VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia Sportage Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2025 Kia Sportage Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2025 compare to other Sportage Phev years?

Sportage Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted25 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 18 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Sportage Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia Sportage Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance343%
Fuel System114%
Speed Control114%
Tires & Wheels114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2025 Kia Sportage Phev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V874000Trailer HitchDecember 17, 2025 · 5,046 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.

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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I’m the owner of a 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV and I’m experiencing a critical software bug: the car does not retain my custom driver assistance settings. Specifically, I have a bike rack installed on the rear hitch. I disable automatic rear emergency braking to avoid false stops when reversing, but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · July 7, 2025

“On [XXX] I took ownership of the described brand new vehicle from Kia of Portland OR,(12miles on the odometer) and insisted twice to sales management that the vehicle is prep'ed with a full fuel tank, fully charged battery and that tires are set to OE spec. The following 2 days the area experienced…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 5, 2025

“While driving the vehicle at 55 mph, it suddenly lost the ability to accelerate even when I pressed down on the accelerator. The RPMs went up to 4 or 5 but I could not go over 30-35 mph. Fortunately, I was able to move into a left turn lane to get away from the flow of traffic and avoid an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 23, 2026

“on saturday [XXX] while driving on the highway my car lost propulsion and started slowing down even after i was pressing on the acceleration/gas pedal all the way. It happened 3 times within an hour's time frame the car refused to speed up and would stop driving. I was in immediate risk as well as…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 30, 2026

“While driving the vehicle at 55 mph, it suddenly lost the ability to accelerate even when I pressed down on the accelerator. The RPMs went up to 4 or 5 but I could not go over 30-35 mph. Fortunately, I was able to move into a left turn lane to get away from the flow of traffic and avoid an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 23, 2026

2025 Kia Sportage Phev — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Sportage Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2025 Kia Sportage Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 Kia Sportage Phev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.