2020 Kia Sportage Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 Kia Sportage, 5% of the 166 complaints for this model year. 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.
“Since I took delivery of the Sportage on 1/18/20, there has been a fuel leak. On three occasions, I asked Kirby Kia to check it and they said there was no problem. I notice that they did not include on their paperwork my requests to inspect this problem. The gas fumes are so strong that if I'm idling or stopped in traffic, I have to close all my windows and set air to recirculate. I am a senior and need someone to step in and help with this issue. Thanks.”
NHTSA complaint #11476681, filed 2022-07“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11656457, filed 2025-04“I leased my 2020 Kia Sportage LX in August 2019 and purchased the Vehicle after the lease. In April 2025, the Vehicle started emitting a strong gas smell after filling. Often, the pump would stop short around 8-10 gals instead of the usual 13-14 gals. I attributed both to perhaps cheap gas and faulty pumps. On September 23, 2025, I went to the dealership to check the gas odor and possible gas leakage and ticking engine noise. I ended up having to replace the entire fuel tank. The car is now 6 years old and, of course, out of its 5-year warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11689825, filed 2025-09“Vehicle: 2020 Kia Sportage Issue: Excessive Oil Consumption — TSB #TSB_ENG222 I am reporting a recurring issue involving excessive engine oil consumption in my 2020 Kia Sportage. The engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate between scheduled oil changes, requiring me to add approximately 2.5 quarts of oil every month to maintain safe operating levels. This issue first began approximately 6 months ago and has been ongoing since. The affected component is the engine system, specifically related to abnormal oil consumption. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. …”
NHTSA complaint #11728809, filed 2026-04“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11681974, filed 2025-08Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 14% |
| 2025 | 1 | 2% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 14 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 7 | 10% |
| 2018 | 11 | 7% |
| 2017 | 24 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 7% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 9 | 2% |
| 2012 | 7 | 2% |
| 2011 | 10 | 6% |
| 2009 | 5 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 14 | 21% |
| 2002 | 67 | 29% |
| 2001 | 62 | 27% |
| 2000 | 90 | 30% |
| 1999 | 38 | 13% |
| 1998 | 24 | 8% |
| 1997 | 18 | 10% |
| 1996 | 2 | 4% |
| 1995 | 3 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2020 Kia Sportage
79 complaintsOther or unknown
34 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior 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 31, 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