MODEL
Kia Sportage
NHTSA safety across every Kia Sportage model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Kia Sportage we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 74. 18 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that has been a steady presence in one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Aimed at value-conscious families and commuters who want practical five-passenger utility without sacrificing modern features, the Sportage competes squarely against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. It spans our coverage window from 2019 through 2025, and its safety record over that stretch deserves a careful, honest look.
The Kia Sportage earns its best marks at the top of our coverage window, reaching a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 87 out of 100 for the 2025 model year. Crash-test performance in its strongest years is genuinely impressive, with five-star frontal and five-star side ratings from NHTSA. The rollover result of four out of five stars is typical for a tall-riding compact crossover and is not a red flag on its own, but shoppers should note it. Earlier model years in our 2019-to-2025 window show more variation, landing in the Average band rather than Strong, so year selection matters here. The recall picture is where the Sportage demands real attention. Seventeen recalls across six model years is a meaningful number for this segment, and the composition of those recalls is the more serious concern. Eight of those seventeen campaigns are classified as park-outside or do-not-drive directives, the highest-severity category NHTSA issues. That ratio, roughly one in two recalls carrying a park-outside designation, is something every prospective buyer should weigh carefully and verify against their specific VIN at NHTSA.gov before purchase. Owner complaints total 598 across the covered years, including 57 reported crashes, 24 reported fires, and 46 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the fire count in particular is worth tracking given the severity of those recall campaigns. The Sportage is a capable, well-rounded compact SUV, and its 2025 safety scores are genuinely strong. But its recall history adds a layer of due diligence that shoppers cannot skip.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kia Sportage as a well-rounded and competitive compact crossover that delivers strong value in its segment. They tend to praise its cabin quality, feature content, and driving refinement relative to its price point. Reviewers also broadly acknowledge that Kia has made meaningful generational improvements to the model, though some note that earlier iterations in this generation feel less polished than the latest versions.
- Eight of the Sportage's seventeen recalls across 2019-2025 carry park-outside or do-not-drive designations, the most serious severity level NHTSA assigns. Always check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov before driving a used example.
- Crash-test performance improves noticeably toward the newer end of our coverage window. The 2025 model year earns a Safety Index of 87 out of 100 with five-star frontal and five-star side ratings, while earlier years land in the Average band, making model year selection a real safety decision.
- Owner complaints include 24 reported fire incidents and 57 reported crashes across the covered years. These are unverified allegations, but the fire reports are consistent with the nature of several recall campaigns and reinforce the importance of confirming open recall status before purchase.
- The four-star rollover rating is the Sportage's weakest crash-test result and is common among compact crossovers with a higher ride height. Shoppers who prioritize rollover protection may want to compare this figure directly against rivals in the segment.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Kia Sportage with 6 recalls.