2020 Kia Sportage recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Kia Sportage and 162 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (75), unknown or other (31), electrical system (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine. 2 recalls carry a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2020 ranks #9 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Kia Sportage. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · control unit/module
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Rod Bearing failure June 29,2026 with prior Kia manufacturer recalls June 19,2023: (1.) SC206, HECU fire Recall, a serious safety recall regarding the Hydraulic Electronic Control unit. The circuit board can short out and cause an engine bay fire even when the vehicle is parked. (2.) SC249B (Tow Hitch Harness Fire Recall): Another active safety recall. Moisture or debris on the…
My daughter's 2020 Kia Sportage S was purchased September 22, 2025 from a Nissan Dealership with 96,574 miles on it. It dove great. She used it less than 20 miles per day on residential streets to get to and from work and to church on Sunday. It was not used for interstate or freeway driving. By June of 2026, we noticed that it was requiring more oil between oil changes. Th…
High oil consumption burning a quart of oil every 500-600 miles.
Safety ratings
2020 Kia Sportage SUV FWD
2020 Kia Sportage SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Kia Sportage.
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sportage AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sportage FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sportage FWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Kia Sportage, most recently for trailer hitches (09/19/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Sportage?
Based on 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (75), unknown or other (31), electrical system (19).
Is the 2020 Kia Sportage safe?
The 2020 Kia Sportage earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 2 recalls with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Kia Sportage?
The 2020 ranks #9 of 14 Sportage model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (171). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Sportage get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Kia Sportage range from 21 to 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Kia Sportage in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SPORTAGE, Sportage.