According to Au7o's analysis of 298+ owner reports, the 2022 Kia Sportage has 8 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are No Engine Immobilizer - Steering-Column Theft Vulnerability and Anti-Theft Software Campaign ($0-$1,200 repair) and Tow Hitch Harness Module Fire Risk (Recall SC249 / NHTSA 22V-703) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Differential Mount Bushing Wear (AWD Models) with 298 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage, sportage SUVs equipped with the genuine Kia tow hitch harness can suffer an electrical short in the harness module's printed circuit board. Chloride contamination and foreign material/moisture introduced during manufacturing corrode the PCB, which can short and ignite even with the vehicle parked and off. Kia documented 3 confirmed fires and roughly 30 'localized melting' incidents across the recall population (~70,887 Sportage and Sorento units). This is distinct from the 2012-2016 HECU/ABS module fire — the failure is in the trailer-wiring control module, not the brake hydraulic unit.
Have the vehicle checked against recall SC249 (NHTSA 22V-703) by VIN. The interim remedy was to remove the tow hitch harness fuse; the final remedy replaces the harness/module. Owners were advised to park outside and away from structures until repaired. Repair is free under recall.
On the 2020-2025 Kia Sportage, the infotainment head unit in 2020+ Sportages enters a continuous reboot loop or freezes on the splash screen, leaving the driver without navigation, backup camera, and climate controls (on models with touchscreen-only HVAC). The issue is caused by software bugs and insufficient system memory for the connected services. Firmware updates from Kia have improved but not fully resolved the issue. The problem often occurs after USB device connection or Bluetooth pairing.
Bluetooth disconnecting and reconnecting repeatedly
Climate controls unresponsive on touchscreen
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto crashing
How to Fix
Perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the power/volume knob for 10 seconds. If the reboot loop persists, disconnect the vehicle battery for 30 minutes to fully reset the head unit. Visit a Kia dealer for the latest infotainment software update (free under warranty). If the issue continues after the latest firmware, the head unit may need hardware replacement. Avoid connecting USB drives with large music libraries (1000+ songs) which overwhelm the system.
On the 2011-2022 Kia Sportage, sportage built without a factory engine immobilizer can be started by breaking the steering column shroud and turning the exposed ignition cylinder with a USB cable or similar metal object - the technique publicized as the 'Kia Challenge' and driving a nationwide theft wave. Affected owners face not just the theft itself but destroyed steering columns and ignition assemblies on recovered cars, spiking insurance premiums, and in some regions insurers declining to write policies on the vehicle at all. Kia and Hyundai settled class litigation covering 2011-2022 vehicles built without an immobilizer, valued at over $200 million and covering roughly 9 million cars. Note this is a build-configuration issue: Sportage delivered with push-button start and a smart key already had an immobilizer and are not part of the affected population.
Common Symptoms
Vehicle started and stolen with the ignition cylinder punched out
Broken steering column shroud and damaged ignition lock
Broken rear quarter or door glass
Insurance refusing coverage or raising premiums on the model
How to Fix
Have the free Kia anti-theft software upgrade installed at a dealer - it extends the alarm sound and, critically, requires the key fob to be present for the vehicle to start after being locked with the key or fob. Kia's customer care anti-theft page lists eligible models and locations. Owners also received free steering wheel locks, and the class settlement provided reimbursement for theft losses, insurance deductibles and up to $250 toward a glass-breakage alarm (claim deadline April 28, 2025 - reimbursement is closed, but the software upgrade itself remains available). Physical deterrents (wheel lock, aftermarket immobilizer/kill switch) are still worth adding on the oldest cars.
On the 2017-2023 Kia Sportage, aWD-equipped Sportages develop a humming, growling, or grinding noise from the rear differential coupling unit. The electronically-controlled clutch pack coupling wears internally, and the coupling fluid degrades from heat. The noise increases during turns and low-speed maneuvering. If ignored, the coupling can fail completely, leaving the vehicle in front-wheel-drive only mode.
