MODEL
Kia Sportage Safety
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.
Seventeen recalls across six model years demand attention for the Kia Sportage, particularly given the severity of these campaigns. Eight of those seventeen recalls carry a park-outside or do-not-drive directive from NHTSA, the agency's highest-severity classification. This ratio of roughly one in two recalls designated as park-outside is a critical factor for any prospective buyer to consider, verifying the vehicle's specific VIN at NHTSA.gov. The 2025 Sportage achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100. Its crash-test performance for this model year is impressive, with NHTSA awarding five stars for frontal impact and five stars for side impact. The four-out-of-five-star rollover rating aligns with expectations for a compact crossover and does not, in itself, signal a particular hazard. Earlier model years within the 2019 to 2025 range show greater variability in safety performance, falling into the Average rather than Strong band, underscoring the importance of model-year selection. Owner complaints total 598 across the covered years. These include 57 reported crashes, 24 reported fires, and 46 reported injuries. While these are unverified allegations, the number of reported fires is notable when weighed against the high-severity recall campaigns. The 2025 Sportage demonstrates genuinely strong safety scores, yet its recall history mandates careful due diligence from any shopper.
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.