wheel in either direction, I hear and feel a clunk.
ENGINEFebruary 22, 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
ENGINEFebruary 21, 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 31, 2023
The Kia lacks engine immobilizers. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard states that vehicles must be equipped with a starting system that prevents the activation of the engine and either steering, forward mobility, or both, whenever a car's key is removed. The purpose of the law is to decrease the likelihood that a vehicle will be stolen or accidently set in motion, and the statute applies to all passenger cars, trucks and multipurpose passenger vehicles in the country. Kia knew or had knowledge to add an engine immobilizer or similar device to the cars but failed to do so despite knowing how dangerous it was to be with the critical theft prevention measures. My 2020 Kia is not safe and reliable and considered dangerous. Due to insurance companies not renewing policies on Kia vehicles and the extreme decline in value of my Kia, have made my vehicle not safe, undriveable, and not reliable. Kia falsely stated the cars are fit for their normal and intended use despite they lacked engine immobilizers at the time of sale. All of this in violation of the law and the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. I have a vehicle worth $12,000 less than I bought it 8 months ago and will soon not be able to insure my vehicle and will be unable to drive it.
ENGINEJanuary 28, 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEDecember 19, 2022
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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEOctober 30, 2022
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.
ENGINEOctober 17, 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHEROctober 15, 2022
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.
VISIBILITYOctober 14, 2022
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.
ENGINESeptember 23, 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 20, 2022
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.
SERVICE BRAKESSeptember 7, 2022
Dashboard showed drivers side brake light was out. I visually confirmed it was.Next day I started car again and the dashboard did not display the warning. I checked and confirmed the brake light was indeed working. A few weeks later, same thing happened: dash display indicated drivers side brake light was out, I visually confirmed it was. The next time I drove the car, dash no longer indicated brake light was out. I visually confirmed brake light was working. Took vehicle to dealer, showed them photo I had previously taken of dash display when it showed brake light was out. Dealer said he couldn’t replicate the problem and can’t do anything until he could see the dashboard indicating light was out - even though I showed him the photo. Although as of this writing, the brake light is working fine, I am fearful it will happen again.
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 5, 2022
Over 5,000 vehicles are being stolen because of a defect in the steering and ignition of kia cars made between 2011 and 2020 just in my area where i live. I bought a $28,000 car that I can't even drive to work or to a store unless I have someone with me to stay in the car. I couldn't even take grandkids to a fest this past weekend cause I don't want it to get stolen. I even have to walk to work despite owning a car that I just bought four months ago. Kia dealer did not tell me about the flaw or defect. They did not tell me that kia can be started with a USB cord or I would not have bought it. They failed to tell me that so many kia's were being stolen and I would not have bought it. They are hiding flaws and defects and costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and nothing is being done about it. Do I have so spend more money to file a class action or is the NHTSA going to finally stop and make Kia issue a recall? Stolen Kia's are wasting police officer times and city money to recover and while causing damage to other vehicles and lives of other people when they flee and a pursuit exists? When is enough is enough? This is a safety issue because these are kids stealing them and crashing them and hurting other people. Are you going to wait until someone gets killed from fleeing stolen cars before you do something?
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 1, 2022
Driving on hwy going to pass a car look and the mirror and was black smoke Minutes later I was trying to get out of the car took car to the shoulder car was on fire Totally lost no answers yet over what happened be careful second Kia Sportage lost
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 30, 2022
Since I took delivery of the Sportage on 1/18/20, there has been a fuel leak. On three occasions, I asked Kirby Kia to check it and they said there was no problem. I notice that they did not include on their paperwork my requests to inspect this problem. The gas fumes are so strong that if I'm idling or stopped in traffic, I have to close all my windows and set air to recirculate. I am a senior and need someone to step in and help with this issue. Thanks.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 27, 2022
On Sunday I was getting on the expressway and my car accelerated on its own. I hit the brake and the car was ok. That was May 22, 2020, On Wednesday, May.25,2020 I was pulling into a parking spot at Kroger Store and my car accelerated on its own and I hit a pole. Over $4000.00 damaged to my car but I was not hurt. I took my car to the dealer and they checked it and said nothing was wrong. I am afraid to drive it. I don't want to hurt anyone or myself. There were no warning lights.
