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2022 Kia Sportage: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (38% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2022

1
recalls
45
owner complaints
2
fire reports
33,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingWeak spot: engine (38%)2 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 33,000 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine (engine mechanics)38% · 16 complaints
Trailer Hitches10% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 4 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)7% · 3 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)7% · 3 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)5% · 2 complaints
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.Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
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.Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
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.Owner report · Engine · May 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
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.Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
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.Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
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.Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
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!Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2026
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.Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2025
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.Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2025
Parking/Emergency brake stopped functioning. Safety issue. Dealer ran diagnostics and agreed with brake failure. Ordered replacement part.Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2024

When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

TRAILER HITCHES22V703000 · Sep 2022

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.

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.

How other years compare

Check your exact Sportage by VIN

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage reliable?

NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2022 Kia Sportage. The most complained-about area is engine (38% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2022 Kia Sportage problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 33,000 miles or less.

Does the 2022 Kia Sportage have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning trailer hitches. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.