Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (44.6% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 3.6× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 58 · 44.6% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 30 · 23.1% | Recalled | Recall 22V051000 |
| Electrical System | 16 · 12.3% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 9 · 6.9% | Recalled | Recall 18V907000 |
| Power Train | 8 · 6.2% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes | 7 · 5.4% | Recalled | Recall 22V051000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 130 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 22V051000 · 2022 · reported 02/02/2022
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“La guagua se apagó corriendo motor trancado quiero saber si tiene recall de la bomba de aceite es una kia sportage 2016 motor gdi [XXX]…”NHTSA complaint 11681109 — filed 08/16/2025 · ENGINE
“2 problems occurred within 1 month from each other: - Kia Sportage engine started to randomly stall. I needed to do a full stop in…”NHTSA complaint 11671168 — filed 07/03/2025 · ENGINE
“On Sunday, June 1, 2025, I was leaving work and was exiting I97 to enter on 695 and and I accelerated to proceed on 695…”NHTSA complaint 11665787 — filed 06/09/2025 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 58 of 130 NHTSA complaints (44.6%), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (30), unspecified/other issues (18), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
130 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 8 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
