2022 Kia Sportage: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Best of the fourth generation: the Theta-II engine troubles had largely settled, complaint volume is low, and it offers strong value, a comfortable ride and good equipment. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2022 Kia Sportage ranged from $24,090 to $33,750 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Best of the fourth generation: the Theta-II engine troubles had largely settled, complaint volume is low, and it offers strong value, a comfortable ride and good equipment.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sportage&…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/kia-sportage-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sportage
Known issues
-
2.4L Theta-II GDI engine problems - oil consumption, knocking and connecting-rod-bearing failure that can lead to stalling and seizure; worst on 2017, covered by an extended-warranty settlement
commonly reported · 143 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–120k miles · engine
-
Electrical-system faults including infotainment and electronics glitches
occasional · 53 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Powertrain and transmission complaints (shift quality, including the 1.6T dual-clutch)
occasional · 39 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=sportage&…
- kiaenginesettlement.comhttps://www.kiaenginesettlement.com/Home/FAQ
- classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/blog/new-hyundai-kia-engine-failure-settlement-co…
- cherishyourcar.comhttps://www.cherishyourcar.com/kia-2-4-engine-recall/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, compliant ride that reviewers compared to larger, more expensive SUVs
- Costs roughly $5,000 less used than a comparable Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, with a strong feature set and long powertrain warranty
Cons
- Base 2.4L returns only about 26 mpg combined - a few mpg behind the CR-V and RAV4 - and cargo space trails class leaders
- Cabin materials feel inexpensive relative to the price
- 2017 cars carry the worst Theta-II 2.4L GDI engine reports of the generation; later years such as 2019 and 2021 are markedly more dependable
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $24,090 | $28,790 | — | — |
| Nightfall | $28,090 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX | $28,390 | $30,590 | — | — |
| SX Turbo | $33,750 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2022-kia-sportage-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sportage-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,090). Higher trims started higher (up to $33,750), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2022 loses roughly another 32% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-sportage/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,500–1,600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/sportage
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-sportage-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2022 Kia Sportage have?
Documented issue patterns include: 2.4L Theta-II GDI engine problems - oil consumption, knocking and connecting-rod-bearing failure that can lead to stalling and seizure; worst on 2017, covered by an extended-warranty settlement; Electrical-system faults including infotainment and electronics glitches; Powertrain and transmission complaints (shift quality, including the 1.6T dual-clutch). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage reliable?
Best of the fourth generation: the Theta-II engine troubles had largely settled, complaint volume is low, and it offers strong value, a comfortable ride and good equipment.
How much did the 2022 Kia Sportage cost new?
Between $24,090 and $33,750 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Kia Sportage expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.