VehicleVerdict

2025 Kia Sportage problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2025 Kia Sportage is among the quieter years of the Sportage on NHTSA's books: 86 complaints (49% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (21), electrical system (15), and driver assistance (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

86

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2025 compare to other Sportage years?

Sportage NHTSA complaints by model year, 2025 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, 2025 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sportage years to avoid →

What are the most common 2025 Kia Sportage problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other2124%
Electrical System1517%
Driver Assistance1416%
Engine78%
Transmission67%
Brakes56%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Speed Control45%
Steering33%
Body & Structure33%
Airbags11%
Suspension11%
Fuel System11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2025 Kia Sportage 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.

“On Monday, Dec 15 at approximately 3:30 pm I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my house. The vehicle suddenly revved loudly and shot forward striking a tree in my front yard. If not for the tree would have ended up in the kitchen. When parking I do not have to apply gas once I enter the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 15, 2025 · crash

“was driving at 40mph and vehicle turned off engine. Auto start stop was beeping and flashing. steering and braking was hindered (was manual) for a few seconds until the auto start stop turned the engine on again. Had car to dealer with other issues (dash resets) and they couldn't duplicate the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 13, 2025

“On Monday, Dec 15 at approximately 3:30 pm I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my house. The vehicle suddenly revved loudly and shot forward striking a tree in my front yard. If not for the tree would have ended up in the kitchen. When parking I do not have to apply gas once I enter the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 15, 2025 · crash

“was driving at 40mph and vehicle turned off engine. Auto start stop was beeping and flashing. steering and braking was hindered (was manual) for a few seconds until the auto start stop turned the engine on again. Had car to dealer with other issues (dash resets) and they couldn't duplicate the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 13, 2025

“Started vehicle and was driving, ISG (auto start stop) light went amber and transmission refused to shift to allow uphill travel. Had to pull over and turn engine off and on again for the transmission to start working. Have had to dealer, however yet again they cannot replicate in their test drive…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 21, 2025

2025 Kia Sportage — common questions

Is the 2025 Kia Sportage reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 86 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sportage year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2025 Sportage problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (21 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), driver assistance (14 complaints).

Does the 2025 Kia Sportage have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2025 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 2025 Kia Sportage?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2025 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.