Kia Sportage reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 2,616 complaints about the Kia Sportage with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and other or unspecified. Kia has filed 9 warranty extensions and 47 service campaigns for it, and there are 21 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Kia Sportage? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Sportage a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 2,616
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 9
- Filed by Kia
- Service campaigns
- 47
- Filed by Kia
- Safety recalls
- 21
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Sportage with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 | Other or unspecified (30%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2025 | 52 | Other or unspecified (40%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 73 | Other or unspecified (29%) | 3 | 2 |
| 2023 | 192 | Other or unspecified (25%) | 6 | 4 |
| 2022 | 46 | Engine (46%) | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 54 | Engine (43%) | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | 161 | Engine (46%) | 2 | 3 |
| 2019 | 70 | Engine (51%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2018 | 164 | Engine (55%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2017 | 401 | Engine (55%) | 4 | 10 |
| 2016 | 133 | Engine (46%) | 2 | 8 |
| 2015 | 146 | Engine (58%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2014 | 123 | Engine (58%) | 3 | 18 |
| 2013 | 381 | Engine (79%) | 3 | 24 |
| 2012 | 392 | Engine (84%) | 5 | 25 |
| 2011 | 181 | Engine (43%) | 6 | 19 |
| 2010 | 20 | Airbags (20%) | 2 | 5 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Sportage model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Kia
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Kia filed with NHTSA for the Sportage, in its own words. A warranty extension means Kia pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2026· Suspension· model years 2023–2025
OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY047) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage to owners for certain repairs related to oil leakage from the rear shock absorbers on the following vehicles that were originally sold…
- Warranty extensionMay 2022· Airbags· model years 2017
AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Warranty Extension Program" (WTY027) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) with a new one on 2017MY Cadenza (YG) produced from June 2, 2016…
- Warranty extensionApr 2022· Airbags· model years 2017
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning Light in 2017 MY Sportage vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to…
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2017
DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of Front and/or Rear Door Latches associated with the Warranty Extension Program (WTY020) on some 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from December 10, 2015 through December 15, 2016.
- Warranty extensionMar 2021· Doors, latches and locks· model years 2017
WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.
- Warranty extensionJul 2017· Mobility equipment· model years 2014
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BULLETIN: 2017-02 - 2014 MY SPORTAGE (SL) ENGINE SHORT BLOCK WARRANTY EXTENSION - The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information related to the extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the Engine Short Block Assembly (engine block,…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Engine· model years 2011–2014
Dealer parts and service manager memo: WTY007 - 2011-2014 MY Sportage 2.0L turbo gdi & 2.4L gdi engine - effective immediately, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2014
Request for reimbursement form: WTY007 - 20112014 MY Sportage 2.0L turbo gdi & 2.4L gdi engine warranty extension program - if you have paid to have your engine repaired/replaced due to connecting rod failure, you may be eligible for reimbursement for some or all of that…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2014
0L turbo gdi and 2.4L gdi engine warranty extension - dear kia sportage vehicle owner: Kia motors america takes pride in providing you with high quality and dependable vehicles.
- Service campaignApr 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2026
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC363) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2025-2026 MY Carnival vehicles to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs…
- Service campaignNov 2025· Engine· model years 2024
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EGR VALVE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (SC320) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Engine· model years 2016–2022
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - 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…
- Service campaignOct 2025· Backup camera and rear sensors· model years 2026
VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC350) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to upgrade the Body Domain Controller (BDC) software logic in certain 2026 MY Sportage, Sportage Hybrid (HEV), or…
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2013
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2103Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2024· Engine· model years 2012
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignJan 2024· Equipment and accessories· model years 2023
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTROL INFORMATION (VECI) LABEL REPLACEMENT (SC285) - This bulletin provides information to replace the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label on certain 2023MY Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles with 2.5L GDI engines…
- Service campaignJul 2023· Equipment and accessories· model years 2023
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel filler neck vent collar on certain 2023 MY Sportage vehicles…
- Service campaignSep 2022· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2023
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the center muffler on certain 2023 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with…
- Service campaignApr 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2020
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to replace the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label on 2020 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with…
- Service campaignApr 2021· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2013
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2011-2013 MY Kia Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter engines to protect the engine from…
- Service campaignApr 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2014
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018…
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2016
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC184): EVAPORATOR CANISTER - PROOF OF COMPLETION CARD - To be filled out and provided to the customers whose vehicles are registered in one of the S.177 States ( Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York,…
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2016
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN (SC185): TSB - EMISSION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emission related logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM) with an improved version on some 2014-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles equipped with Theta…
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2013
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignMar 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2018
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignJan 2020· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2018
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2014–2018
Is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2014-2018 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing…
- Service campaignDec 2019· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2013
Is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on all 2011-2013 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection ("GDI") and 2.0L Turbocharged GDI ("T-GDI") engines, and some 2014 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L GDI and…
- Service campaignNov 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2013
TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN PI1803W/X_R5: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1803W/X) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Service campaignNov 2019· Electrical system· model years 2020
DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN (PI1806): This document is the Service Manager Notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign on some 2020 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and…
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Sportage model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine1,443 (55%)
- Other or unspecified381 (15%)
- Electrical system346 (13%)
- Transmission and drivetrain180 (7%)
- Brakes130 (5%)
- Fuel and propulsion100 (4%)
- Brakes76 (3%)
- Cruise control and speed control57 (2%)
Safety recalls
21 recalls cover at least one Sportage model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays.
The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
The roof molding may loosen and detach.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.
Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
The engine oil pan may leak and, if not addressed, the loss of oil may result in engine damage.
And 6 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2010–2021
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2011–2017, 2019–2021
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2013
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- RQ17003Recall query· opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021· Engine· model years 2011–2013
Scope and Timeliness
Led to recall 17V224000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Kia Sportage has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A Kia service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a Kia's service historyCommon questions
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 2,616 owner complaints, 9 warranty extensions and 47 service campaigns Kia filed, and 21 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2017 (401), 2012 (392), 2013 (381). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sportage?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (55%), other or unspecified (15%), electrical system (13%). Kia has filed 9 warranty extensions covering the Sportage, listed on this page.
Which Sportage model years have the most complaints?
2017 (401), 2012 (392), 2013 (381). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Sportage with each other rather than with other models.
Has Kia extended the warranty on the Sportage?
Yes: suspension (model years 2023–2025); airbags (model years 2017); airbags (model years 2017), and 6 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Sportage?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 21 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.