2022 Kia Sportage Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Kia Sportage carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering trailer hitches. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine failure with oil consumption and loss.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

TRAILER HITCHES

Campaign #22V703000 · Sep 19, 2022

Issue: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Kia Sportage.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine failure with oil consumption and loss

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-08

Engine began to knock on [XXX] on my way home from work. Drove to work and back the next day, but heard a loud CLUNK when I started it to head home. Stopped at auto parts store and checked oil. Completely dry dip stick (after wiping it clean)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703491
The engine light to our 2022 Kia Sportage went on and a ticking sound was heard in the engine. When we first took it to the dealer, they said it was a normal sound. We again took it to the dealer and spoke to the manager who apologized and said it was not
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585456
Was traveling northbound on I5 between Lacey and Dupont, Washington. Vehicle was in cruise at 65, then it suddenly went into limp mode. I was in the furthest right lane possible on the highway, and RPMs drastically dropped to below 1,000
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517522

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Forward collision system unintended activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2024-01

The last 3 months, 3 times the brakes of my 2022 Kia Sportage activated without warning or reason while I was accelerating at about 35mph under different conditions. First time, my brakes slammed hard. I didn't know what was going on or why
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561897
I recently filed a safety problem concerning my brakes activating for no reason. It had happened 3 times before I filed. It want to report that it happened a 4th time. On New Year's Eve, at approximately 6:20PM, I was driving on a 4 lane road about 35-40 MPH when my brakes…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562998

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Sunroof/moon roof glass spontaneous shattering

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2025-08

I was driving at 65 mph highway speed heading east on Colorado highway 36 when my Sunroof exploded. I pulled off the highway on to the shoulder of the road and looked to see that the sunroof glass on my vehicle had shattered in an upward displacement
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505828
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an explosion and observed that the moon roof glass had shattered, sending glass down into the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682927

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Trailer hitch recall remedy parts unavailability

TRAILER HITCHES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2023-11

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498687
Kia had come out with a recall immediately after purchasing and installing our tow hitch on our 2022 Kia Sportage. It has been almost 18 months with no remedy. I've taken it to the dealer multiple times and called Kia themselves both say they can't do anything
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557755

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Vehicle theft and anti-theft recall incompletion

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-01

My Kia has been stolen twice because it is able to be started with a USB cord. Kia Motors did not install appropriate security when it was manufactured. First theft 11/18/2022 Second theft 05/15/2023
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524142
THE DEALER FAILED TO COMPLETE THE ANTI-THEFT DET IGNITION CYL PROTECTOR, NOW MY CAR WAS STOLEN. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE RECALL WAS TAKEN CARE OF, THEY EVEN ADDED BOTH DECALS ON EACH WINDOW, THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS, THAT SAID ANTI-THEFT DECAL INSTALLATION COMPLETED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11711516

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Engine compartment fire while parked or driving

ENGINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2026-02

The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road, where she opened the hood of the vehicle and observed flames coming from the engine
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585257
On Feb. 1, 2026 my 2022 Kia Sportage caught fire while parked and turned off. The vehicle had been stationary and was not running at the time the fire started. There were no warning lights, no prior overheating, and no collision or external cause
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714821

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Forward collision system non-activation during crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2022-04

I was involved in a highway forward collision accident and the emergency braking, alert, and air bags never went off
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446787
The component on the Kia 2022 Sportage LX called the Forward Collision Warning failed to come on during an accident. This car is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the driver in the car in front of me were put at risk
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456423

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

19 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2022 Kia Sportage reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.