One of the most desirable cars in the subcompact crossover SUV segment is the 2021 Kia Sportage due to reasons that are not restricted to its excellent cabin quality, peppy powertrains and rewarding driving experience. It has a decent reputation regarding reliability among its owners as well but some are bothered by major issues. The major common complaint regarding the car was an issue with the engine bay catching fire but this was fixed through a recall. The car earns a predicted reliability rating of 87 out of 100 which is great, although the real-world results don't exactly match. Prices start at $25,110 and it competes against the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4, and the Hyundai Tucson. Let us learn more about Kia Sportage problems through this article.
2020 Kia Sportage User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical problems:
- Several owners have stated that the car has a tendency to catch fire. Despite this being a serious problem, the brand has duly identified that it is due to a short-circuit and has recalled and repaired all the cars affected by the problem. This is one of the only few Kia Sportage engine problems.
- One owner had a problem with the car inadvertently accelerating and hitting the parking garage. This is one of Kia Sportage's acceleration problems and was previously reported by several owners.
- Although Kia Sportage transmission problems have not been common recently, a car that had only 56 miles on it refused to shift gears until after 45 mph. It also had the engine light coming on and seemed like a manufacturing defect.
Electrical system problems:
- Although it wouldn’t be the most worrying one on the list of Kia Sportage electrical problems, a few owners have reported problems with the screen going completely blank and then fixing itself after the car is turned back on.
- One owner had a problem with the check engine warning light being illuminated one day while the vehicle was running and not going off later. It was taken to the dealership multiple times but a solution was not found.
Exterior problems:
- There have been a few complaints that owners have had the panoramic sunroof shatter without any impact. Kia denies warranty claims in this instance even though it is no fault of the owner. We feel that Kia Sportage panoramic sunroof problems are common.
Safety problems:
- There was an instance where the vehicle was declared totaled due to a rear-end collision that resulted in the driver having a tear in his shoulder and suffering a whiplash. However, the airbags failed to deploy in this event and provide any safety.
- One of the most common complaints that we have heard about Hyundai and Kia vehicles is that the vehicles can easily be stolen. There are multiple Kia car theft cases and they all seem to arise from the fact that the rear windows can be smashed open without sounding an alarm and the car can then be started using something as simple as a screwdriver. This is a design fault on the part of the manufacturer and they should immediately redesign their security systems.
- One owner states that the car’s driver assistance feature did not detect another slow vehicle upfront and caused a crash. What further disappointed the owner was that the brakes did not allow for intervention from the owner and hence caused the crash.
Miscellaneous problems:
- One owner has reported that there was once a spider found inside the evaporator canister. The problem can be quickly disregarded but the fact is that some cars have parts that attract insects. Numerous Kia products have been identified to do so and these insects sometimes damage the wiring harnesses as well.
- A few owners have raised complaints about the manufacturer failing to make the parts for recalls available on time. Most of these complaints are regarding an earlier recall regarding the brakes.
- A design defect involving the rear-view mirrors was reported by one user. According to this person, the eyesight mechanism is in the middle of the front windshield and the mirror is hence unable to sufficiently move up for somebody of average height to see behind the car.
- There was another complaint about the freezing point of windshield washer fluid being too high. At about 6°F, the windshield washer fluid freezes over and hence it is impossible to drive this car and get good visibility in colder temperatures.
2020 Kia Sportage Recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA Campaign Number |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
March 4, 2021 |
21V137000 |
Engine compartment may catch fire |
It was noted that the hydraulic electronic control unit may short-circuit and cause a fire in the engine compartment. |
Should you buy the 2020 Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is quite a decent car in its class and has a lot of advantages. However, in terms of reliability, its reputation is not exactly stellar. There are a few common patterns in the problems that have been reported so far and this shows that the car has certain issues that it needs to fix. More than half of the complaints about this car have been regarding catastrophic problems. Kia has only addressed one of them and several still remain. Hence, we would not recommend this over one of its competitors.
