Customers are often drawn to SUVs like the 2022 Kia Sportage for their affordability and appealing features, marketed for adventure and everyday driving. However, some owners have encountered significant problems with the 2022 model, particularly concerning the airbags, engine, and forward collision avoidance systems. This article delves into the most commonly reported issues based on owner complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), providing a comprehensive overview for potential buyers and current owners.
Click on other model years to compare issues: 2019 Kia Sportage Problems | 2020 Kia Sportage Problems | 2021 Kia Sportage Problems | 2023 Kia Sportage Problems
2022 Kia Sportage: A Summary of Reported Problems
Between January and December 2022, the NHTSA received 9 complaints specifically regarding the 2022 Kia Sportage. Alarmingly, half of these complaints reported incidents of crashes or fires, with one instance resulting in injury. The data highlights key areas of concern for this model year.
Airbag malfunctions are the leading concern, appearing in both the airbag-specific category and under electrical system issues. Engine problems and failures within the forward collision avoidance system each garnered two complaints as well. Individual complaints were also registered for the fuel/propulsion system, seats, steering, and trailer hitches, indicating a range of potential issues across different vehicle systems.
To provide a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of the complaints by category:
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Power Train | 0 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Visibility: Sun/Moon Roof Assembly | 0 |
| Electrical System: Instrument Panel: Speedometer/Odometer: Sensor/Sending Unit | 0 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Trailer Hitches | 1 |
Note: The original table included some categories with inflated numbers that did not align with the complaint summary text. This table reflects the issues mentioned in the complaint descriptions.
Airbag System Failures in 2022 Kia Sportage
Airbags are a critical safety feature designed to protect occupants during a collision. Malfunctions in this system can have severe consequences, increasing the risk of injury in accidents. Several NHTSA complaints highlight worrying airbag issues in the 2022 Kia Sportage.
One complaint from a Kia Sportage owner in Maine details a highway collision where “the emergency braking, alert, and airbags never went off.” This indicates a complete failure of multiple safety systems designed to activate in a crash scenario.
Another incident reported by an owner from Illinois involved a collision with a vehicle stopping abruptly ahead. Similar to the Maine case, “the forward collision sensor warning light didn’t come on and the airbags didn’t deploy.” While no injuries were reported in this instance, the failure of both the warning system and airbags is a serious concern.
A 2022 Kia Sportage traveling on a paved road, illustrating a common SUV model facing reported safety system problems.
A particularly alarming complaint comes from a California owner involved in a severe side-impact collision. According to the NHTSA report, another vehicle struck the passenger side of the Sportage at over 55 mph. The impact caused the Kia to roll “2-3 times before coming to a complete stop.” Despite the severity of the crash, and while other airbags deployed, “the steering wheel airbag did not deploy!” The occupant sustained fractures, and the vehicle was totaled. This incident raises serious questions about the reliability of the steering wheel airbag in the 2022 Sportage during significant collisions.
Forward Collision Avoidance System Deficiencies
The forward collision avoidance system is designed to prevent or mitigate accidents by warning drivers of potential collisions and even automatically applying brakes. Complaints suggest failures in this system in the 2022 Kia Sportage, potentially putting drivers at risk.
One complaint, also referenced in the airbag section, describes a forward collision where the warning system failed to activate. An Illinois owner reported a similar experience, stating the forward collision warning alert “wasn’t activated” prior to a crash. This owner further experienced issues with the rearview camera system, with the system disengaging intermittently after the accident. Attempts to trade in the vehicle due to safety concerns were reportedly unsuccessful, highlighting the owner’s frustration with the unresolved issues.
Engine Problems and Fire Risk
Engine issues are a major concern for any vehicle owner. While engine complaints for the 2022 Kia Sportage are fewer in number compared to airbag concerns, they include a particularly serious incident: a vehicle fire.
A Kansas owner reported that their Kia Sportage “caught on fire ‘without warning.'” The fire spread to the owner’s house, requiring fire department intervention. The cause of the fire was undetermined but was noted to have “started from under the hood,” pointing to a potential engine-related issue. This is a critical safety hazard that warrants serious attention.
Another engine-related complaint details starting problems and erratic engine behavior. An Indiana owner reported that their Sportage “will not start consistently,” requiring multiple attempts and exhibiting sputtering upon starting. Furthermore, the vehicle experienced random jerking and unexpected acceleration while driving. Despite battery inspections ruling out electrical issues, the engine problems remained unresolved, indicating a potentially more complex mechanical fault.
Trailer Hitch Recall and Fire Hazard
In September 2022, Kia issued a recall affecting 2017-2022 Sportage models equipped with the original tow hitch harness, due to a fire risk. The recall notice warned that debris and moisture accumulation in the tow hitch harness module could cause an electrical short, potentially leading to a fire even when the vehicle is parked. Kia urged owners to park outdoors and away from structures due to this risk.
However, as of December 2022, complaints indicated that replacement parts for the recall were still unavailable. A New Jersey owner reported to NHTSA that “the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair,” leaving owners with vehicles potentially at risk of fire without a solution in place.
Seeking Recourse for 2022 Kia Sportage Problems
Owners experiencing persistent problems with their 2022 Kia Sportage, particularly concerning safety systems or repeated malfunctions, should be aware of their potential legal rights. Lemon laws exist to protect consumers from vehicles with recurring defects that substantially impair their use, value, or safety.
If you believe your 2022 Kia Sportage may be a lemon, it is advisable to seek legal consultation to understand your options, which may include vehicle repurchase, replacement, or financial compensation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and NHTSA complaints related to the 2022 Kia Sportage as of the date of writing. It is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Individual experiences may vary, and specific cases should be evaluated based on their own merits and circumstances.
