2025 Kia Sportage
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 56 |
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 181 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 234 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2005 | 68 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 77 |
| 2008 | 98 |
| 2009 | 80 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 392 |
| 2013 | 380 |
| 2014 | 122 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 131 |
| 2017 | 399 |
| 2018 | 163 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 50 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 190 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 50 |
| 2026 | 26 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: electrical system — 15 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While driving my 2025 Kia Sportage on the highway with my [XXX] son in the back seat, we experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction that prompted this report.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250716
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE: 2025 Kia Sportage X-Line VIN: 5XYK6CDF0SG319130 APPROXIMATE MILEAGE: 34,000 miles DATE OF INCIDENT: September 3, 2026 LOCATION OF INCIDENT: 6140 University Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35806 COMPONENT: Steering / Motor-Driven Power Steering...
NHTSA ODI report, 20260913
Also filed under STEERING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC359.
Campaign 25V874000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 25V874000 (electrical system, trailer hitches) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2025 Kia Sportage is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Kia Sportage?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sportage have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.