Kia Sportage common problems
Owners of 2015–2025 Kia Sportage vehicles have filed 1,443 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported system is engine & cooling (90% of categorised reports). Below is every reported problem area, ranked by real complaint volume, with recall and crash context — useful if you're researching this model before buying used.
- 1,443
- Owner complaints
- 28
- Recall campaigns
- 93
- Crash-related reports
- 83
- Injury reports
Most reported problem areas
By share of categorised NHTSA complaints across all 11 model years. Each links to what that system covers and its recall history.
How to read this before buying
Complaint volume is not the same as failure rate. A model that sold in large numbers, or one that has been on sale for many years, accumulates more complaints without necessarily being less reliable. Use these figures to learn which systems to inspect, not to rank one model against another.
The single most useful next step is to check the specific vehicle's recalls by VIN — a recall repair is free at any franchised dealer, but only if it has actually been done.
Recent safety events
Full timeline- Recall2024 sportage
An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2025 sportage
An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 sportage
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Recall2023 sportage
A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Recall2024 sportage
A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Investigation closed2015 sportage
NHTSA closed investigation DP22003
Loss of Motive Power
Frequently asked
- What are the most common Kia Sportage problems?
- Across 1,443 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2025 Kia Sportage vehicles, the most reported systems are engine & cooling (90%), body & structure (4%), visibility (3%).
- Which Kia Sportage model year has the most complaints?
- In our index, the 2017 Kia Sportage has the most owner complaints, with 396 filed.
- Are Kia Sportage problems dangerous?
- Of the 1,443 complaints on record, 93 mention a crash, 78 mention a fire and 83 mention an injury. Complaint counts are not a failure rate — check the specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN.
Problems by model year
The 2017 accounts for the most complaints (396). Open any year for its full complaint and recall report.
Where this comes from
Every figure is aggregated from consumer complaints filed directly with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not forums, reviews or estimates. Component grouping uses our published taxonomy.