AIR BAGSMarch 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, another vehicle crashed into his rear driver's side door and wheel well. None of the air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's head hit the seat belt anchor ring upon impact. The contact later received medical attention for a tear in his shoulder and whiplash. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to a body shop where it was repaired. The tow truck driver informed the contact that the rear axle had fractured from the sub-frame. The vehicle was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN, year, and model were not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 1, 2022
While driving a week ago with the panoramic sun roof open, I heard a loud pop. It was loud enough for me to jump and look up because I thought something had fell on the car while driving, but nothing came inside. Once I got home, I was looking at my car, the panel before the sunroof, between the windshield and the panoramic sun roof had a deep cracked line from left to right.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFebruary 8, 2022
My car caught on fire in campground where I was staying. Also burned up 2 other vehicles, my RV was deemed a total loss and it also damaged 2 other campers. There was a fire investigation which was ordered by my insurance and there is another mechanical engineer investigation pending. There was a recall on my car and I had taken it to dealership last year for repair. There was no warning lights.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTUREJanuary 21, 2022
I am writing because this is an accident, just "waiting to happen." I buy a new car every 3 or 4 years. I purchase every option, and even purchase the extended warranty package to 7 yrs, because of all the electronics in newer cars. I have never noticed on any of them, what I believe is an unsafe driving condition, until now. On my 2020 Kia Sportage...at night, when dark, and you turn off either Left or Right...for some reason, the light does not follow you...it stays focused straight ahead. So, for some seconds, you cannot see, until your car straightens out again. This, I believe is a safety issue. If there was something, in that blind spot few seconds, you would hit it; a child, a biker, a large hole, an animal or some unexpected thing...because it is impossible to see until the car totally straightens again. Accidents happen in seconds. I drive very slowly in turns, since I realized the bad decision someone at KIA made with the lighting package on this car.....but with that extra caution I take, I realize also, that someone coming behind me on the turn, could actually run into me, not expecting me to go slow as I turn off left or right....much slower than I would in daylight. I have called KIA Service and the 800 Customer Service number as well...they just refer you back and forth. So, I am writing to Consumer Safety hoping you can help. This is not an "option", it is a Safety Issue. Sincerely, [XXX] I bought it from Jim Shorkey dealership in Wexford, PA INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
STEERINGJanuary 20, 2022
My vehicle was stolen some time between the evening of 01/09/2022 and the morning of 01/10/2022. The rear left window was smashed to allow entry into the vehicle, and no alarm was heard overnight. This vehicle was stolen without the use of a key, as both keys were inside my apartment at the time of the theft. The thieves stripped the steering column and used what appeared to be a screwdriver and/or a USB port (both items were found inside the vehicle upon recovery) to start the vehicle. This problem has made national news in Milwaukee, WI, and is becoming more common here in Columbus, OH.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDecember 28, 2021
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 26, 2021
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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 28, 2021
Car was stolen using a known design flaw in the steering column. Have been without my car for over two months now.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 3, 2021
This complaint is against Fox rent a car . We rented a car from Fox car rentals located near Denver airport . Unfortunately our car was hit by a deer we called the police and they prepared a report the deputy sheriff Also mentioned that Fox rent a car has rented us and expired registration and under repo/recall vehicle which may have serious consequences for us. Nevertheless we returned the car and filled a accident form with our insurance policy and police report details . The employee at the location confirmed that since we are insured with Allstate we are only responsible to pay the deductible which in our case was $1000. Now we are received a demand from fox rental for $1810.53 . We have agreed to pay the deductible but not a single cent more . Also we would like to claim any appropriate damages / compensation for negligence and irresponsibility by fox rental for renting us expired registration car under repossession . Police officer card and case number with damage form attached
UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while vehicle was parked, with the engine running, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light illuminated on the vehicle and would not turn off. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which the contact thought was the reason for the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired, however the warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the local dealer inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 19, 2021
The contact owned a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, he and his wife began to smell a fuel odor emitting from the vehicle without warning. Soon after smelling the fuel, a flame had ignited from the engine as a dark, black smoke began to emit from the vehicle. The contact immediately pulled over and both he and his wife exited the vehicle as the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The authorities were called to the scene and the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed. No injuries were reported at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent scrap yard as it had been completely destroyed by the fire. Three weeks after the failure, the contact received a call from the dealer where he purchased the vehicle that there was a recall on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact informed the dealer of the failure with his vehicle and the dealer hung up the phone. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and had received no assistance. The vehicle was a total loss. The failure mileage was 10,500.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 14, 2021
I was driving my Sportage home one night when about a mile away. The car suddenly dropped in power and the car barely moved. I couldn't get it to go any faster than 25 mpg. CAUSE UNKNOWN. It was late so I got it home but it had to be towed out to the Kia dealer. When I checked on it the next week, they told me they didn't have it in their system and blamed the tow company. "The keys were given to the "big guy in the office out front." The tow person told me. I haven't been able to get any information other than " if I want to walk the lot and find it , they would see about putting it in line. "
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 1, 2021
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 yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 26, 2021
I need Your clearance to return this vehicle after acknowledge the dangerous safety issue thru a letter from Kia Motors Inc. It's a Recall, the manufacture had a duty to create a vehicle that was safe for use. the law provides the manufacturer with three options for remedying the defect: repair, replacement, or refund. The replacement option is not provided to me, means my right have been violated by Kia.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 25, 2021
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 yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. the contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEApril 22, 2021
THE SCREEN IN CAR GOES COMPLETELY BLANK AND WILL NOT GO BACK ON TILL YOU TURN CAR BACK ON. BLIND SPOT WARNING DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK ON HIGHWAY COLLISION LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THERE ISN'T ANYONE IN FRONT OF YOU BACKROADS AND HIGHWAY.
VISIBILITY/WIPERApril 20, 2021
REAR HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED ON BUMPER CONTACT WITH A CLOSED GARAGE DOOR FROM 6 INCHES. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE ALUMINUM GARAGE DOOR AND NO MARK ON THE REAR BUMPER. CAR WAS PUT IN REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE. CAR IDLED INTO DOOR WHEN FOOT WAS REMOVED FROM BRAKE PEDAL.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 15, 2021
TL* 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 UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STERLING KIA (197 N. EARL RUDDER FWY, BRYAN, TX 77802) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 13, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON A CLEAR DAY WITH NO CARS AROUND ME WHEN MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE GLASS WAS DEFECT AND THE MANUFACTURE ISN'T TRYING TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT CONFIRM HOW THE DENIAL WAS DETERMINED NOR WILL THEY PRODUCE A FORMAL DENIAL LETTER. THE BIGGEST ISSUE IN MY OPINION IS I DON'T EVEN THINK KIA LOOKED AT THE PHOTOS BECAUSE WHEN I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM (BECAUSE IT'S NEEDED FOR A CLAIM WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS) I WAS TOLD THEY DIDN'T HAVE THEM. WHEN I ASKED THE BODY SHOP HOW THEY PROVIDED THEM TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD BY TEXT. I OPENED A CASE WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUT THEY HAVE YET TO REACH OUT TO ME AND THE CASE HAS BEEN OPEN FOR 34 DAYS NOW. I WAS TOLD BY A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP THEY KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS USUALLY TAKES 3DAYS TO REACH OUT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMApril 6, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND I BEGAN SMELLING A BURNING SMELL WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES. THE SMELL HAS GOTTEN STRONGER AND NOT GONE AWAY. