Last updated: 2026-03-04

2024 Kia Sportage Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2024 Kia Sportage scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 4 recalls and 83 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
4
Complaints
83
Complaint Rate
5.1
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
4 recalls on record
Should You Buy the 2024 Kia Sportage?
The 2024 Kia Sportage scores 78/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.
With 83 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 electrical system (17). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2025 Kia Sportage, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2023 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
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Instrument panel and dashboard screens going blank or rebooting while driving (17 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (16 complaints)
Compare 2024 Kia Sportage With
2024 Honda CR-V
Score: 77/100
2024 Hyundai Tucson
Score: 77/100
2024 Toyota RAV4
Score: 80/100
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Score: 75/100
2024 Mazda CX-50
Score: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8)
- STRUCTURE (7)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
- POWER TRAIN (4)
- ENGINE (3)
- STEERING (3)
- VISIBILITY (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- WHEELS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- LANE DEPARTURE (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
The 2024 Kia Sportage has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 8.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
10
Fires
0
Injuries
10
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Kia Sportage Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Kia Sportage. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
TRAILER HITCHES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 are expected to be 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.
STEERING
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
Consequence
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.
STRUCTURE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.
Consequence
A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
2024 Kia Sportage NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
PHEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
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 2024 Kia Sportage
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect brakes for rotor warping and pulsation
- Test cruise control for unexpected speed changes
- Check for sunroof glass integrity and signs of cracking
- Verify instrument panel functionality during a test drive
- Ensure engine does not unexpectedly shut off or lose power
- Examine for any unusual noises during engine start-up
- Check for proper operation of all airbags and collision systems
Check Any 2024 Kia Sportage's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2024 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.
2024 Kia Sportage Common Problems by Component
83 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
17 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2024 Kia Sportage's electrical system, particularly involving the instrument panel and dashboard screens going blank or rebooting while driving. Complaints frequently mention the instrument cluster screen intermittently blacking out, which affects the visibility of critical information such as speedometer and warning lights. This issue often occurs at various speeds, including highway driving, and in some cases, cruise control is disrupted. Several owners note that these problems began shortly after purchase, with some reports indicating mileage as low as 2,100 miles. Safety implications are evident, as multiple owners describe losing propulsion or experiencing sudden deceleration during these events, posing a risk of accidents. Additionally, some complaints highlight problems with locking mechanisms and infotainment systems, although these are less common.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
16 complaintsOwners of the 2024 Kia Sportage report frequent issues with the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering, often while driving at highway speeds, without any apparent impact or external cause. This problem typically occurs without warning and is described as sounding like an explosion, with glass potentially showering occupants. Additionally, there are reports of hybrid system failures leading to complete loss of power and steering control, sometimes accompanied by smoke and fire risks. These failures are reported at various mileage points, indicating no clear pattern related to vehicle age or use. The safety implications include potential crashes, loss of vehicle control, and injury risks from shattered glass. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for significant safety hazards.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report recurring issues with the 2024 Kia Sportage's cruise control system, primarily involving the cruise control unexpectedly setting itself to 110 mph and not responding to speed adjustments. Complaints frequently mention that the only way to reset the system is to turn the vehicle off completely. This issue is often reported within the first few weeks of ownership or after minimal mileage. Additionally, two separate incidents describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking, resulting in crashes into buildings. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control, which are important considerations for prospective buyers.
STRUCTURE (7 complaints)
STRUCTURE
7 complaintsOwners of the 2024 KIA Sportage frequently report issues with the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving, often without any external impact. Symptoms described include an explosive sound, glass fragments entering the cabin, and difficulty maintaining vehicle control. These incidents are noted to occur at highway speeds, suggesting potential safety implications. Additionally, some owners report roof trim or molding coming loose while traveling, causing noise and distraction. These complaints typically do not specify mileage, but the incidents are often described in cold weather conditions.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the brake system of the 2024 KIA Sportage, particularly involving warped front rotors at low mileages, with some cases noted as early as 4,000 miles. Symptoms include pulsating steering wheels during braking and the need for repeated rotor resurfacing or replacement. Additionally, complaints highlight unintended automatic braking, especially when reversing with rear camera interference or in wet conditions, causing abrupt stops. At least one incident involved a crash due to brake pedal stiffness, resulting in property damage but no injuries. These issues primarily occur within the first 18,000 miles, suggesting potential early wear or malfunction.
POWER TRAIN (4 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the 2024 KIA Sportage's powertrain, primarily involving engine surging and hybrid system failures. Complaints frequently mention engine RPMs unexpectedly rising to around 3000, especially when switching to electric-only mode, which is documented with video evidence in some cases. Another common issue is the vehicle losing propulsion or entering a reduced power mode, often accompanied by a "Check Hybrid System" warning, which some owners state is linked to a known defect. These problems typically arise at various mileages, with at least one instance occurring during an attempt to park, resulting in a crash due to unexpected acceleration. The safety implications include sudden loss of power while driving and unintended vehicle acceleration, posing risks to both the driver and others on the road.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2024 KIA Sportage's engine, including a loud clicking noise upon the first start of the day, which one owner notes has worsened over time despite repeated dealership visits. Another common complaint involves the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off, as described by an owner whose car stopped running at a red light and required several attempts to restart. Additionally, a check engine warning light activation is noted, with one instance occurring at approximately 17,000 miles, requiring multiple restart attempts. These issues have safety implications, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle unexpectedly brakes or shuts off in traffic, posing risks of rear-end collisions or traffic disruptions. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported problems and consider the associated safety concerns when evaluating this model.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 KIA Sportage report issues with the steering system, with complaints highlighting sudden loss of steering control and unexpected activation of the emergency brake. One owner describes the emergency brake engaging inappropriately, leading to a crash and two injuries, as the vehicle became immobile in traffic. Another owner reports high vibration in the steering wheel shortly after purchase, initially attributed to a rotor issue. A third owner experiences repeated instances of the steering wheel freezing while driving at speeds between 40-50 mph, creating dangerous situations that necessitated towing. These incidents suggest significant safety risks, particularly when the steering malfunctions occur at higher speeds.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Kia Sportage report issues with airbag deployment during front-end collisions. In two separate incidents, airbags did not deploy despite significant impacts, one involving a collision with a deer at 77 MPH and another during a crash where the Forward Collision Assistance system also failed to activate. These complaints typically emerge around 22,500 miles, with owners noting significant vehicle damage and potential safety risks due to the lack of airbag engagement. Although no severe injuries were reported, one owner experienced soreness, and both vehicles were declared total losses. Buyers should be aware of these airbag system concerns when considering this model.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 KIA Sportage report issues with the vehicle's forward collision avoidance system, particularly when using various driver-assist features. One complaint describes a crash with five injuries, where the vehicle allegedly took control during rain and drove into a mountain, resulting in a rollover. Another complaint involves unintended acceleration to 110 mph while in cruise mode, which repeated after the dealership initially reset the system. These reports highlight severe safety implications, including loss of control and potential for crashes, with one vehicle remaining in maintenance for an extended period. Buyers should note these issues may arise unexpectedly and involve complex interactions between multiple assist systems.
When Do 2024 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
1 recall · 39 complaints
2024(this page)
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
2024 Kia Sportage Reliability by Powertrain
The 2024 Kia Sportage is available with 3 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 56 | 3 | 6 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 16 | 0 | 1 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 11 | 1 | 3 | N/T |
| Total | 83 | 4 | 10 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Kia Sportage reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Kia Sportage?
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Sportage have?
Is the 2024 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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