What 156 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

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.

NHTSA ODI 11697033

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.

NHTSA ODI 11694431

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.

NHTSA ODI 11692911

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.

NHTSA ODI 11692327

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)

NHTSA ODI 11690897

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.

NHTSA ODI 11690086

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.

NHTSA ODI 11686894

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)

NHTSA ODI 11686449

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.

NHTSA ODI 11685414

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.

NHTSA ODI 11684518

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.

NHTSA ODI 11684091

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!

NHTSA ODI 11681974

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.

NHTSA ODI 11680772

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.

NHTSA ODI 11671927

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.

NHTSA ODI 11668261

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.

NHTSA ODI 11664116

Engine is burning oil, having to continuously add. No low oil light coming on.

NHTSA ODI 11663575

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.

NHTSA ODI 11661153

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.

NHTSA ODI 11656568

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.

NHTSA ODI 11656457

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.

NHTSA ODI 11654343

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.

NHTSA ODI 11649243

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.

NHTSA ODI 11646627

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.

NHTSA ODI 11639413

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.

NHTSA ODI 11636884