Clunking from rear when shifting from reverse to drive
How to Fix
Drain and refill the rear differential coupling fluid with Kia-specified coupling fluid (not standard gear oil). If noise persists after fluid change, the coupling unit requires replacement. The coupling unit is separate from the rear differential and can be replaced independently. Perform a coupling relearn procedure with the Kia Diagnostic System after replacement. Change coupling fluid every 30,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
On the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage, aWD Sportage models (4th generation 2017-2022) develop worn rear differential mount bushings that cause a clunking noise from the rear when accelerating from a stop or transitioning between acceleration and deceleration. The rubber bushings deteriorate and allow excessive differential movement. This is particularly noticeable in cold weather and with higher mileage (60,000+ miles).
Common Symptoms
Clunk from rear when accelerating from stop
Thud noise during acceleration/deceleration transitions
Vibration felt through floor at highway speeds
Noise worse in cold weather
How to Fix
Replace rear differential mount bushings (Kia part #55277-D9000). Some owners upgrade to polyurethane bushings for longer life. Labor involves lowering the rear subframe and is approximately 2-3 hours at a shop. DIY-friendly with a lift and basic tools.
High ConfidenceVerified298 owner reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2017-2025 Kia Sportage 1.6T, the 1.6L turbocharged engine in the Sportage develops oil leaks from the turbocharger oil feed line and its banjo bolt connection. The high heat environment around the turbo causes the oil line seals and crush washers to harden and leak. Oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold and turbo housing, creating smoke and a burning oil smell. If the oil feed line is significantly restricted by carbon buildup, the turbo bearings can be starved of oil and fail.
Replace the turbo oil feed line, banjo bolts, and copper crush washers. Clean any carbon buildup from the banjo bolt oil passages. Inspect the turbo for bearing play — if there is any shaft play or the compressor wheel contacts the housing, the turbo must be replaced. Use OEM Kia crush washers (they are copper and must be new each time). Check oil drain line for restrictions as well.
On the 2017-2025 Kia Sportage, the panoramic sunroof glass on 2017+ Sportages can crack or shatter spontaneously without any impact. The tempered glass panel develops stress fractures from thermal expansion/contraction, especially during rapid temperature changes (hot sun then cold rain, or cold night then morning defrost). When the glass fails, it shatters into small pieces that fall into the cabin. Multiple NHTSA complaints have been filed for this issue.
Replace the panoramic sunroof glass panel. This must be done at a dealer or specialty glass shop due to the large panel size and sealing requirements. After replacement, ensure all four drain tubes are clear and properly connected. Some owners choose to apply a clear security film to the interior surface of the replacement glass to contain fragments if it shatters again. Check if Kia has a warranty extension or goodwill program for this issue.
On the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage, the A6MF-family 6-speed automatic can develop harsh or erratic shifting, hard 6-to-4 kickdown 'bang,' shift flares, brief neutral feel during up/downshifts, and torque-converter clutch (TCC) shudder. The root cause is wear of the reducing-valve bores in the valve body, which lets line pressure drift out of spec; neglected fluid (SP4-spec) accelerates the wear. A documented secondary fault is a valve-body bolt that can abrade the internal wiring harness, producing intermittent solenoid faults. This is a distinct transmission failure mode from the AWD rear-differential coupling noise already documented.
Start with a proper SP4-spec fluid service and a TCM software update if available. Persistent harsh shifting, gear-ratio or solenoid-performance codes are usually resolved by rebuilding or replacing the valve body (with the reducing valves/solenoids), and inspecting the internal harness for abrasion. In severe slip/shudder cases the torque converter is replaced.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Genuine Kia UM013-CH059 ATF Type 4(M) / SP-IV transmission fluid
OEMKia UM013-CH059
Use only for a Kia-procedure fluid service after level, condition and transmission diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2017-2022 Kia Sportage QL six-speed automatic, both 2.4L GDI and 2.0L T-GDI; the current Kia guide lists total fill 7.1 qt…
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
Campaign #22V65100029/08/2022
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been twisted during installation.
