Last updated: 2026-03-04

79
GoodReliability score: 79 out of 100, rated Good
2022 Kia Sportage

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 avg

Est. Annual Cost

$462

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

11%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
77/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
75/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
85/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

ENGINE (11)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)TRAILER HITCHES (4)

1 recall on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

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)

2017redesign
2018
2019
2020refresh
2021
2022selected

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

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)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

1

recall on record

Park Outside

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 sold

Segment avg: 13.7

LowAvgHigh
Low

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.

22V7030002022-09-19Park Outside

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

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 15.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (-)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Kia Sportage Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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

Sportage
$462
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

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.

11
5
4
6
ENGINE (11)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)TRAILER HITCHES (4)POWER TRAIN (3)VISIBILITY (3)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)STEERING (2)Other (6)

ENGINE

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

11 complaints total2 fires

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

5 complaints total2 crashes

TRAILER HITCHES

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
VISIBILITY (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total1 crash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint
2025-04-30

The 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.

30,000–51,000 milesEngine failures
4,200–42,000 milesSunroof/moonroof shattering
60,000 milesPower train failures

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).

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).

See full Kia Sportage years-to-avoid analysis →

Kia Sportage Reliability Score Trend

Kia Sportage reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.

avg 74
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Kia Sportage reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
201974/100Good
202069/100Good
202176/100Good
202279/100Good
202367/100Good
202478/100Good
202582/100Excellent

Kia Sportage Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/100 (predicted)Predicted34
202582/100+4Excellent244
202478/100+11Good483
202367/100-12Good9257
2022(selected)79/100+3Good139
202176/100+7Good234
202069/100-5Good2139
201974/100+6Good263
201868/100Good3147

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage reliable?
The 2022 Kia Sportage has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 79/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 39 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Sportage?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Kia Sportage include: ENGINE (11 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), TRAILER HITCHES (4 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), VISIBILITY (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Sportage have?
The 2022 Kia Sportage has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Kia Sportage has estimated annual repair costs of $462/year, which is $59 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. With a reliability score of 79/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue