Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs Toyota Camry
How the KIA Sportage and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The Sportage has 1,246 complaints over 10 years (about 125 per year) and 25 recalls, while the Camry has 2,056 complaints (about 206 per year) and 31 recalls. The Sportage's complaints often involve engine oil consumption, whereas the Camry's include power train hesitation. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or Toyota Camry 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, can be demanding to own. Engine problems dominate the reports, with many owners describing excessive oil consumption and engine replacements. Electrical and brake issues also appear, and some owners report recalls for trailer hitches and ABS modules. Overall, the complaint pattern suggests a vehicle that may require frequent attention to engine health and electrical systems.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan with a reputation for reliability, but owner complaints show a range of issues. Power train complaints are most common, including transmission hesitation and key removal problems. Engine and brake issues also appear, with some owners reporting delayed throttle response and ABS noise. While the Camry has more complaints per year than the Sportage, the types of problems vary and some are less severe.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,246 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 124.6 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 Better | 158 |
| 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 frequently report excessive oil consumption, sometimes requiring quarts of oil every few hundred miles, and engine codes related to fuel trim. Some have needed short-block engine replacements under recall. This matters because engine failure can be costly and leave you without a vehicle.
Complaints include stalling after refueling, difficulty starting, and sudden loss of headlights, signals, and hazard lights while driving. These issues can be dangerous and frustrating, especially if they occur at night or in traffic.
Some owners report brakes locking up unexpectedly, leading to airbag deployment in at least one case. There are also complaints about ABS control module recalls not being honored. Brake problems are a serious safety concern and should be inspected immediately.
Owners describe vehicles entering limp mode due to engine campaigns, even with good maintenance, and dealerships refusing to address issues out of warranty. This can leave you stranded and facing expensive repairs.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report intermittent issues where the ignition key gets stuck and cannot be removed unless the battery is disconnected. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with the check engine light on. These problems can affect daily usability and may indicate transmission or electrical faults.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, sometimes taking several seconds to move. This can be a safety risk when merging or crossing traffic. Some owners also report hesitation and shuddering, which may be related to engine management software.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also report a clicking or vibrating noise from the brake pedal area, which dealers say is common but still annoying. These issues can lead to unexpected repair costs.
Multiple systems such as stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping can malfunction simultaneously. This suggests potential electrical or software glitches that could compromise safety features.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
KIA Sportage or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Kia Sportage has fewer complaints per year (about 125) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Sportage's complaints are heavily concentrated in engine failures, which can be severe. The Camry's higher complaint rate includes a wider variety of issues, some less critical. In practice, the Sportage may have fewer overall problems but the ones it has can be more expensive.
Key differences
- The Kia Sportage has a high rate of engine-related complaints, including excessive oil consumption and engine replacements, while the Toyota Camry's engine complaints often involve throttle response and hesitation.
- Sportage owners report electrical issues like stalling after refueling and sudden loss of lights, whereas Camry owners report power train issues like stuck ignition keys and transmission shuddering.
- Brake problems in the Sportage include locking and airbag deployment, while Camry brake issues involve electronic parking brake failure and pedal noise.
- The Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 84) and injuries (158 vs 73), but the Sportage has zero deaths reported compared to one for the Camry.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking for maintenance records and inspecting oil levels; listen for engine knocking or ticking that could indicate wear.
- Test all electrical components, including headlights, signals, and hazard lights, and check for any signs of stalling or difficulty starting after refueling.
- Test the ignition key removal in various gears and ensure it releases smoothly; check for any hesitation or shuddering during a test drive, especially when accelerating.
- Inspect the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area; ask if any brake-related recalls have been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired, especially engine and brake recalls for the Sportage and power train recalls for the Camry.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine compression, oil consumption, transmission function, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to acceleration response, transmission shifting, brake feel, and any warning lights on the dashboard.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and check for frequent oil additions or repairs related to the known problem areas.
- Verify that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is not subject to any open recalls by checking the NHTSA website.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 37 | 0 |
| 2025 | 52 | 163 |
| 2024 | 71 | 50 |
| 2023 | 191 | 64 |
| 2022 | 46 | 61 |
| 2021 | 53 | 157 |
| 2020 | 161 | 274 |
| 2019 | 70 | 395 |
| 2018 | 164 | 744 |
| 2017 | 401 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs Toyota Camry
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,246
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 124.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN