Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V
How the KIA Sportage and Honda CR V compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V: The Sportage averages 119 complaints per year, with engine stalling and brake failure as top issues. The CR-V averages 702 complaints per year, with sticky steering and false collision braking. Neither is trouble-free, but the Sportage has fewer incidents. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or Honda CR V more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sportage
The KIA Sportage shows a high rate of engine-related complaints, with many owners reporting sudden stalling and loss of power while driving. Electrical system issues, particularly with the battery terminal fuse block, are also common and can cause starting or charging failures. Brake problems, including unintended acceleration and brake pedal going to the floor, add to safety concerns. Overall, the Sportage has a moderate complaint rate of about 119 per year, but the nature of the failures can be alarming.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V has a very high complaint volume, averaging 702 per year, with steering issues being the most frequent. Owners describe sticky, choppy steering that worsens in hot weather, and sudden loss of power on the highway due to engine or fuel system problems. Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, such as unexpected braking, are also common. While the CR-V has more recalls, the complaints suggest persistent drivability and safety system concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,193 Better | 7,015 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 82 Better | 237 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 119.3 Better | 701.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 70 Better | 209 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Sportage
- 01ENGINE500
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER242
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM207
- 04SERVICE BRAKES110
- 05POWER TRAIN98
Owners report the engine stalling without warning while driving, often accompanied by a check engine light. This can lead to sudden loss of power, making it difficult to maintain speed or pull over safely.
The positive battery terminal fuse block is a frequent failure point, causing starting issues, electrical malfunctions, and even loss of propulsion. This part may need replacement and can leave you stranded.
Some owners experience the brake pedal going to the floor with little resistance, or the car accelerating when the brake is pressed. These failures significantly increase stopping distance and crash risk.
“I am submitting this complaint regarding the positive battery terminal fuse block (battery terminal/fusible link assembly) on my 2022 Kia Sportage. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. I purchased t…”
“On [XXX] while driving on the highway my vehicle stalled and the engine light came on. I called my local Kia dealership and setup a diagnostic. My vehicle was dropped off 7/22/25 in which I was informed it was still under warranty and a claim would have to be…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,304
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,302
- 03ENGINE1,296
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,007
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM965
Many owners report sticky, choppy steering that feels like the wheel is jammed, especially in hot weather. This makes precise control difficult and can be tiring or dangerous during maneuvers.
The system can activate the brakes unexpectedly for no apparent reason, causing sudden deceleration on highways. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions and is alarming for drivers.
Sudden loss of power on the highway, with a flashing check engine light and no response from the gas pedal, is a common complaint. This forces drivers to coast to the shoulder, posing a hazard.
“Choppy steering ,sticking, not smooth. Getting worse. It started when it was new . I did not know how lane departure assist worked,or felt. BUT EVEN IN THE OFF POSITION MY STEERING WAS STILL STICKY,AND CHOPPY. So I thought that this STICKY ,CHOPPY STEERING WA…”
“Every summer, on particularly hot days—typically after driving for about 10 minutes—the steering wheel feels as if it is jammed; turning it becomes extremely stiff and difficult. However, when the weather cools down, the steering becomes perfectly smooth agai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Sportage — 25 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As suc…
The risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
The defect: 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 a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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 lett…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: 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 a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The 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 lett…
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CR-V vehicles. The rear subframe bolts were improperly manufactured and may loosen, allowing the rear subframe to separate.
The risk: A separated rear subframe reduces vehicle handling and can suddenly disable the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear subframe bolts and retorque them or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Hon…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V vehicles. The clip for the absorber inside the fuel tank was not secured properly and may detach, which can cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
The risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is RCB.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2020 CR-V, 2018-2019 Accord and Accord Hybrid, 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019 Insight, and 2019-2020 Acura RDX vehicles. A manufacturing issue with the front seat belts may cause the seat belt buckle channel to interfere with the release button, p…
The risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
Buyer analysis
KIA Sportage or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The KIA Sportage has fewer complaints per year (119 vs 702), but its issues—engine stalling and brake failure—are more immediately dangerous. The Honda CR-V's high volume of steering and collision avoidance complaints suggests chronic annoyances and system unreliability. Neither is trouble-free, but the Sportage's lower rate may appeal to buyers prioritizing fewer incidents.
Key differences
- KIA Sportage has far fewer complaints per year (119 vs 702) but its engine stalling and brake failures are more critical safety concerns.
- Honda CR-V's steering issues (sticky, choppy) are a persistent annoyance, while its forward collision avoidance system can cause unexpected braking.
- KIA Sportage's electrical system problems (battery terminal fuse block) can lead to starting failures, whereas Honda CR-V's engine power loss is often linked to fuel delivery or transmission issues.
- Honda CR-V has more recalls (40 vs 25) but both have multiple recalls affecting safety systems.
- Inspect the battery terminal fuse block for corrosion or damage, as it's a common failure point causing electrical and starting issues.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including hard stops, to check for pedal feel and unintended acceleration.
- Test drive in hot weather to check for sticky steering, which is a frequent complaint.
- Check for any history of sudden power loss or transmission replacement, as these are common issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls and previous complaints.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical system, especially the battery terminal fuse block on the Sportage.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for steering smoothness and unexpected braking on the CR-V.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed, particularly those related to brakes and electrical systems.
- Ask the seller about any prior repairs for stalling, power loss, or brake issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Sportage | Honda CR V |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 22 | 113 |
| 2025 | 49 | 231 |
| 2024 | 66 | 370 |
| 2023 | 183 | 506 |
| 2022 | 44 | 240 |
| 2021 | 48 | 313 |
| 2020 | 157 | 335 |
| 2019 | 68 | 1069 |
| 2018 | 159 | 2096 |
| 2017 | 397 | 1742 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Sportage or Honda CR V in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs Honda CR V
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,193
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,015
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 119.3
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 701.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING