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Engine coolingPart report

2020 Kia Sportage Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
5%of 164 total for the year
Median mileage
73,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2020 Kia Sportage, 5% of the 164 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11706818, filed 2025-12, 91,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was advised that it was normal for the vehicle to use a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact was advised to bring the vehicle to the dealer every 1,000 miles. The failure became a persistent failure. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes and the engine seized. …”

NHTSA complaint #11744142, filed 2026-06, 73,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11687265, filed 2025-09, 93,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11690254, filed 2025-09, 55,445 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11726703, filed 2026-03, 82,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202512%
202311%
202212%
2021713%
202095%
201923%
201853%
201782%
201632%
201511%
201422%
2013144%
201221%
201174%
200855%
200723%
200687%
200546%
20026929%
20014520%
20004515%
19997928%
19987926%
19975631%
19961018%
19951425%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Sportage

Engine
77 complaints
Other or unknown
34 complaints
Electrical system
20 complaints
Brakes
13 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology