Vehicle 1

KIA Sportage

1,146 complaints · 25 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda CR V

0 complaints · 0 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V: The Honda CR-V has zero complaints and zero recalls over 10 years, while the Kia Sportage has 1146 complaints and 25 recalls. The Sportage's top issues are engine (480) and electrical system (197). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

0
KIA Sportage
no category wins
4
Honda CR V
wins all 4 categories
CategoryKIA SportageHonda CR V
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,146
0
✓ lower
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
25
0
✓ lower
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
81
0
✓ lower
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
114.6
0.0
✓ lower

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA Sportage

1. ENGINE480
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER234
3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM197
4. SERVICE BRAKES105
5. POWER TRAIN94

Honda CR V

No component data available

🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Honda CR-V has zero complaints and recalls over 10 years, while the Kia Sportage averages 114.6 complaints per year. This suggests the CR-V is likely to have fewer reliability issues, but the Sportage's higher volume may reflect more data rather than a worse vehicle.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal known issues, choose the Honda CR-V. If you are willing to accept higher risk of engine or electrical problems for potentially lower upfront cost, consider the Kia Sportage.

Key Differences
  • Honda CR-V: 0 complaints, 0 recalls; Kia Sportage: 1146 complaints, 25 recalls.
  • Kia Sportage has 480 engine complaints; Honda CR-V has none.
  • Kia Sportage has 197 electrical system complaints; Honda CR-V has none.
  • Kia Sportage has 81 crash complaints; Honda CR-V has zero.
⚠ Watch on KIA Sportage
  • Check for engine stalling or failure, as engine complaints are the top issue.
  • Inspect electrical system for problems like battery drain or warning lights.
⚠ Watch on Honda CR V
  • No specific red flags from NHTSA data due to zero complaints.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for the specific VIN.
  • Review service history for any engine or electrical repairs.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission or brake issues.
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
  • Research common problems on owner forums for the model year.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SportageHonda CR V
2026
16
0
2025
46
0
2024
62
0
2023
177
0
2022
42
0
2021
43
0
2020
149
0
2019
66
0
2018
158
0
2017
387
0
KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V
KIA Sportage total complaints
1,146
Honda CR V total complaints
0
KIA Sportage total recalls
25
Honda CR V total recalls
0
KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
114.6
Honda CR V avg complaints/year
0.0
More reliable overall
Honda CR V
KIA Sportage top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA Sportage Reliability & Problems

1,146 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda CR V Reliability & Problems

0 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific KIA Sportage or Honda CR V?

Run a free VIN check to see that exact car's accident history, open recalls, and title records.