NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Sportage scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Kia Sportage achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. This score reflects genuine NHTSA crash-test strength and a meaningful jump from the prior year. However, three active recall campaigns temper this positive assessment, which used-market shoppers must verify before purchase.
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV AWD received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Sportage ranks 109 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Sportage?
The 2024 model year marks a notable inflection point for the Sportage in MotorCaliber's scoring. The Safety Index climbed six points, from 76/100 (Average) in 2023 to 82/100 (Strong) in 2024, a jump driven primarily by crash-protection performance, where this vehicle scored 66 out of a possible 70 points. The NHTSA NCAP overall 5-star result, supported by 5-star frontal and side scores, anchors that strength. The rollover rating of 4 stars and a 17-percent rollover risk figure are the only crack in that crash-test armor, and they are worth noting for buyers who prioritize that metric. Where this year's profile becomes more complicated is in the defect record component, which contributed only 11.25 out of 20 possible points, reflecting the weight of three distinct recall campaigns. The electric power steering recall stands out as the most operationally significant, given that a compromised steering assist system directly affects vehicle control. The avoidance-tech score of 5 out of 10 points signals that while forward collision warning and lane departure warning are standard, this vehicle does not maximize the available credit in that category. Taken together, the 2024 Sportage's Safety Index improvement is real and data-supported, but it comes with active recall obligations that any prospective buyer must resolve.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SUV AWD earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Both frontal and side crash tests resulted in perfect 5-star ratings. The one discipline below this ceiling was rollover, which received 4 out of 5 stars; its measured rollover risk stands at 17 percent, with a dynamic tip-test result of No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19262
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the electric power steering circuit board, which may short and reduce steering assist. The second involves roof molding that may loosen and detach. The third covers trailer hitches on certain Sportage vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but the steering recall warrants prompt attention.
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
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM24V422000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.
Reported 2024-06-07
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Sportage?
Sixty-three owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other (19 reports), Electrical System (12), Engine (9), Forward Collision Avoidance (7), Service Brakes (6), and Visibility/Wiper (6). Seven reports allege crash involvement and nine allege injuries.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Sportage?
Before purchasing a used 2024 Sportage, prospective owners must verify that all three recall campaigns have been remedied by checking the specific VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup tool. This includes the electric power steering campaign, as unresolved recalls transfer with vehicle ownership.
- The Safety Index rose six points year over year, from 76 in 2023 to 82 in 2024, the largest single-year gain visible in the adjacent model-year comparison, driven by a crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70.
- Three NHTSA recall campaigns are attached to this model year, covering electric power steering, roof molding detachment, and trailer hitches. The steering recall is the most safety-critical and should be the first VIN check a buyer performs.
- Sixty-three unverified owner complaints include seven alleged crash involvements and nine alleged injuries. Forward Collision Avoidance appears as a top-five reported complaint category with seven allegations, notable given that the avoidance-tech subscore already sits at only 5 out of 10.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars, paired with a 17-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only NHTSA crash-test category where this model year falls short of a perfect score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Sportage places
The 2024 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Kia Sportage earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Kia Sportage. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Sportage. 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 years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19262), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 2024.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 109 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.