2026 Kia Sportage Problems
Compared with other Kia Sportage years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2026 can be compared from 2029.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (8 complaints).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 1,060miles, 5 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2026 Kia Sportage (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 2026 Kia Sportage. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes (6) and electrical system (6). 5 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 1,060 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown8 29%
- Brakes6 21%
- Electrical system6 21%
- Fuel system4 14%
- Body and structure4 14%
- Lane departure2 7.1%
- Air bags1 3.6%
- Seat belts1 3.6%
Also reported: Seats (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Car does not unlock with keyless key fob. This is too often an issues to overlook. Car will just keep locking and eventually nothing. I have been stuck outside in thunderstorms, a huge safety concern, rain, snow and uncomfortable situations. This causes me to be more soaked, wetting the car and fishing out my keys getting items inside wet. Key is mostly in pocket because its a keyless entry car, or in backpack. 2023 was superior.”
NHTSA complaint #11749748, filed 2026-07Brakes: “When attempting to disengage the cruise control, I must apply sufficient force as to actually apply the brakes. My expectation is that a simple tap on the brake pedal would release the cruise control and begin a coasting mode. This is not the case; the SUV continues at the same forward speed until I press the brake pedal the second time a little harder.”
NHTSA complaint #11743733, filed 2026-06Electrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2026 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was determined that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 0. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The document from the dealer indicated that the mileage was 488. The vehicle was a used rental vehicle prior to the purchase. The contact determined that the actual mileage was 1,060. The contact called the attorney general and Penn DOT regarding odometer fraud.”
NHTSA complaint #11750534, filed 2026-07, 1,060 milesForward collision avoidance: “My car had begun to accelerate when pressing the brake pedal. The first time it happened the car kinda stuttered as it fought itself, but the car stopped. That was also the only time it stuttered and corrected itself. The next few times it happened, the car was not as easy to control but was able to stop safely. I took the car in to the dealer to have it checked, but the problem could not be replicated. I even told the dealer the date and time of one of the events and they weren't able to do anything with that information. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748759, filed 2026-07Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 5 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 600 and 3,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Kia Sportage. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
| Sportage · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2026 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2025: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2026 Kia Sportage version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving); plug-in hybrid figures are for gasoline-only (hybrid mode) driving, so no annual cost is shown.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Sportage FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Sportage X-pro AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sportage Plug-in Hybrid AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · plug-in hybrid | 6-speed automatic | 35 | 36 | 36 gas only | — |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V046000Jan 26, 2026Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelCovers: Kia Sportage 2026, Sorento 2025–2026, Sorento Phev 2025–2026 +8 more
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…
Recall details for the 2026 Kia Sportage → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11035282Jul 25, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER ACTION: UPPER ACTIVE AIR FLAP DUCT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT (CA2606) - This bulletin provides information to replace the upper active air flap (“AAF”) duct assembly…
- 11035250Jul 9, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WIND NOISE FROM FRONT LEFT DOOR (CA2601) - This bulletin provides information regarding a wind noise heard on certain 2026MY Sportage vehicles listed. The affected…
- 11033217May 28, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable…
- 11032898May 18, 2026Body and structure. TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: PITSTOP: ENGINE BAY/DASHBOARD RATTLE NOISE (PS811) - This Pitstop provides information related to an intermittent rattle or tapping noise heard from the engine bay or dashboard…
- 11031890Apr 17, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 11031886Apr 17, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 11031856Apr 15, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 11031855Apr 15, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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…
- 11031906Apr 14, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for…
- 11031889Apr 14, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. 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.
Other model years of the Kia Sportage
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 1,060 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 55 | 17,500 | 1 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 75 | 22,500 | 3 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 194 | 26,887 | 6 | 5 | 28 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 46 | 33,000 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 54 | 53,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 166 | 13,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 71 | 32,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 165 | 18,400 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 404 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 134 | 60,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 146 | 75,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 125 | 79,500 | 3 | 4–5 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 381 | 98,000 | 3 | 4–5 | 24 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 392 | 97,750 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 181 | 78,000 | 6 | — | 24 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 20 | 76,297 | 2 | — | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2009 | 80 | 64,500 | 3 | — | 22 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 98 | 80,500 | 3 | — | 21 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 77 | 69,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 111 | 72,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 68 | 78,600 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 234 | 59,764 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 228 | 65,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 304 | 70,838 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 284 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 303 | 80,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 181 | 82,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 57 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 56 | 111,500 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia Sportage model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2026 Kia Sportage have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 2026 Kia Sportage as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2026 Kia Sportage is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 8 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes with 6.
Has the 2026 Kia Sportage been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2026 Kia Sportage do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2026 Kia Sportage 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Kia Sportage get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Kia Sportage (Sportage FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2026 Kia Sportage reported?
Among the 5 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 1,060 miles and the middle half falls between 600 and 3,900 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.