NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Safety Record
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 48 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
For the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In, the federal data provides no crash-test ratings from NHTSA, leaving its direct crashworthiness unassessed. The model consequently carries no Safety Index score. The record, however, does present a low burden of post-sale issues: one active recall campaign has been initiated, and only 48 owner complaints have been registered. These figures offer no direct insight into crash safety performance, serving instead as a measure of initial owner-reported concerns and manufacturer responses.
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one recall campaign, and falls in the Light recall and complaint burden band, according to NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 48 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In has not been rated for crashworthiness by NHTSA. This leaves a critical gap for consumers considering the model, as no frontal, side, or rollover crash test data is available for direct evaluation. The vehicle does, however, fall into the "Light" burden band based on its combined recall and complaint volume, indicating a lower incidence rate compared to many other vehicles tracked in NHTSA data. One recall campaign affects the 2025 Sportage Plug-In, specifically addressing trailer hitch hardware; this recall extends to multiple model years within the Sportage line. Regarding owner submissions, NHTSA has logged 48 complaints for this model year. These include allegations of 3 crashes and 6 injuries, which NHTSA records as unverified consumer reports. While the overall volume is low, a concentration of complaints relates to the electrical system and forward collision avoidance. For a plug-in hybrid, such reports warrant attention, although their volume does not, by itself, confirm a defect pattern. Without crash-test results from NHTSA, shoppers lack a key metric for assessing the 2025 Sportage Plug-In's safety performance.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In have any recalls?
The single recall for this model year covers trailer hitches. Kia is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with trailer hitches. The campaign does not carry a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on the available NHTSA campaign description.
TRAILER HITCHES25V874000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-12-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In?
Owners have filed 48 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently cited components are Unknown Or Other (20 reports), Electrical System (15), Forward Collision Avoidance (8), Power Train (6), Engine (6), and Service Brakes (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
48 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In?
Any used buyer should run the vehicle's VIN through nhtsa.gov before purchase to confirm whether the trailer hitch recall or any other campaign remains open and unrepaired on that specific unit.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In, so no federal star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting trailer hitch hardware across certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles.
- Forty-eight unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with the electrical system and forward collision avoidance system together accounting for 23 of those reported allegations.
- Shoppers and owners should verify open-recall status for their individual VIN at nhtsa.gov, as recall repair completion varies by vehicle.
FAQ2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In safety questions
Was the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 1 recall and 48 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 48 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Sportage Plug-In years
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage Plug-In 2025.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.