NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
The 2026 Kia Sportage scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Kia Sportage achieves a full five-star NHTSA overall rating, supported by a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score. This strong performance underpins a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing the vehicle in the Exceptional band for its model year. The published data indicates a noteworthy safety profile for the Sportage.
The 2026 Kia Sportage received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Kia Sportage ranks 31 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Kia Sportage achieves a No Tip result in the dynamic rollover test, a meaningful data point for an SUV. This contributes to an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The model's crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of a possible 70 is the primary driver of this rating, complemented by a perfect 10/10 for avoidance technology. This high score is tied to the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect-record sub-score of 17.5/20 is strong, with the single active recall targeting the instrument cluster and panel electrical system preventing a perfect score. Owner complaints number 17, with three alleged forward-collision-avoidance incidents warranting observation given the system's rated safety feature status. This data profile represents the strongest performance for the Sportage under the current index methodology, a seven-point gain over the 2025 model year's 87/100.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Kia Sportage perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Kia Sportage five stars overall, five stars in both the frontal and side disciplines, and four stars in rollover protection. The rollover risk is measured at 17 percent, and the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result. No crash-test category is unrated for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21187
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Kia Sportage have any recalls?
The 2026 Kia Sportage carries one recall campaign covering the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster and panel. The campaign spans certain 2025-2026 Kia models including the Sportage. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V046000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Kia Sportage?
Seventeen owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2026 Sportage. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes and Unknown Or Other (five reports each), followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Structure (three each). All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as defects.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Kia Sportage?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is subject to an open recall for its instrument cluster, an electrical issue that necessitates checking the VIN against NHTSA's database to confirm remedy status. Due to its status as a current-model-year vehicle, parts availability for this recall may not be uniform across all regions.
- The Safety Index jumped seven points year-over-year, from 87/100 (Strong) for the 2025 Sportage to 94/100 (Exceptional) for the 2026 model, the largest single-year gain recorded for this nameplate under the current methodology.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash protection for this model year, with the only sub-five result being four stars in rollover, accompanied by a 17 percent rollover-risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The one active recall for this model year targets the instrument cluster and panel within the electrical system, a campaign shared with certain 2025-2026 Kia Sorento variants, and remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
- Three of the 17 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component that contributed to the perfect avoidance-tech sub-score, making those reports a data point worth tracking as the model year matures.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Kia Sportage places
The 2026 Kia Sportage qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Kia Sportage safety questions
Was the 2026 Kia Sportage crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Kia Sportage, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Kia Sportage crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Kia Sportage have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Kia Sportage. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Kia Sportage?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21187), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Sportage 2026.
- 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 31 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.