Kia Sportage: best and worst years
Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.
Years to avoid: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2017, 2020, 2023
Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.
Held up best: 1995, 1996, 2005, 2010
The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.
2026too new to judge33 complaints · 1 recalls2025too new to judge71 complaints · 1 recalls2024too new to judge101 complaints · 3 recalls2023worst year303 complaints · 7 recalls202246 complaints · 1 recalls202153 complaints · 2 recalls2020worst year161 complaints · 2 recalls201970 complaints · 2 recalls2018164 complaints · 3 recalls2017worst year401 complaints · 4 recalls2016131 complaints · 2 recalls2015146 complaints · 2 recalls2014123 complaints · 3 recalls2013worst year381 complaints · 3 recalls2012worst year392 complaints · 5 recalls2011181 complaints · 6 recalls2010solid year20 complaints · 2 recalls200980 complaints · 3 recalls200898 complaints · 3 recalls200777 complaints · 2 recalls2006111 complaints · 1 recalls2005solid year68 complaints · 3 recalls2002234 complaints · 3 recalls2001228 complaints · 2 recalls2000worst year304 complaints · 4 recalls1999worst year284 complaints · 5 recalls1998worst year303 complaints · 5 recalls1997181 complaints · 3 recalls1996solid year57 complaints · 3 recalls1995solid year56 complaints · 2 recalls
Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.