2025 Kia Sportage: common problems and reliability

The 2025 Kia Sportage has 67 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and forward collision avoidance. Owners most often flag dealership service and warranty claim disputes — poor communication, lengthy repair times, denials of coverage for known issues (e.g., engine oil consumption, failed components). frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2025 model year

67
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
6
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2025 Kia Sportage vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
19
forward collision avoidance
11
power train
9
engine
8
vehicle speed control
7

Recalls affecting the 2025 Sportage

trailer hitches

Campaign 25V874000

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

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a polarized ownership experience. Positive feedback centers on the vehicle's strong value proposition, modern interior styling, generous feature content, and practical packaging, with specific praise for hybrid powertrain

  • Dealership service and warranty claim disputes — poor communication, lengthy repair times, denials of coverage for known issues (e.g., engine oil consumption, failed components). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Real-world fuel economy below expectations for Hybrid models — reports of 28-32 MPG in winter/cold weather, significantly lower than EPA estimates, with a noted settling-in period of ~4,000 miles. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption issues (primarily older generations with Theta II engines) — requiring consumption tests and extensive maintenance records for warranty approval. Frequency: recurrent (for specified generations).
  • Diesel engine reliability concerns (2018-2022 models) — cited as having poor reliability scores compared to petrol engines and earlier 2016-2018 diesels. Frequency: isolated (data from survey reference).
  • Infotainment/tech glitches — screen freezes, firmware updates required, front camera failures. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Sportage.

Typical used price

Used Sportage listings typically run $26,173–$31,897 across 2016 to 2026 model years.

Other Sportage model years