2026 Kia Sportage
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2026
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2026: 28 complaints
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 | 381 |
| 2014 | 125 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 134 |
| 2017 | 402 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 195 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2026 | 28 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Forward collision avoidance
8 of 28 total reports mention: forward collision avoidance, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
I was stopped in the left hand turn lane, then accelerated to cross 2 lanes of traffic. I then let off the accelerator, and applied the brakes to stop, and the brakes did not function.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-16
While adaptive cruise was engaged, the vehicle read Alabama highway 80 west state road sign and incorrectly interpreted the sign for a speed limit sign which is 55 MPH.The vehicle displayed a â80 MPHâ speed limit sign on the instrument cluster...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-28
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Service brakes
7 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I am writing to formally report a severe and life-threatening safety defect regarding my 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid. On September 28, 2026 around 8 am, I experienced a terrifying Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) event while operating the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
6 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was determined that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 0. The vehicle was a dealer sale.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15
Structure
4 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Fuel/propulsion system
4 of 28 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2026-03-13Electrical system26V046000 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.
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. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542.
Buy-smart checklist
2026 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V046000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2026 Kia Sportage reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2026 Kia Sportage?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2026 Kia Sportage have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.