Last updated: 2026-03-04

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good
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Kia Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

Kia offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most Kia models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.

5 models tracked8 years of data118 total recalls4470 owner complaints$462–$573/yr repair costs

Kia Reliability Score Comparison

Visual comparison of reliability scores across all Kia models. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Kia Model Rankings

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
1Kia Sportage202574/100Good258.44$462/yr
2Kia K5202573/100Good1911.14
3Kia Sorento202470/100Good3918.54$533/yr
4Kia Telluride202566/100Good2725.93.5$573/yr
5Kia EV6202557/100Mixed848.91.5

Kia Models

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

5th gen (2023–2023)

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Sportage, with an average reliability score of 73/100, is categorized as having good reliability, although specific model years like 2023 and 2026 show higher complaint rates and lower scores. Common issues reported by owners include engine and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier models, while the vehicle's estimated annual repair cost is $462, below the compact SUV average.

8 years trackedBest: 2025 (82/100)Worst: 2023 (67/100)
Kia K5

Kia K5

5th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2025

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia K5, spanning model years 2021 to 2026, shows a notable improvement in reliability, with scores increasing from 75/100 in 2021 to 100/100 in 2026. Initial years exhibit issues primarily with the electrical and fuel systems, while later models, particularly 2024 onward, demonstrate significantly fewer complaints and higher reliability scores, suggesting improvements in design and manufacturing.

5 years trackedBest: 2025 (79/100)Worst: 2022 (69/100)
Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento

4th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2024

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Sorento, covering model years 2018 to 2026, presents an average reliability score of 81 out of 100, indicating an excellent reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, with a noted improvement in complaint rates by 2026.

8 years trackedBest: 2024 (79/100)Worst: 2019 (64/100)
Kia Telluride

Kia Telluride

1st gen (2020–present), facelifted 2023

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Telluride, covering model years 2020 through 2025, holds an average reliability score of 71/100, classified as "Good," with a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5. Data indicates common issues such as windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, with annual repair costs estimated at $573.

6 years trackedBest: 2025 (78/100)Worst: 2020 (55/100)
Kia EV6

Kia EV6

1st gen (2022–2024), facelifted 2025

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Kia EV6, covering model years 2022 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 75 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Data shows early models, particularly the 2022 version, have notable issues with the electrical system and power train, resulting in high complaint rates and multiple recalls, while later models, especially from 2025 onward, exhibit significant improvements with perfect scores and no reported issues.

4 years trackedBest: 2025 (69/100)Worst: 2022 (46/100)

Common Kia Problems

Top complaint categories across all Kia models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM797 complaints (21%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER659 complaints (17%)
ENGINE567 complaints (15%)
POWER TRAIN546 complaints (14%)
VISIBILITY/WIPER302 complaints (8%)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING203 complaints (5%)
STEERING133 complaints (3%)
SERVICE BRAKES132 complaints (3%)

Kia by Category

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kia cars reliable?
Kia vehicles have an average reliability score of 69/100 ("Good") across 5 models and 8 years in our database. Kia offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
What is the most reliable Kia?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring Kia model-year is the 2025 Kia Sportage at 82/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Kia reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia?
Annual repair costs for Kia models range from $462 to $573 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
Which Kia models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Kia models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2018 Sportage (68/100), 2023 Sportage (67/100), 2019 Sorento (64/100), 2020 Telluride (55/100), 2022 EV6 (46/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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