MODEL
Kia Sportage Plug-In
NHTSA safety across every Kia Sportage Plug-In model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Kia Sportage Plug-In we cover (2024 to 2025), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid is a compact crossover SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Aimed at budget-conscious buyers who want the flexibility of electric driving without full EV commitment, it blends everyday practicality with electrified efficiency. For 2024 and 2025, it carries Kia's sharp styling and feature-rich reputation into plug-in territory, appealing to families and commuters alike.
At MotorCaliber, our job is to tell you what the safety data actually shows, and with the 2024-2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In, the honest answer is that the picture is incomplete. NHTSA has not crash-tested this vehicle in either of the model years we cover, meaning there are no federal star ratings to guide your decision. That is a meaningful gap for a mainstream family crossover, and shoppers deserve to know it upfront. What we do have is a recall count of four across the two model years, which is a number worth watching in a vehicle this new to the plug-in configuration. Electrified powertrains introduce unique engineering complexity, and early production runs sometimes surface issues that recalls are designed to correct. Always verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific VIN before purchase. On the complaint side, NHTSA has logged 111 owner complaints across the covered years, including 10 reported crashes and 15 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but the crash and injury figures are not trivial for a vehicle with limited sales volume relative to mainstream competitors. The bottom line: the Sportage Plug-In may be a compelling commuter choice, but without crash-test data and with a notable complaint volume, safety-focused shoppers should proceed with eyes open and check NHTSA's recall database before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Sportage Plug-In to be a well-rounded compact crossover with a distinctive exterior design, a thoughtfully arranged interior, and a comfortable ride quality suited to daily driving. Most praise its upscale cabin materials and intuitive infotainment layout for the segment. Some reviewers note that the plug-in powertrain adds a layer of complexity that buyers should familiarize themselves with before committing.
- NHTSA has not issued crash-test ratings for the 2024 or 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In, so there are no federal star scores available to benchmark its structural safety against competitors.
- Four recalls have been issued across the 2024 and 2025 model years. Shoppers should run any prospective vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm all recalls have been remedied before purchase.
- Owner complaints logged with NHTSA total 111 across the covered model years, with 10 reported crashes and 15 reported injuries noted among them. While these are unverified allegations, the figures warrant attention given the model's relatively limited market footprint.
- As a plug-in hybrid, the Sportage PHEV adds battery and charging system components that are relatively new to this platform. Monitoring NHTSA's complaint and recall database periodically after purchase is a practical step for early adopters of any new electrified powertrain.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In with 3 recalls.