Campaign #22V87800028/11/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Campaign #23V29800026/04/2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The brake booster diaphragm may become misaligned and cause an internal vacuum leak, which can result in a loss of power brake assist.
Campaign #23V41000007/06/2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
According to Au7o's analysis of 298+ owner reports, the 2022 Kia Sportage has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: No Engine Immobilizer - Steering-Column Theft Vulnerability and Anti-Theft Software Campaign, Tow Hitch Harness Module Fire Risk (Recall SC249 / NHTSA 22V-703), Turbo Oil Feed Line Leak (1.6T). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
The 2022 Kia Sportage has 8 known issues documented across 298+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: No Engine Immobilizer - Steering-Column Theft Vulnerability and Anti-Theft Software Campaign and Tow Hitch Harness Module Fire Risk (Recall SC249 / NHTSA 22V-703). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Kia Sportage problems?
Repair costs for known Kia Sportage issues range from $0 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, No Engine Immobilizer - Steering-Column Theft Vulnerability and Anti-Theft Software Campaign, typically costs $0-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2011-2022 Kia Sportage No Engine Immobilizer - Steering-Column Theft Vulnerability and Anti-Theft Software Campaign?
Sportage built without a factory engine immobilizer can be started by breaking the steering column shroud and turning the exposed ignition cylinder with a USB cable or similar metal object - the technique publicized as the 'Kia Challenge' and driving a nationwide theft wave. Affe… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage Tow Hitch Harness Module Fire Risk (Recall SC249 / NHTSA 22V-703)?
Sportage SUVs equipped with the genuine Kia tow hitch harness can suffer an electrical short in the harness module's printed circuit board. Chloride contamination and foreign material/moisture introduced during manufacturing corrode the PCB, which can short and ignite even with t… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 Kia Sportage Turbo Oil Feed Line Leak (1.6T)?
The 1.6L turbocharged engine in the Sportage develops oil leaks from the turbocharger oil feed line and its banjo bolt connection. The high heat environment around the turbo causes the oil line seals and crush washers to harden and leak. Oil drips onto the hot exhaust manifold an… Repairs typically run $200-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Kia Sportage Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Cracking?
The panoramic sunroof glass on 2017+ Sportages can crack or shatter spontaneously without any impact. The tempered glass panel develops stress fractures from thermal expansion/contraction, especially during rapid temperature changes (hot sun then cold rain, or cold night then mor… Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Kia Sportage Rear Differential Coupling Noise and Vibration (AWD)?
AWD-equipped Sportages develop a humming, growling, or grinding noise from the rear differential coupling unit. The electronically-controlled clutch pack coupling wears internally, and the coupling fluid degrades from heat. The noise increases during turns and low-speed maneuveri… Repairs typically run $150-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage 6-Speed Automatic (A6MF) Harsh Shifting and Valve Body Wear?
The A6MF-family 6-speed automatic can develop harsh or erratic shifting, hard 6-to-4 kickdown 'bang,' shift flares, brief neutral feel during up/downshifts, and torque-converter clutch (TCC) shudder. The root cause is wear of the reducing-valve bores in the valve body, which lets… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2022 Kia Sportage Rear Differential Mount Bushing Wear (AWD Models)?
AWD Sportage models (4th generation 2017-2022) develop worn rear differential mount bushings that cause a clunking noise from the rear when accelerating from a stop or transitioning between acceleration and deceleration. The rubber bushings deteriorate and allow excessive differe… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2020-2025 Kia Sportage Infotainment System Reboot Loop and Screen Freeze?
The infotainment head unit in 2020+ Sportages enters a continuous reboot loop or freezes on the splash screen, leaving the driver without navigation, backup camera, and climate controls (on models with touchscreen-only HVAC). The issue is caused by software bugs and insufficient… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
