Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Kia Sportage Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Kia Sportage scores 79/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 39 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2022 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (QL).
Recalls
1
Complaints
39
Complaint Rate
3.1
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$462
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
11%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
1 recall on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (QL).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2020).
- 4th generation Sportage (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
Fourth generation (QL)
Should You Buy the 2022 Kia Sportage?
The 2022 Kia Sportage scores 79/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is the last model year of the Fourth generation (QL).
With 39 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (11). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Kia Sportage, which scored 12 points lower. See also the 2021 Kia Sportage for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $59 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- ENGINE: Multiple issues with the engine of the 2022 Kia Sportage, including engine... (11 complaints)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (5 complaints)
Compare 2022 Kia Sportage With
2022 Honda CR-V
Score: 76/100
2022 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2022 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 66/100
2022 Nissan Rogue
Score: 70/100
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 61/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- ENGINE (11)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- TRAILER HITCHES (4)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
- VISIBILITY (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- STEERING (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- TIRES (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
- SEATS (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 Kia Sportage has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Kia Sportage Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 Kia Sportage. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
2022 Kia Sportage NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Kia Sportage Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$462
vs $521 avg for compact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2022 Kia Sportage
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Check for excessive oil consumption and ensure oil levels are adequate
- Inspect sunroof and moonroof glass for cracks or signs of stress
- Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
- Verify recall completion for trailer hitch and anti-theft system
- Examine electrical system for signs of previous fire damage
- Ensure engine starts reliably and check for any warning lights
Check Any 2022 Kia Sportage's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Sportage in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Kia Sportage with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Kia Sportage Common Problems by Component
39 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the engine of the 2022 Kia Sportage, including engine knocking, stalling, and failure to start. Complaints frequently mention oil consumption problems, with several owners noting that the engine was found to have no oil despite recent oil changes. Symptoms such as engine knocking, ticking sounds, and loss of power are commonly described, often occurring around 30,000 to 51,000 miles. Two reports involve engine fires, one occurring while driving and another while the vehicle was parked, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, particularly concerning oil consumption and engine reliability.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Sportage report issues primarily related to the vehicle's electrical system, with several complaints involving serious safety implications. Multiple owners describe incidents where the vehicle caught fire while parked and turned off, with no prior warning signs or external causes. Another common issue involves the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving, with one owner stating this occurred multiple times. Complaints frequently mention problems with the vehicle's braking system, including a complete brake failure leading to a crash, and issues with the forward collision sensor failing to activate in time, resulting in another crash. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring as early as 4,800 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety risks, including fire hazards and loss of vehicle control.
TRAILER HITCHES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sportage report issues with the trailer hitch related to a recall, specifically citing delays in obtaining parts needed for the recall repair. Complaints frequently mention that the manufacturer has not provided the necessary parts for an extended period, with some owners noting this has persisted for up to 18 months. While one owner reports vehicle shuddering at a traffic light at approximately 20,000 miles, others have not experienced failures but express frustration over the inability to use the Kia-branded tow hitch. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with this issue. This information may be relevant for used car buyers considering a vehicle with a factory-installed trailer hitch.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 KIA Sportage frequently report issues related to engine performance and power train failures. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, inability to exceed certain speeds, and the vehicle entering limp mode, often accompanied by engine warning lights. These issues typically arise around 60,000 miles, with some owners experiencing engine knocking and misfires leading to complete engine failure. Safety implications are noted as vehicles lose power on highways, requiring quick maneuvering to avoid potential collisions. Buyers should be aware of potential extended repair times due to parts availability and warranty disputes.
VISIBILITY (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Kia Sportage frequently report issues with the vehicle's sunroof and moon roof glass shattering unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include an explosive sound followed by shattered glass falling into the vehicle interior, often described as occurring without warning or external impact. These incidents are reported at varying mileages, with one owner noting an occurrence at 42,000 miles and another at 4,200 miles. Safety implications are significant as the shattering glass poses a risk of injury to occupants. This pattern of complaints suggests potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the integrity of the vehicle's glass components.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Kia Sportage frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving the brakes activating unexpectedly and without cause while driving at approximately 35-40 MPH. Symptoms include the brakes slamming hard, accompanied by a beeping sound, and in one case, the brakes locking for several seconds. These incidents have been reported multiple times over a period of three months. Additionally, there is a report of a failure of the forward collision warning system during a crash, with no warning lamps, sounds, or messages activating before the impact. These issues present significant safety implications, including the risk of rear-end collisions and system failures during potential crash scenarios.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 KIA Sportage report issues related to vehicle theft, specifically mentioning vulnerabilities in the anti-theft system. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle can be started using a USB cord, indicating a potential security flaw. In one case, an owner reports that despite dealer assurances of a completed anti-theft recall, their vehicle was stolen. These incidents are documented over specific timelines, with thefts occurring within months of each other. The safety implications are significant, as the described vulnerability directly leads to vehicle theft, which could result in financial loss or other related impacts for owners.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues related to the 2022 KIA Sportage involving theft vulnerabilities, which are linked to a specific trend that compromises the vehicle's security. One complaint describes a crash resulting from the vehicle being stolen, highlighting a significant safety implication. Another owner mentions being unable to exit a lease due to the vehicle being targeted for theft, suggesting a pattern of concern over the vehicle's susceptibility to theft. These complaints do not specify mileage ranges, but they emphasize the ease with which the vehicle can be stolen, a critical factor for potential buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the airbag system in the 2022 KIA Sportage, specifically noting instances where airbags fail to deploy during crashes. One complaint describes a severe side-impact collision where the vehicle rolled multiple times, and the steering wheel airbag did not deploy, resulting in injuries. Another owner mentions a highway collision where both the emergency braking system and airbags failed to activate. These complaints highlight safety implications, as they involve crashes with one reported injury, but no specific mileage or timeline patterns are evident from the data.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen KL33 Blackwall, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, and DOT Number: 27LZYANH1921. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the front passenger's side tire at approximately 20,000 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred, while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the rear passenger's side tire at approximately 20,400 miles. The tires were the original equipment. The manufacturer was called but was unreachable. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
When Do 2022 Kia Sportage Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Kia Sportage Years
Best Kia Sportage Years to Buy
The best Kia Sportage year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
2025
2 recalls · 44 complaints
2022(this page)
1 recall · 39 complaints
2024
4 recalls · 83 complaints
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Sportage year is 2023 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to electrical system (56) issues. Also avoid 2018 (68/100).
2023
9 recalls · 257 complaints
2018
3 recalls · 147 complaints
Kia Sportage Reliability Score Trend
Kia Sportage reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Kia Sportage Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sportage?
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sportage have?
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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