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Kia Sportage — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Kia Sportage model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
32
Years to Avoid
2017, 2013, 2012
Best Years
2010, 2009, 2007, 2003, 1996, 1995
2027
0 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
2026
44 complaints1 recalls24 TSBs
2025
95 complaints1 recalls15 TSBs
2024
113 complaints3 recalls37 TSBs
2023
320 complaints6 recalls74 TSBs
2022
68 complaints1 recalls52 TSBs
2021
68 complaints2 recalls2 invest.68 TSBs
2020
208 complaints2 recalls2 invest.93 TSBs
2019
106 complaints2 recalls2 invest.82 TSBs
2018
230 complaints3 recalls1 invest.133 TSBs
2017Avoid
568 complaints4 recalls2 invest.191 TSBs
2016
188 complaints2 recalls2 invest.127 TSBs
2015
195 complaints2 recalls2 invest.153 TSBs
2014
156 complaints3 recalls2 invest.181 TSBs
2013Avoid
450 complaints3 recalls4 invest.167 TSBs
2012Avoid
454 complaints5 recalls4 invest.177 TSBs
2011
264 complaints6 recalls4 invest.172 TSBs
2010Best Year
28 complaints2 recalls1 invest.24 TSBs
2009Best Year
120 complaints3 recalls1 invest.20 TSBs
2008
138 complaints3 recalls1 invest.24 TSBs
2007Best Year
113 complaints2 recalls32 TSBs
2006
169 complaints1 recalls31 TSBs
2005
93 complaints3 recalls40 TSBs
2003Best Year
4 complaints0 recalls6 TSBs
2002
321 complaints3 recalls4 invest.9 TSBs
2001
354 complaints2 recalls2 invest.13 TSBs
2000
462 complaints4 recalls6 invest.13 TSBs
1999
493 complaints5 recalls8 invest.13 TSBs
1998
558 complaints5 recalls6 invest.12 TSBs
1997
299 complaints3 recalls4 invest.10 TSBs
1996Best Year
98 complaints3 recalls2 invest.8 TSBs
1995Best Year
88 complaints2 recalls1 invest.8 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Kia Sportage Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2017, 2013, 2012 Kia Sportage are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Kia Sportage, consider the 2010, 2009, 2007, 2003, 1996, 1995 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

32 model years analyzed