What are the most common Kia Sportage problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2025 Kia Sportage has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: ICCU Failure and 12V Battery Drain (Sportage Hybrid / PHEV, NQ5), Turbo Oil Feed Line Leak (1.6T), Tow Hitch Harness Module Software Fault Blanks the Instrument Cluster (Recall 25V-874 / SC359). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
The 2025 Kia Sportage has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: ICCU Failure and 12V Battery Drain (Sportage Hybrid / PHEV, NQ5). 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, ICCU Failure and 12V Battery Drain (Sportage Hybrid / PHEV, NQ5), typically costs $0-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2023-2025 Kia Sportage ICCU Failure and 12V Battery Drain (Sportage Hybrid / PHEV, NQ5)?
Fifth-generation (NQ5) Sportage Hybrid and PHEV models can suffer Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) faults that disrupt the DC-DC conversion which keeps the 12V system charged from the high-voltage pack. The result is a depleted 12V battery, a 'Stop safely and check power s… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. 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 2023-2025 Kia Sportage Tow Hitch Harness Module Software Fault Blanks the Instrument Cluster (Recall 25V-874 / SC359)?
NQ5 Sportage fitted with the Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory and the 4.2-inch instrument panel screen can suffer a software fault in the tow hitch harness control module that causes the cluster screen to fail to display critical information - speed, warning telltales and… Repairs typically run $0-$0. 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 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.
