Kia Sportage Problems by Year

We compared every Kia Sportage model year from 1995–2026 using 4,705 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 36 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2023, 2025, 2017, 2024 and 2012, which drew far more complaints than other Sportage years at the same age. The best years are 2019 and 2014.

30model years
4,705complaints
36recalls
2023, 2025worst years
2019, 2014best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2656571813032843042282346811177988020181392381124146134402164711625446193735427
Owner complaints per model year, Kia Sportage. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2026273.8×1Collision AvoidanceCaution
2025543.6×1ElectricalAvoid
2024732.8×3ElectricalAvoid
20231936.7×6ElectricalAvoid
2022461.4×1EngineAverage
202154typical2EngineAverage
20201622.4×2EngineAvoid
201971−26%2EngineAverage
20181641.4×3EngineCaution
20174023.2×4EngineAvoid
2016134typical2EngineAverage
2015146typical2EngineAverage
2014124−25%3EngineAverage
20133812.4×3EngineAvoid
20123922.5×5EngineAvoid
2011181typical6EngineAverage
201020−90%2BrakeGood
200980−58%3ElectricalGood
200898−50%3ElectricalGood
200777−58%2AirbagGood
2006111−42%1AirbagGood
200568−65%3Fuel SystemGood
20022341.4×1EngineCaution
20012281.5×—Fuel SystemCaution
20003042.0×2Fuel SystemCaution
19992842.0×3EngineAvoid
19983032.3×3EngineAvoid
19971811.4×3EngineAverage
199657−55%3BrakeGood
199556−58%2EngineGood

* Complaints compared with the median Sportage year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Kia Sportage problems

Latest Kia Sportage recalls

Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA recall 26V-046 · Jan 26, 2026 · 42,677 vehicles

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.

Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026.

Trailer hitches

NHTSA recall 25V-874 · Dec 17, 2025 · 5,046 vehicles

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542.

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 24V-422 · Jun 7, 2024 · 1,075 vehicles

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Structure › Body › Roof and pillars

NHTSA recall 24V-025 · Jan 18, 2024 · 101,049 vehicles

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 23V-652 · Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehiclesPark outside

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.

All 36 Kia Sportage recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Kia Sportage should you avoid?

2023, 2025, 2017, 2024, 2012 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Sportage years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2023.

What is the best year for the Kia Sportage?

2019 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sportage years at the same age, followed by 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Kia Sportage problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (1,980), electrical system (631) and brakes (597). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.

How many recalls has the Kia Sportage had?

36 recalls across 1995–2026. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Kia Sportage recalls by year.

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.