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP AFTER FINDING OUT THERE WAS RECALLS ON VEHICLE THAT WERE MY MAKE AND MODEL AND THE RECALL DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT HELPFUL. THEY SAID THEY HAD NOT GOTTEN A RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC CAR YET AND THOUGH THEY COULD DETECT AN 'ODOR' THEY WEREN'T CERTAIN WHAT IT WAS FROM AND LITERALLY TOLD ME TO NOT PARK INDOORS. AND IF MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE TO EXIT QUICKLY. I ALSO CALLED KIA AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING AND THAT I COULD TRY ANOTHER PLACE FOR A SECOND OPINION. I TOLD THEM THERE WAS A RECALL AND MY FUSES NEEDED TO BE CHECKED. NO ONE WANTED TO HELP ME.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 28, 2021
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN UNDER RECALL SINCE MARCH 4TH OF 2021. HOWEVER, EVERY KIA DEALER I HAVE CONTACTED HAS SAID MY SPORTAGE DOESN'T HAVE ONE, EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE MEETS THE PARAMETERS OF MAKE, MODEL, YEAR, AND MANUFACTURING DATE. THE MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER IS SC206A AND THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 21V137. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN APRIL OF 2019 WHICH FALLS UNDER THE SPORTAGES AFFECTED. GIVEN THAT THIS RECALL IS A SERIOUS MATTER, I WOULD LIKE THIS RESOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 23, 2021
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITH GREAT SPEED AND LUNGED THE CAR FORWARD INTO A CEMENT WALL. I WAS IN A PARKING GARAGE AND GOING VERY SLOW WHEN IT DARTED FORWARD. IT DAMAGED THE FRONT NUMBER AND THE ELECTRONIC SENSORS
ENGINEMarch 10, 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 15, 2021
ANIMALS ARE CHEWING ON THE WIRES, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO FAIL WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN A CAR LESS THAN A YEAR OLD
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 25, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY INTO PENNSYLVANIA AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SON AND I HEAR A LOUD SOUND. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND STARTLED US BOTH. I QUICKLY LOOKED AROUND AND ABOVE ME I SEE A GAPING HOLE IN MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF AND REALIZE THAT MY SON AND I ARE COVERED IN SHARDS OF GLASS. I SHUT THE SUNROOF COVER IMMEDIATELY AND CALL MY INSURANCE AND PUT IN A CLAIM. I WAS STILL OVER 200 MILES FROM HOME AT THIS POINT WITH THE THREAT OF RAIN SO WE MADE OUR WAY HOME AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE. A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH SHOWS ME THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE. WHAT IF I HAD CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE VERY LOUD SOUND? WHAT IF THAT ACCIDENT CAUSED A ROLL-OVER EVEN WITH SEAT BELTS WOULD MY SON AND I HAVE POTENTIALLY BECOME PROJECTILES? WHY IS THIS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY KIA, HYUNDAI, AND ANY OF THE OTHER CARS THAT OFFER THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF? IS THE MANUFACTURER OF THESE SUNROOFS TO BLAME? I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 8 WEEKS- I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. IT'S GARAGE KEPT WHEN I'M NOT TRAVELING FOR WORK. I WILL NOW BE NERVOUS EVERY TIME I DRIVE EVEN AFTER REPAIR BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF THE MANUFACTURED SUNROOF WILL BE SAFER OR IF IT'S THE SAME AS WHAT I BOUGHT WITH THE CAR. IT'S UNSETTLING FOR ME BECAUSE I DRIVE AROUND 1000 MILES A WEEK FOR WORK AND SPEND SIGNIFICANT TIME IN THE CAR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 22, 2020
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS UNABLE TO SUFFICIENTLY MOVE UP DUE TO THE PLACEMENT OF THE EYESIGHT MECHANISM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. A PERSON OF AVERAGE HEIGHT AND BODY SIZE CANNOT SEE OUT OF THE REAR VIEW MIRROR SINCE IT'S MOVEMENT RANGE WILL NOT ALLOW THE MIRROR TO MOVE UP. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT.
ENGINEApril 21, 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPERFebruary 18, 2020
THE FREEZING POINT OF THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID IS TOO HIGH. IT FROZE WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE AT 6 FAHRENHEIT. WHICH MADE CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD IMPOSSIBLE AND DIMINISHING DRIVING VISIBILITY BECAUSE I COULDN'T USE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID TO CLEAN THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND IN ALL HONESTY DOWNRIGHT SCARY. THIS WAS A BRAND NEW KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAD 5 MILES WHEN I PICKED IT UP FROM BUDGET RENTAL CARS.
SERVICE BRAKESDecember 26, 2019
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.
ENGINENovember 19, 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.