Last updated: 2026-03-04

Kia Sportage

2 Kia Sportage Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Kia Sportage average of 74/100

The Kia Sportage years to avoid are 2023, 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2023 with a reliability score of 67/100. The best Kia Sportage year to buy is 2025 82/100.

Verdict

The 2023, 2018 Kia Sportage score significantly below the model average of 74/100. The weakest year is 2023 with a score of 67/100 due to electrical system (56) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 74/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Kia Sportage Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Kia Sportage average of 74/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202367/100Good9257Electrical System (56)
2201868/100Good3147Engine (53)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Kia Sportage

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).

9 recalls257 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (56), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (28), Service Brakes (20), Engine (16), Vehicle Speed Control (14)

View full 2023 reliability report →
68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Kia Sportage

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).

3 recalls147 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (53), Electrical System (20), Power Train (14), Unknown Or Other (13), Steering (9), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (5)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Kia Sportage Problems?

Top reported issues across all Kia Sportage model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

154 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

134 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

122 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

62 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

53 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

41 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2023

Best Kia Sportage Year to Buy Instead

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Kia Sportage

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).

Score: 74/100 (Good)2 recalls63 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Kia Sportage Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Kia Sportage Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kia Sportage years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Kia Sportage years: 2023 (score: 67/100), 2018 (score: 68/100). These model years score significantly below the Kia Sportage average of 74/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 44 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Kia Sportage have?
Across all years in our database, the Kia Sportage has a total of 28 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Kia Sportage worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 74/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Kia Sportage problems?
The most common Kia Sportage problems are engine (154 complaints), electrical system (134 complaints), unknown or other (122 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Kia Sportage reliable long-term?
The Kia Sportage has an average reliability score of 74/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Kia Sportage generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Kia Sportage generation is the Fourth generation (QL) with an average score of 73/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Sportage?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Kia Sportage is $462 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 Kia Sportage a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Kia Sportage is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 2 recalls and 44 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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