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 about 125 complaints per year, while the CR-V averages over 700, with the CR-V also having more crash-related reports (248 vs 84). Both show engine and electrical issues, but the Sportage's are often oil consumption and limp mode, while the CR-V's include steering freezes and false braking. 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 is a compact SUV that, based on owner complaints, often suffers from engine problems like excessive oil consumption and warning lights. Many reports describe oil burning, stalling, and limp-mode activation, sometimes leading to engine replacement under recall. Electrical glitches and brake issues also appear, but the volume of complaints is relatively low at about 125 per year. Overall, it seems to demand more frequent attention to engine health than a typical buyer might expect.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV with a much higher complaint rate—over 700 per year—suggesting more frequent owner-reported issues. Steering problems, including sudden freezing or warning lights, are common, as are engine noises and failures. Forward collision avoidance and electrical system complaints also stand out, with some owners reporting false braking and infotainment glitches. This higher complaint volume means buyers should be extra diligent about checking for these specific problems.
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 | 1,246 Better | 7,275 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 40 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 248 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 124.6 Better | 727.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 Better | 221 |
| 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
- 01ENGINE522
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
- 04SERVICE BRAKES112
- 05POWER TRAIN107
Owners report excessive oil consumption, sometimes needing 6 quarts every 1,900 miles, along with warning codes for fuel trim and O2 sensors. These issues can lead to engine damage or stalling if oil levels aren't monitored closely.
Complaints include stuttering or difficulty starting after refueling, and instances where headlights, signals, and hazard lights become inoperable while driving. Such failures can compromise visibility and safety.
Some owners describe brakes locking up unexpectedly, even at low speeds, and airbags deploying as a result. There are also reports of recall repairs for brake control modules being denied, leaving a potential safety risk.
Several complaints mention vehicles entering limp mode due to engine campaigns, often requiring short-block engine replacement. This can leave drivers stranded or with reduced power.
“Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue t…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil cha…”
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,394
- 02ENGINE1,344
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,322
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,045
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1,008
Owners report sudden momentary freezing of steering, especially in rain, with warning lights appearing. This can make steering feel unresponsive and is a serious safety concern.
Complaints include loud noises, popping sounds, smoke, and loss of oil pressure shortly after purchase. Such failures can lead to complete engine shutdown and costly repairs.
The low-speed braking system sometimes triggers abrupt false-positive braking in common situations like steep driveways. This unexpected braking can startle drivers and increase crash risk.
Infotainment and wireless Apple CarPlay can suddenly disconnect while driving, and the front radar module is reportedly easily accessible, raising security concerns. These glitches can distract drivers and affect vehicle safety features.
“I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric…”
“While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer.…”
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 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…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
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 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.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
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…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sportage or Honda CR V: which should you buy?
The Kia Sportage has far fewer complaints per year (about 125) compared to the Honda CR-V (over 700), suggesting the Sportage may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the Sportage's complaints often center on serious engine problems, while the CR-V's higher volume includes a wider range of issues like steering and collision avoidance. In practice, the Sportage might require less frequent repair visits, but buyers should still prioritize checking for engine health.
Key differences
- The Kia Sportage has about 125 complaints per year, while the Honda CR-V has over 700, indicating a much higher reported issue rate for the CR-V.
- Sportage complaints frequently involve engine oil consumption and limp mode, whereas CR-V complaints often involve steering freezing and false automatic braking.
- The CR-V has more crash-related complaints (248 vs. 84) and injuries (221 vs. 73), though these numbers don't prove fault.
- Both have electrical issues, but the CR-V's include infotainment disconnects and radar module concerns, while the Sportage's include stalling after refueling and light failures.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking for maintenance records and inspecting oil levels; listen for engine knocking or warning lights.
- Test the brakes at low speeds for any locking or unusual behavior, and verify that any open recalls for brake control modules have been addressed.
- Test the steering at various speeds, especially in wet conditions, for any momentary freezing or warning lights.
- Check the forward collision avoidance system by driving on inclines or near obstacles to see if it triggers false braking; also test infotainment and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls have been repaired.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for oil consumption, leaks, and warning codes, especially on the Kia Sportage.
- For the Honda CR-V, test drive on highways and in rain to check steering response and advanced safety features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and look for frequent oil top-offs or engine repairs.
- Verify that the electrical system, including lights and infotainment, functions properly during the test drive.
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 | 37 | 146 |
| 2025 | 52 | 253 |
| 2024 | 71 | 393 |
| 2023 | 191 | 515 |
| 2022 | 46 | 262 |
| 2021 | 53 | 331 |
| 2020 | 161 | 353 |
| 2019 | 70 | 1101 |
| 2018 | 164 | 2150 |
| 2017 | 401 | 1771 |
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
- 1,246
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 7,275
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 124.6
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 727.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING