VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2020MY Optima, 2016-2020MY Sorento, 2017-2022MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific co
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Kia Sportage engine problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Kia Sportage have filed 65 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 63,120 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
65
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Sportage | 41 |
| 2017 Sportage | 153 |
| 2018 Sportage | 65 |
| 2019 Sportage | 22 |
| 2020 Sportage (this page) | 65 |
| 2021 Sportage | 19 |
| 2022 Sportage | 15 |
| 2023 Sportage | 12 |
| 2024 Sportage | 4 |
1crash
4fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 65 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 65 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 105) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / QL) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations may c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
A strong pattern emerges across 58 complaints: 2020 Kia Sportage 2.4L engines burn oil at abnormal rates—typically 2–4 quarts per 1,000–5,000 miles—despite no external leaks and routine maintenance. Owners report adding oil monthly or even multiple times weekly, often without warning lights until the level is critically low. This consumption frequently precedes sudden loss of power at highway speed (65–75 mph), dropping to 25–30 mph with flashing check-engine lights. Some vehicles enter limp mode; others seize completely and won't restart.
At least four complaints describe engine fires, including flames visible under the hood and one vehicle explosion. Internal damage—bearing wear, piston ring failure, metal shavings in oil—is confirmed by dealerships but blamed on owner negligence rather than manufacturing defect. Dealers diagnose full engine replacement as the only permanent fix, quoting $7,500–$15,900+.
Warranty denials are commonplace. Kia has rejected claims citing oil changes performed outside the dealership, missing receipts, or out-of-warranty mileage, despite owners providing bank statements and maintenance documentation. Kia issued an ECU software update (called a Product Improvement Program, not a recall) intended to provide early warning of bearing failure, but owners view this as treating the symptom rather than fixing the root cause. One owner was denied goodwill coverage while the vehicle remained at the dealership for 18 days.
Knock sensor failures frequently mask the underlying oil-consumption issue. Replacement of the sensor is temporary; the oil burn and engine damage persist.
Same Kia Sportage engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at abnormal rates between scheduled oil changes, sometimes requiring monthly top-offs. Owners report consuming 2–4 quarts per 1,000–5,000 miles depending on driving conditions. Consumption occurs despite no visible external leaks and proper maintenance. Some owners add oil multiple times per week.
When: Typically appears within first 6 months to 2+ years of ownership; reported across wide mileage range (under 50,000 to over 90,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly between oil changes; Low oil or oil pressure warning light (often delayed or only appearing when critically low); No external leaks visible; Some instances of smoke from engine opening
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers recommend full engine replacement (cost $7,500–$15,900+ cited); some dealers refuse short-block repairs. Replacement quoted as necessary permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has issued a Product Improvement Program (PIP) update to engine control unit (ECU) in lieu of recall. Some owners report warranty denial based on maintenance records (oil changes performed outside dealership or missing receipts); denials cite alleged improper maintenance despite bank statements and receipts provided. Some goodwill replacements granted after dispute.
Sudden Loss of Power / Limp Mode
Engine enters limp mode or suddenly loses power while driving, typically at highway speeds (65–75 mph reported). Vehicle speed drops sharply (75 mph to 25–30 mph in seconds). Occurs without consistent warning and places driver in traffic danger.
When: Occurs at varying mileages (reported at 48,000–114,000 miles); often follows or accompanies oil consumption episodes
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of acceleration above 40 mph or complete drop to 25–30 mph max; Check engine light flashing; Vehicle entering limp/limp-home mode; Loud knocking or clattering noise from engine preceding or during failure
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor/engine knock related), Cylinder misfire codes (e.g., Cylinder 1 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report knock sensor replacement as temporary fix; failure recurs. Engine replacement ultimately necessary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers perform knock sensor tests or replacement; does not resolve underlying issue. No permanent factory fix offered short of engine replacement.
Engine Seizure / Complete Failure
Engine seizes and becomes inoperable, often following episodes of low oil or excessive oil consumption. Vehicle loses all power and will not restart. Occurs suddenly, sometimes while parked or at stop.
When: Reported at mileages 11,600–114,000 miles; often after 2–5+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not restart or crank after failure; Complete loss of motive power; Loud knocking before seizure (sometimes); Oil level critically low or empty when checked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers diagnose as complete engine failure; full engine replacement required. Quoted cost $10,000–$15,900+. Some owners denied coverage due to warranty expiration or maintenance-record disputes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denials common, citing owner negligence, maintenance performed outside dealership, or out-of-warranty status (second owner, mileage over limit). No recalls issued as of complaint dates; PIP offered instead.
Engine Fires
Engine compartment or vehicle catches fire while driving or while parked. Fire occurs with little to no warning. Some fires spread rapidly; one complaint reports vehicle explosion.
When: Reported at mileages 11,000–75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Black smoke from engine compartment or exhaust; Flames visible under hood or from engine bay; Smell of smoke or burning; Extreme engine temperature (gauge reading high heat); No warning lights prior to fire in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed or totaled; some towed to dealership, others pronounced totaled at scene.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases but offered no assistance; vehicle destroyed before repairs possible.
Knock Sensor Failures and False Knock Diagnostics
Knock sensor fails or produces false knock signals, triggering warning lights and limp mode. Dealers replace knock sensor as diagnostic fix, but underlying engine damage (low oil, bearing wear) not addressed. Problem recurs.
When: Reported at various mileages; often follows oil consumption pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking sound from engine; Check engine light, oil light, or caution light illumination; Vehicle hesitation or failure to accelerate; No acceleration above 40 mph
Codes mentioned: P1326 (knock sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replacement $300–$600+; does not cure underlying oil-consumption or bearing issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform knock sensor diagnostics and replacement. No acknowledgment of oil-consumption root cause.
Internal Engine Damage (Bearing Wear, Piston Ring Failure)
Internal engine components fail, including bearing clearance issues, piston ring failure, or rod bearing damage. Metal shavings found in oil in at least one case. Often develops after prolonged low-oil operation or excessive consumption.
When: Discovered at mileages 55,445–82,000+ miles, usually after 2–4 years ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings in engine oil; Loud knocking from engine; Rough idling and vibration; Exhaust smoke or odor; Misfire condition
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes, Bearing clearance measurement failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; bearing damage or piston ring replacement in one case cost ~$600 before additional issues emerged.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia's PIP ECU update aims to provide early warning of bearing failure but does not fix underlying mechanical issue.
Low Oil Warning System Failure / Inadequate Warning
Oil warning light fails to illuminate until oil level is critically low or empty, providing insufficient time for driver to add oil or stop vehicle safely. Owners expect warning similar to fuel gauge but receive none.
When: Throughout vehicle operation; detected when oil level already dangerously low
Symptoms owners cite: No warning light despite oil level far below minimum; Light only illuminates after oil is gone or nearly gone; Owners unaware of rapid consumption until emergency conditions arise
Repairs/costs cited: Not repairable; design flaw in monitoring system.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: ECU update (PIP) attempts to add knock-warning logic but does not address low-oil alert sensitivity or timing.
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
I own a 2020 Kia Sportage that is currently within the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The vehicle has been experiencing EXCESSIVE oil consumption, requiring oil to be added between scheduled oil changes, despite no visible leaks or warning indicators. I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to Kia's recommended maintenance schedule. Oil changes were performed regularly, including…
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…
The engine failed catastrophically while the vehicle was in operation. The failure involved internal engine components and resulted in the vehicle losing power. The vehicle is currently at a Kia dealership and is available for inspection upon request. I was driving at highway speeds with my children in the vehicle when the engine failure occurred. The sudden loss of power created a dangerous…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle in for an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine was not consuming oil, which caused concern because the vehicle had previously been fueled by the contact. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
I have a 2020 Kia Sportage and the engine failed at 48,000 mi. Car has two attempted thefts as well as one actual theft. Car Also has software upgrade required hello, car was still stolen after software upgrade was implemented as well as steering wheel lock. Car damage windows bus. Cars steering wheel locks stolen damaged door handles scratches to vehicle. I have not had this car for almost 47…
Check engine light intermittently turned on for years. Took to dealership numerous times with no resolution. Was driving and vehicle overheated to the point I thought I was going to catch fire. Pulled over, had towed to dealership. They replaced 51 + parts and spent $15,900 on repairs just to give me back a vehicle that is a lemon. Car engine Revs louder than before. Terrifying after what was…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle overheated, and the contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to…
On 12/1/24 I was driving my Kia Sportageto my home around 3pm. The car seemed completely fine and out of no where there was a large knocking noise and the car shut off and would not restart. I was in the middle of a main road and put me in a position of danger as oncoming cars were unable to see my hazards and I was almost hit several times till it was safe to get out of the vehicle. As of right…
Engine started to consume oil. I'm now going through a quart or more of oil in a couple hundred miles. Dealerships are aware of an oil consumption issue with kids engines. This needs to be a recall because it can cause engine to sieze while driving or cause a fire.
My car is a 2020 Kia sportage with 65,000 miles. We bought it bran new. Since we bought the car we've had problems. We took it to the Kia dealership and they did an oil consumption test. They said the car needed a new engine. Kia cooperation refuses to replace the engine and want us to pay for it because they due to lack of documented oil changes.
Had engine trouble with your 2020 Kia Sportage?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2020 Kia Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 65 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 12,000 and 82,000 miles, with the median around 63,120. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 82,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Kia/Sportage.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.