Recall homework
There is 1 official recall listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2026 Kia Sportage
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
1 Total recalls
Jan 27, 2026 Latest recall date
17 Complaint reports
$2,048 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention unknown or other, electrical system, structure. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
20 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2026 Kia Sportage?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to unknown or other, electrical system, structure?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2026 Kia Sportage Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2026 Kia Sportage.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 KIA SPORTAGE SUV N/A FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2026 KIA SPORTAGE SUV N/A AWD | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2026 Kia Sportage have?
Verify with official VIN lookup1 official recall on record for the 2026 Kia Sportage. 1 matched quarterly completion report is available.
Latest recall: January 27, 2026
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V046000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System." | An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash. | The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026. | Jan 2026 | 2026-1 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Official records show 20 manufacturer communications on record for the 2026 Kia Sportage.
0 warranty 8 service campaigns 2 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2026 | Service Campaign | POWER TRAIN | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC363) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign on certain 2026 MY Sportage vehicles to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. If necessary, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement based on the inspection results. | 11031886 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OIL LEVEL PLUG (OLP) INSPECTION, AND OLP GASKET AND/OR ATF FILLER BOLT REPLACEMENT OR A/T REPLACEMENT (SC363) - This bulletin provides information to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and/or ATF filler bolt, or the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) assembly on certain 2025-2026 Kia model vehicles listed in the table below. Also, dealers are to ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications upon the completion of the inspection and necessary repair. The oil level plug in the subject vehicles may not have been installed properly during assembly. The oil level plug may be loose or detached from the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) which may result in leaking automatic transmission fluid (ATF). A transaxle which is operated with excessively low ATF may become damaged over time. | 11031890 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Campaign | POWER TRAIN | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. Depending on the results of the inspection, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement in 12 units of 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2025 through October 1, 2025, 5 units of 2026 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from June 11, 2025 through August 19, 2025, and 184 units of 2025-2026 MY Carnival vehicles manufactured from February 20, 2025 through September 17, 2025. | 11031856 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Campaign | POWER TRAIN | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC363) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect the oil level plug and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for signs of leakage and, if necessary, replace the oil level plug gasket and ATF filler bolt and ensure the oil level plug is tightened to Kia’s factory specifications. Depending on the results of the inspection, the 8-speed Automatic Transaxle (A/T) may require replacement in 12 units of 2025-2026 MY K5 vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2025 through October 1, 2025, 5 units of 2026 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from June 11, 2025 through August 19, 2025, and 184 units of 2025-2026 MY Carnival vehicles manufactured from February 20, 2025 through September 17, 2025. | 11031855 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Campaign | POWER TRAIN | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC363) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign SC363. | 11031889 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type. | 11031906 |
| Feb 2026 | Over The Air | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SERVICE ACTION SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR ELECTRIC WATER PUMP (SA635) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2026 Sportage and Sportage HEV/PHEV and 2025 EV6 vehicles. This update is designed to improve the operation logic of the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) for remote connectivity. This OTA will be rolled out to all eligible 2026MY Sportage, Sportage HEV/PHEV and EV6 vehicles with an active Kia Connect account. | 11029300 |
| Feb 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: DCU OPERATIONSOFTWARE LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA635) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to improve the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) performance on all 2026MYSportage and Sportage HEV/PHEV and 2025MY EV6 vehicles equipped with Kia Connect Services. The affected vehicles may encounter the following issues: Remote Start/Climate Control function not working, Vehicle Status on the Kia Access App not updating. and/or Connected routing not functioning properly. | 11028737 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC26) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting “in use monitoring performance tracking” emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) requires the emissions data from vehicles with a minimum of 3,000 accumulated miles without reprogramming or resetting. | 11027858 |
| Jan 2026 | Over The Air | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | RELEASE NOTES: OVER-THE-AIR: SERVICE ACTION SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR DATA CONNECTIVITY UNIT (SA635) - This Over-the-Air (OTA) software update is designed to update the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) logic of certain 2026 Sportage vehicles. This update is designed to improve the operation logic of the Data Connectivity Unit (DCU) for remote connectivity. | 11027674 |
What are the most common 2026 Kia Sportage complaints?
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2
STRUCTURE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES 1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
SERVICE BRAKES 1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1
SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1
17 total complaints on record
How much does the 2026 Kia Sportage cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,048 $171/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 26.4 MPG
Energy used 455 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
339 g/mi CO2Fuel score 5/10