Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 KIA Sportage Reliability Report
The 2025 KIA Sportage scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 2 recalls and 44 owner complaints.
Recalls
2
Complaints
44
Complaint Rate
2.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$462
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- STEERING (7)
- POWER TRAIN (5)
Should You Buy the 2025 KIA Sportage?
The 2025 KIA Sportage earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score.
At 2.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2026 KIA Sportage. See also the 2024 KIA Sportage for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$59 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Instrument cluster and infotainment displays (9 complaints)
- −6 crash incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2025 KIA Sportage With

2025 Honda CR-V
Reliability: 80/100

2025 Hyundai Tucson
Reliability: 75/100

2025 Toyota RAV4
Reliability: 84/100

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Reliability: 73/100

2025 Mazda CX-50
Reliability: 66/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2025 KIA Sportage carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
2.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 KIA Sportage Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2025 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.
Buying a used 2025 KIA Sportage? Check its history first
Every 2025 KIA Sportage has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 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 SportageRepair 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,600–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
23–25 city / 27–32 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
35–43 MPG
Running cost: $1,850–$2,150/yr
Fuel + repair
36–42 city / 35–44 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage FWD 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,150 |
| Sportage X-pro 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Sportage AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 27 | 25 | $2,400 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage Plug-in Hybrid 1.6L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM-S6) | 36 | 35 | 35 | $1,700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 KIA Sportage.
Inspect infotainment and instrument cluster for freezing or resetting
Test forward collision avoidance for unexpected braking
Check sunroof for signs of stress or cracking
Verify steering wheel is securely attached and responsive
Ensure transmission shifts smoothly without unexpected neutral shifts
Confirm lane departure and blind spot systems provide accurate alerts
Check for any open recalls related to electrical or safety systems
2025 KIA Sportage Common Problems by Component
44 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the electrical system of the 2025 KIA Sportage, primarily involving the instrument cluster and infotainment displays. Complaints frequently mention screens freezing, going blank, or resetting unexpectedly, often leading to loss of cruise control and inaccurate instrument readings. Some owners describe these issues occurring at various speeds and in different weather conditions, with mileage often under 4,000 miles. There are reports of the vehicle shutting off while driving and unexpected braking, posing potential safety risks like loss of control or near collisions. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of these electrical concerns, especially given their potential impact on vehicle operation and safety.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Kia Sportage frequently report issues with the sunroof, including instances where it implodes or shatters unexpectedly while driving, as described in three separate complaints. This issue often occurs at highway speeds and has been linked to a previous class action lawsuit. Another significant problem involves the vehicle's automated braking system, which one owner reports activates suddenly and without cause, leading to a dangerous stop that resulted in two injuries. Additionally, a complaint mentions overheating of the wireless charging pad during initial use, raising concerns about potential fire hazards. Paint peeling is also noted in a vehicle with less than 4,000 miles, with similarities to other Kia vehicles reported. These issues present potential safety risks, particularly the sunroof and braking system malfunctions, which could impact a buyer's decision.
STEERING
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2025 KIA Sportage. Complaints frequently mention the steering wheel decoupling from the steering column, leading to a complete loss of steering control. Some incidents involve the steering wheel detaching entirely, with one report noting it fell into the driver's lap. Additionally, multiple owners describe the lane assist system unexpectedly jerking the steering wheel, resulting in a crash in at least one case. These issues are reported at low mileages, with one vehicle having only 119 miles. Safety implications are significant, including crashes and injuries, indicating potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsOwners report several power train issues with the 2025 Kia Sportage, primarily involving transmission malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention unexpected gear shifts, failure to shift gears, and instances where the transmission shifts to neutral, leading to engine stalls. Symptoms such as engine revving without gear engagement and warning messages on the instrument panel are common, with failures occurring as early as 250 miles and up to 18,000 miles. Safety implications include sudden vehicle stalls and surges, posing risks of loss of control, though no crashes are reported. These issues often require dealership visits, but owners note that problems are difficult to replicate, complicating diagnosis and repair.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 KIA Sportage report issues related to vehicle speed control, including sudden unintended acceleration and problems with cruise control. Two complaints involve crashes where the vehicle unexpectedly surged forward while parking, causing damage to the front end and nearby structures. Another owner describes a violent bouncing effect during acceleration, while a separate report notes the cruise control becoming stuck at 110 mph without resolution from the dealership. These incidents highlight potential safety risks, specifically in low-speed parking situations and at high speeds on the road. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the complaints.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2025 KIA Sportage report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly with aggressive auto-braking and unexpected steering assist activation. Complaints frequently mention that the auto-braking engages harshly without gradual deceleration, which can occur both in highway traffic and residential areas, leading to potential rear-end collisions. Additionally, the lane-keeping assist (LKA) feature reportedly activates unexpectedly when adaptive cruise control is reengaged, despite being turned off in settings, causing discomfort and possible steering overcorrection. Another concern involves the highway driving assist system, which disengages without warning, leaving drivers without steering and speed assistance unexpectedly. These issues are noted at various mileage ranges, and owners express concerns about the safety implications, particularly regarding potential loss of vehicle control.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the panoramic sunroof on the 2025 KIA Sportage, specifically mentioning instances where the sunroof explodes while driving. Complaints frequently mention a loud noise, likened to a gunshot, followed by glass falling into the vehicle, leading to potential injuries from glass shards. Both reports describe this occurring while traveling at highway speeds, around 55mph, but do not specify mileage on the vehicles. These incidents have safety implications, as falling glass poses a risk of injury to occupants, including children. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports when considering this model.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2025 KIA Sportage's lane departure and detection systems, specifically mentioning malfunctions in the Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection System. Complaints frequently mention that these systems fail to provide warnings, which is intended to aid in safe lane changes. One owner describes a collision occurring when the system did not alert them to an approaching vehicle, while another notes repeated failures without incident. These issues are reported to occur shortly after vehicle purchase, though exact mileage is not specified. Safety implications include potential crashes due to the lack of timely alerts from the detection systems. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported inconsistencies in the vehicle's safety features.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners report that the 2025 Kia Sportage experiences issues with the vehicle's top molding blowing off, similar to problems noted in previous model years. One owner mentions that repairs involved gluing the molding back into place, but not all repairs have been completed. Additionally, another owner describes finding rodent damage to the air cabin filter, attributed to a hole between the engine compartment and the passenger area. This issue was observed at approximately 17,000 miles. While these complaints do not indicate direct safety implications like crashes or fires, they highlight potential structural vulnerabilities that may concern prospective buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-relatedStatement for NHTSA Complaint: I am filing this complaint regarding a 2025 Kia Sportage EX (VIN: [XXX] ) that I purchased, which was sold to me with a defective brake booster. This defect resulted in a complete brake failure, putting my safety and the safety of others at serious risk. When the issue occurred, I lost braking power, which could have led to a severe accident. After bringing the vehicle in for repair, it was confirmed that the brake booster was faulty. Kia of America has only offered to reimburse me for my $1,000 insurance deductible, despite selling me a defective vehicle that should never have been on the road. They have not taken full responsibility for the issue, nor have they provided an appropriate resolution. This is a major safety concern, and I am concerned that other Kia Sportage owners may be driving with the same defect, unaware of the potential danger. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and take appropriate action to ensure Kia addresses this safety hazard properly. Please let me know if you require any additional information regarding my case. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When Do 2025 KIA Sportage Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst KIA Sportage Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Sportage Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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
(Current Model)
2022
2024
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).
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
2025 KIA Sportage Reliability by Powertrain
The 2025 KIA Sportage is available with 3powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 30 | 1 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 11 | 0 | 3 | 5 out of 5 |
| PHEV | 3 | 1 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 44 | 2 | 6 |
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 2025 KIA Sportage reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 KIA Sportage?
How many recalls does the 2025 KIA Sportage have?
Is the 2025 KIA Sportage expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 KIA Sportage without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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