BMW X1 vs Kia Sportage
Which used car has the cleaner record?
We line up what owners actually reported to NHTSA — complaints and recall campaigns — for both cars, so you can compare their paper trail before you buy.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Body type
- X1
- SUV
- Sportage
- SUV
Years sampled
- X1
- 2016, 2020, 2024
- Sportage
- 2016, 2020, 2024
Owner complaints
- X1
- 202fewer
- Sportage
- 355
Recall campaigns
- X1
- 7
- Sportage
- 7
NHTSA investigations
- X1
- 2fewer
- Sportage
- 10
Overall safety (NHTSA, US)
- X1
- 4/5
- Sportage
- 5/5
Combined economy (EPA, US)
- X1
- 9 L/100km
- Sportage
- 9.4 L/100km
The quick read
Over the sampled model years, the BMW X1 has 202 complaints and 7 recalls, and the Kia Sportage has 355 complaints and 7 recalls. Lower numbers point to fewer reported issues, but always confirm the exact car with a VIN check.
NHTSA (US) owner-complaint and recall counts over recent model years. A reliability signal, not a check of any one car. Always run the VIN.