Kia Sportage vs Toyota RAV4
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.9 for the Kia Sportage. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Kia Sportage
24.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.7× the Toyota RAV4’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,621
- Sold
- 1,054,453
- Recall campaigns
- 14
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2011–2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2010, 2019 and 2021–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 100,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 69,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 80,500 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
Toyota RAV4
14.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
41% fewer than the Kia Sportage
- Complaints
- 7,062
- Sold
- 4,797,629
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2006–2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2014, 2016–2017 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,976 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 24,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 90,900 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Sportage or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Sportage has 24.9, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Sportage?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Sportage is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota RAV4 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
Which Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Sportage: 2011–2013 and 2017; Toyota RAV4: 2006–2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.