Kia Sportage 2025 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Kia Sportage 2025 and 52 complaints filed by owners. It has 61% fewer complaints than the average Kia Sportage from 2016–2025 (135 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Sportage 2025? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Sportage 2025
Trailer hitch
NHTSA campaign 25V874000 · 2025-12-17
What happens
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 error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence
An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
52 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
5 with a crash · 8 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Sportage 2025
- Electrical system: 15 (29% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 8 (15% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 6 (12% of complaints)
- Engine: 6 (12% of complaints)
- Structure and body: 5 (10% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Sportage 2025
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2025 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Sportage recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 133 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 401 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 164 complaints
- 2019 : 2 recalls · 70 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 162 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 46 complaints
- 2023 : 6 recalls · 192 complaints
- 2024 : 3 recalls · 73 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recalls · 52 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Sportage 2025 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Kia Sportage 2025. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Sportage 2025?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (15 of 52 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).