NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Sportage
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Kia Sportage carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17070
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS24V025000
Risk: A detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.
Reported 2024-01-18
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V531000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Reported 2023-07-31
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST23V410000
Risk: A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake booster as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC272.
Reported 2023-06-07
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V298000
Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Reported 2023-04-26
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN22V878000
Risk: A twisted air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 28, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC257.
Reported 2022-11-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR22V651000
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
Reported 2022-08-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
181 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.