Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
We analyzed 2278 owner complaints and 35 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Kia Sportage model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2017 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Kia Sportage Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Kia Sportage Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sportage | 392 | 5 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Kia Sportage | 381 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Kia Sportage | 125 | 3 | 44/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2015 Kia Sportage | 146 | 2 | 98/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Kia Sportage | 134 | 2 | 69/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Kia Sportage | 404 | 4 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 165 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Kia Sportage | 71 | 2 | 41/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 166 | 2 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | 54 | 2 | 59/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Kia Sportage | 46 | 1 | 33/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2023 Kia Sportage | 194 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Kia Sportage: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Kia Sportage years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Kia Sportage model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Kia Sportage?
The most reliable used model year for the Kia Sportage is 2022 (as well as 2022), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Sportage?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Kia Sportage are Engine & Cooling, Electrical System, Unknown Or Other. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Kia Sportage?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 35 safety recall campaigns and recorded 2278 official owner complaints for the Kia Sportage.