2022 Kia Sportage

Routine

Owners filed 46 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine17
020
Trailer Hitches4
000
Electrical System4
000
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly3
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings3
200
Visibility/Wiper2
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Steering2
100
Service Brakes2
100
Tires › Tread/Belt1
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Trailer Hitches22V703000Park outside
Filed Sep 19, 202270,887 vehiclesKia America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026TX

While driving 8/24/2026 on interstate engine light started flashing then staues on and car decelerated and knocking noise.Got to closest parking lot. Car would no longer move and turned it off. Contacted a tow. Tow driver verified battery good, oil good and started car, the motor shook uncontrollably then it was turned off and towed to dealership. Full service oil change was done 8/23/2026 at dealership. Dealer stated diagnostics engine failure need replacement. since owning would not support 5000 mile oil change and was reported to dealer due to need service earlier.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 3, 2026SC

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.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 202697,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine running, there was an alert on the instrument panel that stating "Warning - System Overheating". The contact checked the coolant level, and the level was at the operational level; however, the A/C was not operating properly. While driving the vehicle, the external temperature gauge started lowering. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with blower motor failure that affected the wiring harness and the cooling fan assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2026CO

I am submitting this complaint regarding the positive battery terminal fuse block (battery terminal/fusible link assembly) on my 2022 Kia Sportage. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. I purchased this vehicle in 2024, when it was only about two years old. Because of the vehicle's age, I did not expect to experience major electrical problems. Approximately one year after purchasing it, in June, the battery failed and I had to purchase a brand-new replacement battery. Then, only about three months later, that replacement battery also failed and had to be replaced with another new battery. Having two batteries fail within such a short period on a relatively new vehicle made me believe there was an underlying electrical problem rather than simply defective batteries. As the problem continued to worsen, I discovered that the issue appeared to be related to the positive battery terminal fuse block connection. The connection became intermittent, and the vehicle would not reliably start because electrical power was not consistently passing through the battery terminal assembly. To temporarily restore the connection, a small metal key was carefully placed between the fuse block connection and the battery terminal. This was never intended to be a repair, but it was the only way to make the electrical connection so the vehicle would start. With the metal key in place, the vehicle would start and operate. Recently, the vehicle

Engine
Filed May 27, 2026CA

Engine failure at 93,000 miles. Timing chain jumped, causing internal engine damage. Dealer (Capitol Kia, San Jose CA) diagnosed engine as failed and quoted $11,843 for short block replacement. Vehicle is a 2021 Kia Sportage 2.4L. This is a known issue with the Theta II 2.4L engine.

Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2026FL

The engine failed completely, it has to be replaced. Yes, it’s available The engine could start a fire. It’s confirmed by an independent service. No, hasn’t been inspected by the manufacturer. The suv started shaking and making a sound, the engine light started flashing all of this in just one hour, and I have to stop.

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2026GA

Had my oil changed less about 3k miles ago and my oil like flashed on and then off. I check my oil and I have no oil. I should be able to go 5k miles. Took it to Goodyear and he check for leaks and other things and it's an oil consumption issue and said there should be a recall on my engine. I will be taking it to the dealership. My car has about 70k miles on it. It should not be burning through oil like this.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 2026IN

On Feb. 1, 2026 my 2022 Kia Sportage caught fire while parked and turned off. The vehicle had been stationary and was not running at the time the fire started. There were no warning lights, no prior overheating, and no collision or external cause. The fire appears to have originated from the engine/electrical area. This incident resulted in a total loss of the vehicle and posed a serious safety risk, as the fire occurred without warning. The vehicle was properly maintained and had no known modifications. This incident is concerning due to previous reports of Kia vehicles experiencing spontaneous fires related to electrical or engine components. I am requesting this incident be investigated for potential defects in electrical systems or engine components that may cause fires while the vehicle is parked and turned off.

Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2026TX

Vehicle developed a cylinder 3 misfire that progressed to engine failure. The engine began running rough and lost power during normal operation. Dealer diagnosed internal engine damage and advised that a complete engine replacement is required. Prior to failure, the vehicle experienced significant oil loss, with oil leaking and rapidly depleting despite proper maintenance. Oil levels dropped abnormally between services. No adequate warning was provided before the engine condition worsened. Failure resulted in loss of engine performance and required towing. Vehicle was properly maintained. Repair cost exceeds reasonable expectations for vehicle age and mileage. Dealer advised that required engine parts are on backorder, leaving the vehicle inoperable for an extended period.

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2026VT

Intake camshaft position actuator circuit alert went off I have had the engine replaced 3 times in this car in the past year now, the first time in February of 2025 then in August of 2025 and again in October of 2025 and I am now having further engine troubles with this vehicle. All replacement engines have been re-manufactured and I have been told be the Kia dealership that the first 2 were sent with faulty parts. They claimed they switched to another company for the 3rd replacement but this engine is having issues as well.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 16, 2026CA

THE DEALER FAILED TO COMPLETE THE ANTI-THEFT DET IGNITION CYL PROTECTOR, NOW MY CAR WAS STOLEN. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF, THEY EVEN ADDED BOTH DECALS ON EACH WINDOW, THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, THAT SAID ANTI-THEFT DECAL INSTALLATION COMPLETED, BUT THE MAIN REASON WE BROUGH IT IN WAS BECAUSE WE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT OUT 2022 KIA SPORTAGE HAD A RECALL ON ANTI THEFT KEY IGNITIONS. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS, TOLD US IT WAS READY AND COMPLETED AND THAT WAS NOT TRUE!

Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2025WA

Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean). Added 2 qts of synthetic since I had an appt the next morning ([XXX]) at 7:30am at dealership where I purchased it. Knocking stopped but only drove about 12 miles total from that time until appt in the morning. Kia now tells me that engine failed and based on their records, insufficient maintenance. Kia dealer changed hands recently so not sure of the recordkeeping on their end. I've only ever had my vehicle serviced there. Also, no engine light nor oil light ever came on to warn me of low oil pressure. Service tech says he will email me video of their inspection. Not yet received. Currently requesting warranty coverage. Expect it to be denied, based on what service techs have said. I cannot believe Kia didn't get their act together after the Theta II engine debaucle. My car is a 2022 Kia Sportage with ~50-51k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 24, 2025GA

While driving my 2022 Kia Sportage, the brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal hard several times and the vehicle did not slow down or stop at all. There was no braking pressure and no warning lights. Because the brakes failed completely, I crashed directly into a guardrail. The airbags deployed on impact. This was not driver error, it was a sudden and total brake system failure. The vehicle is currently in a wreck yard and requires immediate manufacturer inspection.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Aug 25, 202542,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an explosion and observed that the moon roof glass had shattered, sending glass down into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 12, 202520,000 milesNH

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2025IL

On [XXX] while driving on the highway my vehicle stalled and the engine light came on. I called my local Kia dealership and setup a diagnostic. My vehicle was dropped off 7/22/25 in which I was informed it was still under warranty and a claim would have to be filed. Days later I received a phone call stating I would have to provide maintenance records in which I have a personal mechanic who services my vehicle when needed. I was contacted multiple times and told Kia was requesting more documents and on 8/7/25 I received a phone call stating I would have to pay $700-$1100 for Kia to take out my engine and see if there was neglect to the engine on top of already owing them 663 for replacing my battery as well as the cost for the diagnostic. I am currently [XXX] and can not drive my car due to the engine being out. On documents provided from Kia it states the testing they are requiring me to pay was optional and I was informed if I paid the money there would be no guarantee Kia would still fix the vehicle. I am now out of a vehicle and spent close to 2,000 on rentals and still have a car note and insurance to pay to a vehicle I cannot even drive. Being [XXX] having doctors appointments and getting ready for a baby this has become stressful and a burden to my life and Kia is making it hard for me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Dec 1, 2024PA

A few weeks ago while on the highway my check engine light started blinking and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. My oil pressure light also light up. There was no oil at all. I took it in for an oil change because it was due soon. And explained what happened to them and they said they can check for oil consumption but it’s not covered under my engine warranty and that they can’t find anything wrong because I already put new oil in. This past Friday [XXX] again on the highway the check engine light started flashing and the car slowed down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. I took it to Jack Williams where they charged me 110$ to reset the code and told me I most likely had water in my gas tank from bad gas and to put dry gas in it which I did and later that night the light came on again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 2024NJ

Parking/Emergency brake stopped functioning. Safety issue. Dealer ran diagnostics and agreed with brake failure. Ordered replacement part.

Power Train
Filed May 25, 2024CA

The car lost engine strength wouldn't go above 60 and I received a code p1326. Now it's just blinks and moves at a crawl. I was on the freeway luckily I was able to get out the freeway without incident.

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2024TX

The engine light to our 2022 Kia Sportage went on and a ticking sound was heard in the engine. When we first took it to the dealer, they said it was a normal sound. We again took it to the dealer and spoke to the manager who apologized and said it was not normal to hear that. Warranty of course was no good because we did not get the oil changes through the dealership, which our car salesman had told us that my husband being a mechanic, would be able to do his own oil changes and the warranty would still be good. Engine is now locked up at only 49,000 miles and our car is not even 2 years old, but too expensive to fix and we still owe 17,000.00 on it.

20 of 46 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202627100Routine
202551100Routine
202469300Routine
2023191610Routine
2022 — this page46120Routine
202151270Routine
20201602120Routine
201970230Routine
20181633120Routine
20173994270High concern
2016131250Routine
20151462110Routine
2014122310Routine
20133813220High concern
20123925160Above average
2011181680Routine
201020201Fatalities reported
200980380Routine
2008983240High concern
200777250Routine
2006111150Routine
200568320Routine
20034000Routine
2002234360Above average
2001228240Above average
2000304470Above average
1999284531Fatalities reported
1998303560Above average
1997181351Fatalities reported
199657330Routine
199556210Routine

Compare every Sportage year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 19, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.