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2020 Kia Sportage

2020 Kia Sportage: the engine dominates owner complaints

Owners filed 151 complaints with NHTSA. The engine is far and away the most reported area at 45%, and it accounts for 6 of the fires reported across all areas. The electrical system (12%) and brakes (8%) are distant runners-up. No deaths are reported, but several areas are tied to fires or crashes, so the engine deserves the closest look on a test drive and in service records.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 45%
By far the biggest complaint: 68 reports (45%), including 6 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury. With nearly half of all complaints here and the highest fire count of any area, the engine is the area to scrutinize most.
Electrical System safety 12%
Second most reported: 18 reports (12%), 3 of them involving fire. No crashes or injuries reported, but the fire count makes this worth checking.
Service Brakes safety 8%
12 reports (8%), tied to 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury. A smaller set, but the crash and injury reports make the brakes worth testing carefully.
Structure0 7%
10 reports (7%), with 2 injuries and no crashes or fires. A smaller but recurring complaint area.
Engine And Engine Cooling safety 6%
9 reports (6%), including 1 fire. Reports mention check-engine warnings and overheating, reinforcing the broader engine concern above.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 151 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.