14 of the
86 complaints about the 2025 KIA Sportage are about the
driver-assist systems — 16% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
1,755 miles.
D
14
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Adaptive Cruise Control
321.4%
Automatic Emergency Braking
321.4%
Blind Spot Detection
214.3%
Rearview System Braking
214.3%
Back Over Prevention
17.1%
Warnings
17.1%
Forward Collision Avoidance
17.1%
Assist
17.1%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every KIA Sportage year
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the rear-view camera had become inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was initially unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was later diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the radio and the camera. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer denied the buyback request. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
NHTSA complaint #11726758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving this car, I have experienced the car's auto-braking system. While driving on I-94, the traffic was slowing down due to activity ahead of me. Apparently, I did not slow down enough for the car's sensor, as the auto brakes engaged and "slammed" onto the brakes. The car behind me barely had time to react due to the auto-braking so hard on the brakes. Another instance of these auto brakes engaging dangerously, as I am backing out of my driveway ( My home faces a corner and is a 3 way stop intersection) I am halfway out of my driveway when the car picks up there is a car behind me, however the vehicle is NOT behind me it is at the corner stop sign on the opposite side of the road. The brakes once again engaged in a very aggressive manner, throwing everything in the car onto the seats to the floor. I almost got T boned by a car because they had no clue what "I" was doing, or where I was going. Although this function is designed to assist drivers, it is a casualty waiting to happen. I'd rather drive my own car and brake myself than have a car do it for me. Especially in the manner this is engaging. There is no easing onto the brake; it's quite harsh and aggressive. This can lead to you being rear-ended in the long run.
NHTSA complaint #11710155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Monday, Dec 15 at approximately 3:30 pm I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my house. The vehicle suddenly revved loudly and shot forward striking a tree in my front yard. If not for the tree would have ended up in the kitchen. When parking I do not have to apply gas once I enter the lot as I can drift into the spot. I barely have to brake to stop the vehicle. The steering wheel airbag deployed, fortunately no serious injuries. The passenger front end was pretty much gone and two big branches were sheared off at ground level. Police responded, report #XXX [XXX] Sheriff office. Vehicle is due to get to the body shop today or tomorrow. Fortunately this happened where it did as if it had been in traffic or around people it could have been very serious. This was also reported to Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11705582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnwood, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Dear Sir or Madam, My tracking# is 11692602. Kia America apologized to me on 10/14/2025 and said if the government regulatory agency reaches out to them (Kia America), they will be sure to comply with your request. Thank you very much for your efficient handling. I'm writing to you today because the vehicle suddenly sounded an alarm while I was driving today, it seemed like there was a problem with the door (I made a short video of it). I'm so worried and wondered if Kia can get my car repaired soon? Thank you again! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11694445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnwood, WA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Dear Sir or Madam, My tracking# is 11692602. Kia America apologized to me on 10/14/2025 and said if the government regulatory agency reaches out to them (Kia America), they will be sure to comply with your request. Thank you very much for your efficient handling. I'm writing to you today because the vehicle suddenly sounded an alarm while I was driving today, it seemed like there was a problem with the door (I made a short video of it). I'm so worried and wondered if Kia can get my car repaired soon? Thank you again! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11694445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnwood, WA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Dear Sir or Madam, My car was hit by another car when I tried to switch to the next lane. I did give a turning signal and observed before switching. However, a car sped past and hit my car. If the detection system had sounded an alarm at that time, I wouldn't have changed lanes at that moment. Unfortunately the Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection System was not functioning correctly and failed to provide a warning. This malfunction didn't occur only once, it happened again after this accident(no consequences though).I gave feedback to Kia and I believe my detection system is not working consistently. I requested an inspection on my car. Kia refused to repair the damaged areas for inspection purposes, instead, they pushed OTA updates into my car, and they pushed twice within two weeks without informing me. I asked Kia if the existing issue still could be detected as they pushed the OTA updates. They didn't answer despite me asked twice. Feeling quite helpless, I searched and noted another person's Kia had the same issue: detection system not working consistently. I realized that I will be unable to prove that this vehicle had pre-existing issues due to the OTA updates. I'm worried that Kia might use this as an excuse to refuse to repair the damaged areas. I understand I cannot totally rely on the detection system, but this feature can enhance safety if it works well, at least I would pause and not act if it provides warning properly. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11692602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynnwood, WA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Dear Sir or Madam, My car was hit by another car when I tried to switch to the next lane. I did give a turning signal and observed before switching. However, a car sped past and hit my car. If the detection system had sounded an alarm at that time, I wouldn't have changed lanes at that moment. Unfortunately the Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection System was not functioning correctly and failed to provide a warning. This malfunction didn't occur only once, it happened again after this accident(no consequences though).I gave feedback to Kia and I believe my detection system is not working consistently. I requested an inspection on my car. Kia refused to repair the damaged areas for inspection purposes, instead, they pushed OTA updates into my car, and they pushed twice within two weeks without informing me. I asked Kia if the existing issue still could be detected as they pushed the OTA updates. They didn't answer despite me asked twice. Feeling quite helpless, I searched and noted another person's Kia had the same issue: detection system not working consistently. I realized that I will be unable to prove that this vehicle had pre-existing issues due to the OTA updates. I'm worried that Kia might use this as an excuse to refuse to repair the damaged areas. I understand I cannot totally rely on the detection system, but this feature can enhance safety if it works well, at least I would pause and not act if it provides warning properly. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11692602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Carrollton, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
As I am driving, does not matter speed or weather, the instrument cluster screen will do a "System Check" as if the vehicle is being started. The screen will go blank for about 5 seconds and then will reappear. If the vehicle is in cruise control, that will disengage and the vehicle will slow down and I have to catch it and keep speed up. This does not happen every day and has happened at different intervals of 6 days between incidents and up to 15 days. Occurred on: June 9, 2025; June 17, 2025; (vehicle in shop to be looked at June 23rd through August 5th); August 9, 2025, August 14, 2025; September 6, 2025, September 18, 2025; and October 2, 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11691667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesMarble Hill, MO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly shifted gears, causing a slight jerk before accelerating. The instrument panel frequently displayed codes advising the driver to "Turn Off the Engine." While driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The instrument panel displayed a message advising the contact to "Check Your Surroundings". When the contact attempted to depress the accelerator, the vehicle failed to respond. Upon releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle coasted, and the failure reoccurred several times. The contact safely coasted to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and the failure was temporarily resolved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 3,500.
NHTSA complaint #11687267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Carrollton, OH
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving at random times, no specific speed limit, the screen behind the wheel which shows speed and tachometer, will go into a system check mode. This is similar to when you start up the vehicle. The screen will come back after 5 to 10 seconds but during that time no information is displayed. If you have the vehicle in cruise control, it will disconnect cruise control, and you must catch it, so it does not decelerate to much while in traffic. When it comes back up it may reengage the cruise and it may not. This is a safety issue while driving for both no screen as well as disconnection of cruise control as you can not tell your speed and it slows vehicle down with no brake indication for those behind you which could result in a crash. Vehicle went to dealership and they could not recreate, but were told to replace the cluster which they did, but the issue is still happening on the vehicle. I have a case open with the automobile manufacturer to have the vehicle purchased back as they are not sure what the issue is.
NHTSA complaint #11684773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2025 Kia Sportage on the highway with my [XXX] son in the back seat, we experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction that prompted this report. I was operating the vehicle as intended driving at a safe speed in normal highway conditions when an unexpected alarm sounded and the vehicles automated braking system suddenly and forcefully activated without warning. This caused the car to come to a complete and abrupt stop in the middle of active highway traffic, despite there being no obstacle or reason to brake. The product involved is the 2025 Kia Sportage, specifically its driver assistance and braking systems. I was the driver, and my son was a passenger. We were using the vehicle for normal, everyday travel. As a direct result of the incident, both my son and I sustained injuries. We experienced significant whiplash from the abrupt stop. My son also suffered a twisted spine, and I sustained a torn ligament in my ankle. Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional trauma has been substantial. The fear and anxiety that followed especially for my son have had lasting effects. He remains anxious in vehicles, and Ive struggled with panic and stress when driving or even thinking about being on the road again. This incident was not only physically harmful, but deeply traumatic, and it has severely impacted our sense of safety and trust in a vehicle that was supposed to protect us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11673910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MO
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
vehicle dash reset and cruise control was set. when dash came back up car surged nearly causing a wreck Reported to dealership and they could not replicate so not sure what to do as they can never replicate the issues and won't do anything to help
NHTSA complaint #11670590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doral, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11652796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Doral, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11652796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.