2022 Kia Sportage problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Sportage, most often about engine. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
46
Recalls
1
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Median mileage
33,000 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 22 of 46 complaints (48%).
  • Electrical System (8) and visibility & wipers (5) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 33,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 6 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2022 Kia Sportage has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 15th of 22 Kia Sportage model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 15% fewer complaints than the 2021 model year (54).

2022 Kia Sportage problems by category

  • Engine
    22 complaints
  • Electrical System · 2 crashes
    8 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    5 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 2 crashes
    5 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    4 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    4 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    3 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    2 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine21
Electrical system7
Forward collision avoidance: warnings5
Trailer hitches4
Unknown or other4
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking3
Fuel/propulsion system3
Power train3

When problems happen (mileage)

2Under 10k210k–30k330k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2022 Kia Sportage complaints that list mileage.

2022 Kia Sportage recalls (1)

  • Recall 22V703000Sep 19, 202270,887 vehiclesPark outside
    TRAILER HITCHES

    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.

Recent 2022 Kia Sportage complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 1, 2026TXEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11761196 · source
  2. Filed Aug 3, 2026SCElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11754366 · source
  3. Filed Jul 20, 202697,000 miNJElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11751534 · source
  4. Filed Jul 18, 2026COElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11751241 · source
  5. Filed May 27, 2026CAEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11740300 · source
  6. Filed Apr 2, 2026FLEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11728942 · source
  7. Filed Mar 17, 2026GAEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11724879 · source
  8. Filed Feb 1, 2026INElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSeats & Seat Belts
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11714821 · source

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Other 2022 Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology