Kia Sportage years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Sportage years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2023 has the most complaints per year, at 50 (190 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 122 complaints), 2016 at 4 (from 131 complaints), and 2013 at 4 (from 381 complaints). The Kia Sportage 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2023 Kia Sportage, 15 of 190 complaints name Electrical system.
Data as of .
2014
2016
2013
2025–26
Kia Sportage reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Sportage. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 31.8 |
| 2025 → Too early | 26 | 51 | 1 | Service brakes | 32.5 |
| 2024 → | 24 | 71 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 32.5 |
| 2023 → Most | 50 | 190 | 6 | Electrical system | 33.8 |
| 2022 → | 10 | 46 | 1 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2021 → | 6 | 51 | 2 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2020 → | 14 | 160 | 2 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2019 → | 6 | 70 | 2 | Engine | 23.2 |
| 2018 → | 14 | 164 | 3 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2017 → | 29 | 399 | 4 | Engine | 23.3 |
| 2016 → Fewest | 4 | 131 | 2 | Engine | 22 |
| 2015 → | 5 | 146 | 2 | Engine | 22 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 3 | 122 | 3 | Engine | 22.3 |
| 2013 → Fewest | 4 | 381 | 3 | Engine | 23 |
| 2012 → | 5 | 392 | 5 | Engine | 23 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.4L and 1.6L turbo where equipped) · 4.8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/60R17 to 245/45R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 18V907000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.5L and turbo/hybrid where equipped)
- Tire size
- 235/60R18 to 235/50R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 22V651000. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire. Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sportage years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2014 at 3 (from 122 complaints), 2016 at 4 (from 131 complaints), and 2013 at 4 (from 381 complaints).
Which Kia Sportage year has the most owner complaints?
2023 has the most complaints per year, at 50 (190 complaints). On the 2023 Kia Sportage, 15 of 190 complaints name Electrical system.
How do Kia Sportage owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Sportage years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Kia Sportage years are too early to compare?
The Kia Sportage 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Sportage take?
0W-20 (2.4L and 1.6L turbo where equipped)
What does NHTSA recall 18V-907 cover on the Kia Sportage?
NHTSA campaign 18V907000.
What generation is the 2013 Kia Sportage?
4th generation (QL) (2012-2021).