NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Sportage scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 153 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two recalls, both issued with park-outside advisories, significantly impact the 2020 Kia Sportage's defect record. Despite this, the model achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, placing it in the Average band. This rating is bolstered by strong crash-test scores and a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. The park-outside advisories, however, demand serious attention from owners and prospective buyers.
The 2020 Kia Sportage received a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 and an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Sportage ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 153 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Sportage?
The 2020 Kia Sportage presents an uneven safety profile, marked by strong crash test results but hampered by its defect record. A significant factor in this year's assessment is the defect-record component, which scores only 6 out of 20. This low sub-score is directly tied to two recalls, both carrying the most serious "park outside" advisory. Of particular concern for this model year is the brake-system recall, initiated in March 2021, which affects 2017-2021 Sportage units. Despite these issues, the 2020 Sportage shows notable strengths in other areas. Its crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is a meaningful contributor to its overall safety standing. This is anchored by a 5-star overall rating and a 5-star side impact rating from NHTSA. Furthermore, the vehicle earns a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all provided as standard equipment. The 2020 model year achieves a Safety Index of 77/100, placing it within the Average band and representing a three-point gain over the 2019 model's 74/100. However, the 153 unverified owner complaints, including a notably high 69 reports within the Engine cluster, underscore the impact of the defect record on its overall score. The 2020 Kia Sportage demonstrates consistent crash-test performance but its recall history and owner complaints prevent it from achieving a higher safety standing.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Sportage earned the NHTSA's highest overall safety rating, 5 out of 5 stars. This strong performance included a 5-star rating in side-impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at 4 out of 5 stars. The Sportage's rollover risk was assessed at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14106
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Yes. Two recalls cover this model year, and both carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations. The first involves the hydraulic electronic control unit in the antilock braking and traction control system, affecting 2017-2021 Sportage vehicles. The second involves trailer hitches across a broader Kia lineup including this year. Both campaigns require owners to verify remedy completion by VIN.
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Reported 2022-09-19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE21V137000
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may cont
Reported 2021-03-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has logged 153 unverified consumer complaints against the 2020 Sportage. Alleged issues center on the Engine (69 reports), followed by Unknown Or Other (30), Electrical System (19), Service Brakes (12), and Structure (10). Eleven alleged crashes and eleven alleged fire incidents are among the reported figures. These are unverified allegations, not established facts.
153 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Sportage?
For the 2020 Sportage, two open recalls carry park-outside advisories. Buyers of this model year should confirm both the brake system and trailer hitch campaigns have been remedied. This step is not optional, as both advisories deem it unsafe to park the vehicle inside until repairs are complete.
- The 2020 Sportage carries two recalls, both at the park-outside advisory level, including a brake hydraulic electronic control unit recall specific to 2017-2021 Sportage models initiated in March 2021.
- The defect-record sub-score of 6 out of 20 is the single largest drag on the 77/100 Safety Index, pulling the score well below what the crash-test results alone would suggest.
- NHTSA logged 153 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Engine component accounting for 69 of those alleged reports and 11 alleged fire incidents among the total.
- The three-point Index gain from 74 in 2019 to 77 in 2020 is real but modest, and both years remain in the Average band, meaning the 2020 did not break into a higher safety tier.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Sportage places
The 2020 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Kia Sportage earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Sportage, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 153 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Sportage. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sportage years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14106), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 87 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.