2023 Honda CR-V vs 2023 Kia Sportage

On the public data alone the Sportage edges it 2–0.

2023 Honda CR-V

The 2023 Honda CR-V is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the CR-V Hybrid FWD, is EPA…

2023 Kia Sportage

The 2023 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…

	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Kia Sportage
Segment	Compact SUV	Compact SUV
Powertrains	Hybrid, Gas	Plug-in hybrid, Hybrid, Gas
Best combined mpg	40	43
Safety Signal	35	35
NHTSA recalls	7	7
Critical recalls	2	2
Owner complaints	628	299
NHTSA overall stars	5	5

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

CR-V

●moderate

Tires

DOV

1,048,613 vehiclesHybrid only

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.RiskA detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in Fall 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda's number for this recall is DOV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 11, 2026.

NHTSA campaign 26V366000reported Jun 4, 2026Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

!critical

Fuel System, Gasoline

PJW

720,810 vehiclesHybrid only

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Honda Accord, Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Honda Civic and Civic Hybrid vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may crack and leak fuel.RiskA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.FixDealers will inspect and replace the high-pressure fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PJW.

NHTSA campaign 24V763000reported Oct 14, 2024Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

!critical

Electrical System

HJR

98 vehiclesHybrid only

ProblemHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The high voltage battery modules may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause the battery terminal or busbar to break and spark.RiskAn electrical spark increases the risk of an injury or fire. In addition, a loss of drive power may occur, which can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers will replace the battery module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is HJR.

NHTSA campaign 24V745000reported Oct 3, 2024Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Sportage

▲high

Electrical System

SC359

5,046 vehiclesPlug-in hybrid only

ProblemKia 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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."RiskAn instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.

NHTSA campaign 25V874000reported Dec 17, 2025Kia America, Inc.

▲high

Structure

SC292

101,049 vehicles

ProblemKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Sportage and 2022-2024 Carnival vehicles. The roof molding may loosen and detach.RiskA detached roof molding can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will inspect the roof molding and replace or secure it as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 15, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC292.

NHTSA campaign 24V025000reported Jan 18, 2024Kia America, Inc.

!critical

Power Train

SC275

Park outside39,765 vehicles

ProblemKia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.RiskAn electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.FixOwners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

NHTSA campaign 23V531000reported Jul 31, 2023Kia America, Inc.