Complaint volume
42 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
42 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2022 Kia Sportage, grouped by component category.
Buyer interpretation
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
42 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
The most common categories are engine, trailer hitches, forward collision avoidance. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Enriched records include 6 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 1 injury report, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage is available on 8 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 29,475 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
42 total complaints on record
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2026 | ENGINE | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 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 and had no known modifications. This incident is concerning due to previous reports of Kia vehicles experiencing spontaneous fires related to electrical or engine components. I am requesting this incident be investigated for potential defects in electrical systems or engine components that may cause fires while the vehicle is parked and turned off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Vehicle developed a cylinder 3 misfire that progressed to engine failure. The engine began running rough and lost power during normal operation. Dealer diagnosed internal engine damage and advised that a complete engine replacement is required. Prior to failure, the vehicle experienced significant oil loss, with oil leaking and rapidly depleting despite proper maintenance. Oil levels dropped abnormally between services. No adequate warning was provided before the engine condition worsened. Failure resulted in loss of engine performance and required towing. Vehicle was properly maintained. Repair cost exceeds reasonable expectations for vehicle age and mileage. Dealer advised that required engine parts are on backorder, leaving the vehicle inoperable for an extended period. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | ENGINE | intake camshaft position actuator circuit alert went off I have had the engine replaced 3 times in this car in the past year now, the first time in February of 2025 then in August of 2025 and again in October of 2025 and I am now having further engine troubles with this vehicle. All replacement engines have been re-manufactured and I have been told be the Kia dealership that the first 2 were sent with faulty parts. They claimed they switched to another company for the 3rd replacement but this engine is having issues as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | THE DEALER FAILED TO COMPLETE THE ANTI-THEFT DET IGNITION CYL PROTECTOR, NOW MY CAR WAS STOLEN. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF, THEY EVEN ADDED BOTH DECALS ON EACH WINDOW, THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, THAT SAID ANTI-THEFT DECAL INSTALLATION COMPLETED, BUT THE MAIN REASON WE BROUGH IT IN WAS BECAUSE WE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL STATING THAT OUT 2022 KIA SPORTAGE HAD A RECALL ON ANTI THEFT KEY IGNITIONS. THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALER FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS, TOLD US IT WAS READY AND COMPLETED AND THAT WAS NOT TRUE! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | ENGINE | Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean). Added 2 qts of synthetic since I had an appt the next morning ([XXX]) at 7:30am at dealership where I purchased it. Knocking stopped but only drove about 12 miles total from that time until appt in the morning. Kia now tells me that engine failed and based on their records, insufficient maintenance. Kia dealer changed hands recently so not sure of the recordkeeping on their end. I've only ever had my vehicle serviced there. Also, no engine light nor oil light ever came on to warn me of low oil pressure. Service tech says he will email me video of their inspection. Not yet received. Currently requesting warranty coverage. Expect it to be denied, based on what service techs have said. I cannot believe Kia didn't get their act together after the Theta II engine debaucle. My car is a 2022 Kia Sportage with ~50-51k miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While driving my 2022 Kia Sportage, the brakes suddenly stopped responding. I pressed the brake pedal hard several times and the vehicle did not slow down or stop at all. There was no braking pressure and no warning lights. Because the brakes failed completely, I crashed directly into a guardrail. The airbags deployed on impact. This was not driver error, it was a sudden and total brake system failure. The vehicle is currently in a wreck yard and requires immediate manufacturer inspection. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an explosion and observed that the moon roof glass had shattered, sending glass down into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but it had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,000 |
| Aug 2025 | TIRES | The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen KL33 Blackwall, Tire Size: 225/55/R18, and DOT Number: 27LZYANH1921. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the front passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the front passenger's side tire at approximately 20,000 miles. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred, while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the rear passenger's side tire had a low tread depth, cracks on the side wall, and was dry rotted. The dealer replaced the rear passenger's side tire at approximately 20,400 miles. The tires were the original equipment. The manufacturer was called but was unreachable. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Aug 2025 | ENGINE | On [XXX] while driving on the highway my vehicle stalled and the engine light came on. I called my local Kia dealership and setup a diagnostic. My vehicle was dropped off 7/22/25 in which I was informed it was still under warranty and a claim would have to be filed. Days later I received a phone call stating I would have to provide maintenance records in which I have a personal mechanic who services my vehicle when needed. I was contacted multiple times and told Kia was requesting more documents and on 8/7/25 I received a phone call stating I would have to pay $700-$1100 for Kia to take out my engine and see if there was neglect to the engine on top of already owing them 663 for replacing my battery as well as the cost for the diagnostic. I am currently [XXX] and can not drive my car due to the engine being out. On documents provided from Kia it states the testing they are requiring me to pay was optional and I was informed if I paid the money there would be no guarantee Kia would still fix the vehicle. I am now out of a vehicle and spent close to 2,000 on rentals and still have a car note and insurance to pay to a vehicle I cannot even drive. Being [XXX] having doctors appointments and getting ready for a baby this has become stressful and a burden to my life and Kia is making it hard for me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | ENGINE | A few weeks ago while on the highway my check engine light started blinking and the car started to slow down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. My oil pressure light also light up. There was no oil at all. I took it in for an oil change because it was due soon. And explained what happened to them and they said they can check for oil consumption but it’s not covered under my engine warranty and that they can’t find anything wrong because I already put new oil in. This past Friday [XXX] again on the highway the check engine light started flashing and the car slowed down and wouldn’t go over 25 miles per hour. I took it to Jack Williams where they charged me 110$ to reset the code and told me I most likely had water in my gas tank from bad gas and to put dry gas in it which I did and later that night the light came on again. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | Parking/Emergency brake stopped functioning. Safety issue. Dealer ran diagnostics and agreed with brake failure. Ordered replacement part. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | The car lost engine strength wouldn't go above 60 and I received a code p1326. Now it's just blinks and moves at a crawl. I was on the freeway luckily I was able to get out the freeway without incident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ENGINE | The engine light to our 2022 Kia Sportage went on and a ticking sound was heard in the engine. When we first took it to the dealer, they said it was a normal sound. We again took it to the dealer and spoke to the manager who apologized and said it was not normal to hear that. Warranty of course was no good because we did not get the oil changes through the dealership, which our car salesman had told us that my husband being a mechanic, would be able to do his own oil changes and the warranty would still be good. Engine is now locked up at only 49,000 miles and our car is not even 2 years old, but too expensive to fix and we still owe 17,000.00 on it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owned a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, where she opened the hood of the vehicle and observed flames coming from the engine. The fire department extinguished the fire and determined that the fire originated from the driver side of the engine. A fire department and police report were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | 51,000 |
| Apr 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact heard an abnormal clicking sound. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle was not revving and failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle slowed to approximately 15 MPH and would not accelerate beyond 15 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 33,000 |
| Feb 2024 | ENGINE | Radiator hose needs repair already and engine over heating. Kia will not cover it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I recently filed a safety problem concerning my brakes activating for no reason. It had happened 3 times before I filed. It want to report that it happened a 4th time. On New Year's Eve, at approximately 6:20PM, I was driving on a 4 lane road about 35-40 MPH when my brakes slammed down hard. There was a long beeping sound only while the car was breaking but no other indicators. It was raining and dark. I braced myself for impact. I thought for sure my car was going to slide into something. There were no cars in front of me in either direction nor where any cars behind. Nothing obstructing the road. Nothing to give my car a reason to do that. Luckily there wasn't anyone behind me or else I absolutley would have been rear ended. The brakes locked for approximately 3-4 seconds before they let up. I am very happy that I wasn't on the highway at the time. I called Kia the day after New Year's. This time I was offered to bring in the car and get a loaner to drive while they take a look at it. This is the 4th time in 3 months this has happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | The last 3 months, 3 times the brakes of my 2022 Kia Sportage activated without warning or reason while I was accelerating at about 35mph under different conditions. First time, my brakes slammed hard. I didn't know what was going on or why. I ended up trying to slam on my brakes which were already fully to the floor, but the car wouldn't stop. My lower body ended up under the steerling wheel, and I had to get myself back into position and figure out what was going on while the car was still moving. Second time, I took the car in to Kia. They couldn't find anything wrong and sent me on my way. I called back upset because I felt that this is a serious safety concern and demanded they look again. They kept my car for a few days and gave me a loaner. Even the loaner Soul had an issue. No automatic breaking, but it just turned off the forward collision assistance and the radar on it's own. Kia drove my car 9 miles and couldn't replicate the problem. I was told that if it happens again to call in with a description. I wrote to Kia headquarters that by driving the car under the advisement of Kia representatives, I will not be responsible for anything happening to me, my car or any other person that is ever in my car, or to another vehicle or person or property outside my car. I filed a claim with Kia Customer Support. They denied my claim of having my car repurchased or replaced without giving me a reason. They refused to give me a denial letter. I was told that information had to stay in the computer for legal reasons and that my state has a Lemon Law. My car seems to falls outside the time frame for that. Meanwhile waiting for Kia's decisions, the issue happened a third time, this time with a chime, but still nothing in the road. I called and reported that to Kia. I was given no offer to bring it in. Another time, while waiting on Kia's decision, I was driving on the highway and there was a deer literally standing right in front of me and my car did nothing to warn me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | I purchased my 2022 Kia Sportage on September 15, 2021. In February 2022, there was a deep freeze. When then weather warmed up, there was a crack in my windshield. I took the car in for it's 6 month service and the window was replaced. On Christmas morning 2023, there was a crack in my windshield again. in the same place. Both times the crack started on the driver's side in the bottom black area of the windshield. We haven't had any deep freezes this winter. Now, I have to get the window replaced a second time. This time, I may have to pay for it, and I cannot and will not be able to come up with $1000 to have the window replaced. I will have to either not drive, or drive with it cracked. I am pointing this out because in all of my life, I have never experienced a cracked windshield. It seems very odd to have two cracked windshields in 1 year and 10 months. If Kia's windshields are that fragile under normal driving conditions, then I feel that Kia's windows are not safe if any normal road debris hits the windshield. I am experiencing a braking issue with my car as well that I filed under a different safety complaint. Between the thought of my windshield cracking while driving and my brakes slamming for no reason, I feel that my car has serious safety concerns. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES | Kia had come out with a recall immediately after purchasing and installing our tow hitch on our 2022 Kia Sportage. It has been almost 18 months with no remedy. I've taken it to the dealer multiple times and called Kia themselves both say they can't do anything. Every single aftermarket tow hitch is completely safe to use other than the Kia branded one. I paid almost $700 to get a tow hitch installed at 14k miles and now nearing 40k miles and haven't used it a single time. I have been running in circles trying to get any information. They say it's a short circuit but why they haven't adopted the method all other aftermarket parts have that have no issues makes zero sense after all this time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2023 | TRAILER HITCHES | The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle shuddered. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Jun 2023 | STEERING | Vehicle compromised by tick tok theft trend causing crash a | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |