Vehicle 1

KIA Sportage

1,146 complaints · 25 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

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

KIA Sportage vs Toyota Camry: The Sportage averages 114.6 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Camry averages 200.3. The Sportage has 480 engine complaints, the Camry 305. The Camry has more power train issues (365 vs 94). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
KIA Sportage
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryKIA SportageToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,146
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
25
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
81
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
114.6
✓ lower
200.3

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

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The KIA Sportage has fewer complaints per year (114.6) than the Toyota Camry (200.3), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have similar recall counts, so neither stands out as clearly more reliable based on complaints alone.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems per year, the KIA Sportage may be a better choice. If you prefer a vehicle with fewer engine complaints (305 vs 480) and are willing to accept a higher overall complaint rate, the Toyota Camry could be suitable.

Key Differences
  • KIA Sportage has 114.6 complaints/year vs Toyota Camry's 200.3.
  • KIA Sportage has 480 engine complaints vs Camry's 305.
  • Toyota Camry has 365 power train complaints vs Sportage's 94.
  • KIA Sportage has 81 crash complaints vs Camry's 174.
⚠ Watch on KIA Sportage
  • High number of engine complaints (480) – check for engine stalling or failure.
  • Electrical system issues (197) – inspect for battery or wiring problems.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Power train complaints (365) – test transmission and drivetrain.
  • Service brakes issues (284) – have brakes inspected for premature wear.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check for open recalls on the specific VIN.
  • Review service history for engine or transmission repairs.
  • Test drive to feel for transmission hesitation or brake noise.
  • Ask for a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.
  • Compare insurance costs for both models.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SportageToyota Camry
2026
16
68
2025
46
126
2024
62
44
2023
177
56
2022
42
55
2021
43
151
2020
149
260
2019
66
374
2018
158
721
2017
387
148
KIA Sportage vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA Sportage vs Toyota Camry
KIA Sportage total complaints
1,146
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
KIA Sportage total recalls
25
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
114.6
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
KIA Sportage
KIA Sportage top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
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 →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific KIA Sportage or Toyota Camry?

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