Most common 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Sportage Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Sportage Hybrid years: 2025. Compare all years →
What 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid owners say
Electrical system
While driving home today, Sunday, October 6, 2025 in my BRAND NEW Kia Sportage with 1,325 miles on it, I stopped in traffic and my car refused to move forward. Suddenly, multiple alerts popped up on the screen: Ultrasonic sensor error or blockage, check blind spot safety, ABS, and eventually: U010100, U100387 and C161287. My car eventually lost complete power, I was unable to start it, and when started, it would not shut off. I had to call the police and have a tow truck sent out to tow the car home. Yesterday, while backing up, my car also stopped suddenly with a warning that there was something behind my car, when there was nothing. This had happened once, but I thought maybe I was too close to another car and didn't realize it. This is the second time that I've had MAJOR issues with a Kia. …
I have a hybrid and 4 times now since we've owned it I experienced a lag during the transition from electric to gas power when I am stopped and try to move again (example at a stop sign or traffic light), which followed by a sudden, lurching acceleration when the gas does finally kick in. It's almost caused me to hit a car infront of me once and side swipe a car that was passing as I was making a turn because I wasn't expecting it to do that the 1st time it happened. It doesn't do it consistently just randomly as I said its only happened to me 4 times and I'm the only one that drives the car and we've had it since July 2025 I believe and it has under 4000 miles on it at this point.
Steering
While driving home today, Sunday, October 6, 2025 in my BRAND NEW Kia Sportage with 1,325 miles on it, I stopped in traffic and my car refused to move forward. Suddenly, multiple alerts popped up on the screen: Ultrasonic sensor error or blockage, check blind spot safety, ABS, and eventually: U010100, U100387 and C161287. My car eventually lost complete power, I was unable to start it, and when started, it would not shut off. I had to call the police and have a tow truck sent out to tow the car home. Yesterday, while backing up, my car also stopped suddenly with a warning that there was something behind my car, when there was nothing. This had happened once, but I thought maybe I was too close to another car and didn't realize it. This is the second time that I've had MAJOR issues with a Kia. …
The hybrid system completely failed and ev battery completely discharged. That issue is a major safety concern and I no longer feel confident driving myself and my child in that vehicle. I was on a hilly 55mph County Road, with few turn offs, when the hybrid system failed, resulting in a loss of acceleration, power steering, power brakes and heat. Check engine light, Oil Light and battery light illuminated while entire dash display started flashing red with critical fault message. The vehicle then went into limp mode. Dash showed that hybrid battery was completely discharged and warning message displayed saying vehicle would shut off in 5 minutes. Able to restart after a few minutes, but warning light said vehicle had to be left in park and vehicle started shuddering hard. …
Fuel & propulsion system
I have a 2025 KIASportage Hybrid that I loved due to all its safety features. Yesterday I was pulling into a parking space when my car lunged forward two times making very loud sounds. I was near a brick pillar it it tore off the right front of my car. The bricks were damaged. When I came home I looked up Kia Sportage lunching problems. There are many to read. They talk about "sudden acceleration'" and that is exactly what happened. It just lunged forward. Thankfully a human was not on the sidewalk. It went up over the curb and on the sidewalk. It's called a jerking car in articles. Even if my car is fixable I won't trust it. If this problem IS FIXABLE, why isn't it fixed before selling the car to consumers. I'm quite distraught about this event. Warning must go out to consumers. I called a collision center this morning and they have seen this before. …
I have a hybrid and 4 times now since we've owned it I experienced a lag during the transition from electric to gas power when I am stopped and try to move again (example at a stop sign or traffic light), which followed by a sudden, lurching acceleration when the gas does finally kick in. It's almost caused me to hit a car infront of me once and side swipe a car that was passing as I was making a turn because I wasn't expecting it to do that the 1st time it happened. It doesn't do it consistently just randomly as I said its only happened to me 4 times and I'm the only one that drives the car and we've had it since July 2025 I believe and it has under 4000 miles on it at this point.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 42 / 44 / 43 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 38 / 38 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2025 Sportage Hybrid rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sportage Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Sportage Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The electrical system — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (4) and fuel & propulsion system (3).
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. See the full Kia Sportage Hybrid years comparison.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.