Last updated: 2026-03-04
Kia Sportage Reliability by Year
The Kia Sportage averages 74/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Kia Sportage Reliability Overview
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. This model may appeal to buyers seeking a compact SUV with a generally favorable reliability rating, but prospective owners should consider specific year-related issues and complaints.
Current generation: 5th gen (2023–2023).
Best & Worst Kia Sportage Years
Best Kia Sportage Years to Buy
The best Kia Sportage year is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (79/100) and 2024 (78/100).
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
The worst Kia Sportage year is 2023 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to electrical system (56) issues. Also avoid 2018 (68/100).
2023
9 recalls · 257 complaints
2018
3 recalls · 147 complaints
Kia Sportage Reliability Score Trend
Kia Sportage reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 74/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Kia Sportage
3 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2026 Kia Sportage has excellent reliability. There are 3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2026 KIA Sportage. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Fuel Propulsion System (1), Electrical System (1).
2025 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 44 complaints
The 2025 Kia Sportage has excellent reliability. There are 2 recalls and 44 owner complaints on file for the 2025 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (7), Steering (7).
2024 Kia Sportage
4 recalls · 83 complaints
The 2024 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 83 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 10 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Vehicle Speed Control (8).
2023 Kia Sportage
9 recalls · 257 complaints
The 2023 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 257 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 26 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (56), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (28).
2022 Kia Sportage
1 recalls · 39 complaints
The 2022 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 39 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (11), Electrical System (5), Trailer Hitches (4).
2021 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 34 complaints
The 2021 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 34 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (11), Engine (6), Engine And Engine Cooling (4).
2020 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 139 complaints
The 2020 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 139 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 11 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (47), Unknown Or Other (19), Electrical System (15).
2019 Kia Sportage
2 recalls · 63 complaints
The 2019 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 63 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (18), Unknown Or Other (10), Electrical System (9).
2018 Kia Sportage
3 recalls · 147 complaints
The 2018 Kia Sportage has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 147 owner complaints on file for the 2018 KIA Sportage. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (53), Electrical System (20), Power Train (14).
Kia Sportage Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$462
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
11%
$59 below the compact SUVs average of $521/yr.
Ranked #6 of 26 among compact SUVs.
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Kia Models
Compare all Kia models by reliability
Compare Kia Sportage With Similar SUVs
The Kia Sportage competes with other compact suvs such as Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4.
Honda CR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 5017 complaints
Hyundai Tucson reliability
9 years tracked · 1838 complaints
Toyota RAV4 reliability
8 years tracked · 2734 complaints
Volkswagen Tiguan reliability
9 years tracked · 968 complaints
Mazda CX-50 reliability
4 years tracked · 96 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Kia Sportage reliable?
- The Kia Sportage has good reliability with an average score of 74/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Kia Sportage?
- The best year for the Kia Sportage is 2025 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 2 recalls and 44 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Kia Sportage analysis →
- What are the Kia Sportage years to avoid?
- The Kia Sportage years to avoid include 2023 (67/100), 2018 (68/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Sportage?
- The Kia Sportage has an estimated annual repair cost of $462, which is $59 below the compact SUVs average of $521. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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