Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (45.5% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 4.1× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 71 · 45.5% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Electrical System | 16 · 10.3% | No official action | — |
| Structure:body | 10 · 6.4% | No official action | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 9 · 5.8% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Steering | 8 · 5.1% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 · 4.5% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 156 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · 2021 · reported 03/04/2021
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · 2022 · reported 09/19/2022
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11706765 — filed 12/23/2025 · ENGINE
“The engine failed catastrophically while the vehicle was in operation. The failure involved internal engine components and resulted in the vehicle losing power. The vehicle…”NHTSA complaint 11706408 — filed 12/21/2025 · ENGINE
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle in for an oil change, the contact was informed that…”NHTSA complaint 11705594 — filed 12/17/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 71 of 156 NHTSA complaints (45.5%), followed by unspecified/other issues (30), electrical system (16), structure:body (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
156 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V137000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
