VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2022 Kia Sportage is among the quieter years of the Sportage on NHTSA's books: 60 complaints (64% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

60

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted558 complaints1995: 88 complaints1996: 98 complaints1997: 299 complaints1998: 558 complaints1999: 493 complaints2000: 462 complaints2001: 354 complaints2002: 321 complaints2003: 4 complaints2005: 93 complaints2006: 169 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 138 complaints2009: 120 complaints2010: 28 complaints2011: 264 complaints2012: 454 complaints2013: 449 complaints2014: 154 complaints2015: 193 complaints2016: 182 complaints2017: 551 complaints2018: 221 complaints2019: 99 complaints2020: 199 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 60 complaints2023: 303 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 86 complaints2026: 26 complaints
Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1932%
Driver Assistance813%
Electrical System58%
Visibility & Wipers47%
Trailer Hitch47%
Fuel System35%
Other35%
Transmission35%
Seats23%
Brakes23%
Airbags23%
Steering23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2022 Kia Sportage have recalls?

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

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. 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.

Consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle caught on fire without warning. The side of the contact's home also caught on fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was filed. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 5, 2022 · fire

“The component on the Kia 2022 Sportage LX called the Forward Collision Warning failed to come on during an accident. This car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the driver in the car in front of me were put at risk. We were both wearing our seat belts and did not suffer any…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 6, 2021 · crash

“While driving my 2022 Kia Sportage, the brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal hard several times and the vehicle did not slow down or stop at all. There was no braking pressure and no warning lights. Because the brakes failed completely, I crashed directly into a guardrail.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 23, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an explosion and observed that the moon roof glass had shattered, sending glass down into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 25, 2025

“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · September 19, 2022

2022 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 60 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sportage year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2022 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (19 complaints), driver assistance (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 Kia Sportage. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Sportage years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sportage years to avoid are 1998, 2017, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2001, 2002, 2023, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2020, 2015, 2016, 2014, 2008, 2009, 2019, 2021, 2010. The cleanest record among Sportage years belongs to 2003.

How safe is the 2022 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Kia Sportage earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.