NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 47 owner complaints for the 2022 Kia Sportage. Most complaints involve engine (22) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Sportage model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 57 |
| 1997 | 187 |
| 1998 | 303 |
| 1999 | 284 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 228 |
| 2002 | 237 |
| 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 | 404 |
| 2018 | 165 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 166 |
| 2021 | 54 |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2023 | 194 |
| 2024 | 75 |
| 2025 | 55 |
| 2026 | 30 |
“I purchased my 2022 Kia Sportage in 2021 from Kia Store East here in Louisville. On Oct. 9th, for the first time in five years, I saw an engine light on in my car and the car started shaking. The dealer could not get me in until Oct. 20th, 2026. I received a call on Oct. 22nd stating that the vehicle has a cylinder 1 misfire. The dealership scoped the cylder one and found a hole in the exhaust valve. The fix for a five year old car with 105K miles? A long engine block replacement to the tune of $9,723. There is an issue with these Kia engines that extends beyond the current settlement. I was on the highway when this happened. I could have easily been in an accident on the expressway. The oil in the engine was almost empty (no oil light) and the engine failing (this was the first time I saw an engine light).”
“Our 2022 Sportage backup camera screen has gone completely blank creating an immediate rear visibility safety hazard that violates federal back up camera standards. The manual indicated fuse is still functional and the infotainment reset does not resolve the issue. The entire system remains nonfunctioning.”
“I recently filed a safety problem concerning my brakes activating for no reason. It had happened 3 times before I filed. It want to report that it happened a 4th time. On New Year's Eve, at approximately 6:20PM, I was driving on a 4 lane road about 35-40 MPH when my brakes slammed down hard. There was a long beeping sound only while the car was breaking but no other indicators. It was raining and dark. I braced myself for impact. I thought for sure my car was going to slide into something. There were no cars in front of me in either direction nor where any cars behind. Nothing obstructing the road. Nothing to give my car a reason to do that. Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me or else I absolutley would have been rear ended. The brakes locked for approximately 3-4 seconds before they let up. I am very happy that I wasn't on the highway at the time. I called Kia the day after New Year's. This time I was offered to bring in the car and get a loaner to drive while they take a look at it. This is the 4th time in 3 months this has happened.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 350 |
| Sportage AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Sportage FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 392 |
| Sportage AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 421 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (22), electrical system (8), forward collision avoidance (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2022 Kia Sportage at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Kia Sportage 5 out of 5 stars overall.