2022 Kia Sportage: Price, Problems, Recalls & Buyer’s Guide

If you’re shopping for a compact SUV, the 2022 Kia Sportage probably made your shortlist with its bold styling, new 2.5L engine, and class-leading warranty. But before you hand over your money, there are a few things you should know about its reliability and recalls.

Starting MSRP (USD): Kia Official $25,990 · Fuel Economy (combined): EPA 25 mpg · Max Horsepower: Kia Official 187 hp · Cargo Space (seats up): 39.6 cu ft · NHTSA Safety Rating: NHTSA 5 stars

Here are the key specifications at a glance.

How much should I pay for a 2022 Kia Sportage?

2022 Kia Sportage MSRP by trim

• LX: $25,990 (Kia Official)
• EX: around $28,500
• EX Premium: around $30,500
• SX Prestige X-Pro: around $35,990

Used price range in Ireland and US

According to listings on Carzone and DoneDeal, used 2022 Sportage examples in Ireland range from €24,000 to €32,000 depending on mileage and trim. In the US, typical used prices fall between $22,000 and $30,000, per aggregator data.

Factors affecting price

• Mileage and service history
• Trim level and optional AWD
• Outstanding recall work – a completed software update boosts resale value

The implication: a Sportage with resolved recalls holds value better.

What is the downside to Kia Sportage?

Common problems reported by owners

• Engine stalling – NHTSA recall 23V-008 (NHTSA)
• Infotainment system glitches – reportedly touchscreen freezes and unexpected alarm activation (YouTube buyer’s guide)
• ABS module recall (August 2023) (Consumer Reports)

Reliability concerns over long term

Consumer Reports notes that the 2023 Sportage (largely the same generation) has “about average” reliability, with six NHTSA recalls (Consumer Reports). RepairPal gives it 4 out of 5 stars (Edmunds), but engine repairs average over £1,000 (The Car Expert).

Interior quality criticisms

• Some hard plastics on lower trims
• Base engine feels slow, per What Car
• GDI engine may suffer carbon buildup over time – reported in a buyer guide

The pattern: initial model-year issues are common, but Kia’s warranty coverage mitigates some risk.

Which year to avoid Kia Sportage?

Model years with known major issues

• 2011–2013: Engine fire risk, multiple recalls (NHTSA)
• 2016: Transmission problems reported
• 2022: Electrical recall for instrument cluster and ABS (The Car Expert)

Recall history for specific years

The 2022 model year is affected by at least two active safety recalls. The July 2023 DVSA recall covers 6,996 vehicles built between August 2022 and March 2023 (The Car Expert).

Best alternative years to consider

• 2020 or 2021 (pre-refresh) – fewer recalls, proven reliability
• 2023+ after software fixes are applied
• Hybrid models generally have fewer engine complaints

The catch: even the recommended years have their own issues; check recall history.

Is there a recall on Kia Sportage 2022?

Active recalls for 2022 Kia Sportage

• NHTSA recall 23V-008: engine stall risk – software update required
• ABS module recall (August 2023): hydraulic electronic control unit may malfunction
• DVSA recall (July 2023): instrument cluster software defect affecting 6,996 UK vehicles (The Car Expert)

How to check for outstanding recalls

Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall site or the UK’s DVSA recall checker.

Recall remedies and timeline

Kia will notify owners and repair affected vehicles free of charge. The software upgrade for the cluster takes about an hour at a dealership.

What this means: a used 2022 Sportage with both recalls completed is a safer buy.

Which is better, Qashqai or Sportage?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the Sportage and Qashqai.

The bottom line: choose Sportage for space and power; Qashqai for fewer recalls.

Pros & cons of the 2022 Kia Sportage

The verdict: the Sportage is a strong value if you verify recall status.

Timeline of the 2022 Kia Sportage

• Summer 2021: Fifth-generation Sportage unveiled
• Early 2022: First deliveries begin
• July 2023: DVSA recall (instrument cluster software) – 6,996 vehicles affected (The Car Expert)
• August 2023: NHTSA recall for ABS module (Consumer Reports)
• 2025: Updated 2026 model expected (Edmunds)

The timeline shows the recall events that shaped the 2022 model’s reputation.

Clarity: what we know for sure and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

• 2022 Sportage has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating
• MSRP range $25,990–$35,990 (Kia official)
• Three engine options: 2.5L, 1.6T hybrid, plug-in hybrid
• Active recall for engine stalling (23V-008)

What’s unclear

• Long-term reliability beyond initial recall fixes
• Resale value in 5+ years
• Whether future infotainment updates will eliminate glitches
• RepairPal score of 4/5 may not capture long-term issues

These unresolved questions matter for long-term ownership.

What experts say

“Our priority is customer safety. The software upgrade for the instrument cluster is free and available at all Kia dealerships.”— Kia spokesman, official statement on recall remedy

“The new Sportage is a compelling package, with a spacious interior and a strong warranty, but the base engine feels underpowered.”— What Car reviewer

“Reliability is about average for the segment, but the number of recalls is a concern for long-term ownership.”— J.D. Power analyst

The pattern is clear: the 2022 Sportage offers strong fundamental design but is burdened by an unusually high recall count for a first-year model. The implication for buyers: verify recall completion before purchase, or look at a 2021 or 2024 model for fewer headaches.

For a detailed overview of specifications and reliability, check out our 2022 Kia Sportage buying guide that covers the model year in depth.

Frequently asked questions

Overall, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a compelling choice if recalls are properly addressed. Buyers should verify recall completion before purchase.