With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Kia Sportage is ranked sixth among 26 compact SUVs. It offers great ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $462. The Sportage is one of the more dependable automobiles on the road since its repair needs are less severe and less frequent than those of other vehicles.
In This Article...
Cost
Compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle types, the total yearly cost of repairs and maintenance for a Kia Sportage is $462.
the typical annual sum for unplanned maintenance and repairs for all model years of a car. A vehicle’s greater average cost alone does not imply that it is less dependable. For instance, your car’s parts and labor may be pricey, especially if it’s a European luxury model, but if there are few serious problems and frequent service visits on average each year, that’s a sign of a dependable vehicle.
The typical annual frequency at which a vehicle is taken in for unplanned maintenance and repairs. This metric is produced by monitoring millions of distinctive automobiles over a number of years to ascertain the typical yearly visits for each make and model. Controls were included to prevent small, routine shop visits, such those for oil changes.
The severity element of dependability calculates the likelihood that a repair will cause a significant problem. The cost of a repair is assessed to be excessively expensive given the unscheduled nature of the repair if it is three times the average annual repair cost for all models. Due to their more expensive labor and component expenses, premium and luxury brands have a higher barrier.
Frequency
Owners of Kia Sportage cars must take them into a shop for unplanned repairs on average 0.2 times a year, as opposed to 0.3 times on average for compact SUVs and 0.4 times on average for all vehicle models.
Do Kia Sportage issues frequently arise?
This generation’s Sportage has had very few reported issues because it is a well-built vehicle. There have been a few problems with non-engine electrics, mostly with the starting process and the sat-nav system (where installed).
Which Kia Sportage year is the most dependable?
Since its introduction in 1995, the Kia Sportage has been a superb automobile. It’s entertaining to drive since this SUV is a scaled-down version of other sports utility vehicles. You might be wondering if there are certain Kia Sportage years to steer clear of if you’re considering making an investment in this unusual vehicle.
Learn more about the Kia Sportage years to steer clear of by reading on. In order for you to make an informed choice about the car you can invest in for yourself, we will also cover the years that have performed successfully. Make sure you receive the safest and most effective used car you can afford when you buy one.
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
Along with fantastic models, the Kia Sportage has seen several bad ones over the years. The Kia brand has had to make a slow recovery from 2012, which was the worst of all. When shopping at used cars, there are a few models you should be careful to avoid.
The following significant Kia Sportage years should be avoided:
- 2012
- 2013
- 2001
- 2009
- 2008
- 2000
- 2011
The most significant problem during these years was engine failure, which made them both unreliable and expensive. Learn more about each of these issues and why they provide such a challenge for this vehicle’s drivers by continuing to read.
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What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?
2012 was the Kia Sportage’s worst year ever, but all of the years previously mentioned had their issues. It’s crucial to become familiar with each of them so you can decide which is ideal for your future and pick an automobile that is both secure and affordable to maintain.
- engine issues
- internal problems
- Having braking issues
Despite the fact that there were numerous additional, more minor complaints about the aforementioned vehicle models, these were some of the more common ones.
Continue reading to find out more about each of these grievances. Some of these issues are more serious than others, but they all have the potential to cost you money if they arise while you are driving. Knowing this can help you decide which Kia Sportage years to steer clear of.
Engine Problems
Engine problems, especially with the 2012 model, have been the Kia Sportage’s major problem. There have been numerous engine issues with this car’s various variants, which have resulted in numerous consumer complaints. Many Kia models have failed due to engine issues.
Some of the particular engine problems include:
- engine blowing
- driving while the engine is dead
- Engine knocking noise
These are just a handful of the Kia Sportage model’s engine issues that have been reported.
Drivers may experience costly and dangerous engine problems. In order to save money, it is better to stay away from Kia Sportage models that are prone to this problem. Over the years, the models from 2011 through 2013 have had the most customer complaints regarding engine problems.
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Interior Issues
Interior difficulties are another one of the Kia Sportage’s frequent troubles. Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with several interior comfort accoutrements, particularly with some of the pre-2010 versions. Although they won’t affect how the car drives, these could make driving the Kia Sportage uncomfortable.
Some models’ interior problems include:
- Problems in the air conditioning
- difficulties with the interior accessories
- difficulties with seatbelts
None of these are useful to drivers or passengers, and their replacement can be pricey.
If you are spending money on a car, the interior should function properly. Spending money on a Kia Sportage model that is subpar is a waste. You may avoid making this error if you are aware of the Kia Sportage years to stay away from.
Braking Troubles
Braking troubles were also one among the Kia Sportage’s major problems. The 2011 model was particularly affected by this issue. For the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, braking is essential. For this reason alone, it is advised to stay away from these models.
The Kia Sportage’s latest models do a better job of maintaining the paint on the car. To find out which Kia Sportage years are best for you to buy, continue reading. The ones on the following list will provide you with the best value for your money.
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Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
We can talk about the possibilities that will provide you the most value for your money now that you know which years are the worst for you to invest in. Even with so many subpar models, numerous Kia Sportage years have stuck out from the crowd.
- 2017
- 2019
- 2018
- 2021
- 2007
If you’re looking for a fantastic car, consider one of these makes. The shortcomings of the older Kia Sportages have been greatly improved in the later models. Look at the new models of this vehicle for the best performance on the road if you want a car that will give you everything you need and more.
Conclusion
You can make an informed decision about your next model to make sure you invest your money in the best available alternative on the market now that you are aware of which Kia Sportage to stay away from. To get the most value for your money, you can contrast the positive and negative aspects.
Making a purchase this significant requires that you receive an automobile that will meet all of your needs. You don’t want to get a vehicle that will cost you as much to repair as you did to purchase it. There are a lot of excellent Kia Sportage models, but there are also a lot of subpar ones.
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How durable are Kia Sportages?
The Sportage, Kia’s first sport utility vehicle that made its way to American soil in 1995, is currently one of the Korean automaker’s best-selling models. The tiny SUV is generally regarded as being reliable and inexpensive.
What is the lifespan of a Kia Sportage then? Many drivers achieve 150,000, 200,000, or even 250,000 miles or more with little repairs, according to discussions on Kia Forums and owner reviews on Vehicle History. driving 12,000 miles annually, which translates to 12.5 to more than 20 years of service.
One reviewer on Vehicle History claims, “I acquired my Kia as a used car…it has 189,000 miles…runs fine, and is 13 years old.”
very reliable To ensure that it continues to work efficiently, I keep up with routine maintenance.
“[My Sportage] has approximately 200,000 miles on it,” says another reviewer. The wipers and brake pads were both changed. There was nothing serious when the check engine light turned on.
Routine maintenance is a prevalent theme with high-mileage Sportage claims.
Is it expensive to maintain a Kia Sportage?
The overall yearly car maintenance costs for the Kia Sportage are $462. The table that follows provides a detailed ranking of each car in this overall scheme for comparison’s sake. The Kia Sportage is significantly less expensive to maintain when compared to the average vehicle ($651 annually), which has an average cost of $462.
Is Kia up to par with Toyota?
According to a J.D. Power research from 2019, Kia has the highest initial quality in the non-premium segment in the United States. The 2016 Kia Soul, 2016 Toyota Corolla, Prius, and Prius V were all rated as being among the most dependable vehicles on the road by J.D. Power.
Engine problems
The Kia Sportage has experienced numerous distinct engine problems. Fortunately, the majority of those issues have been mild. The Sportage’s engine has occasionally failed. A malfunctioning engine sensor is often at blame for this issue. The engine may stall out or fully shut down as a result of this. The firm has issued a recall for this issue, however many owners claim that it only provides a short-term solution.
One of the Sportage’s most prevalent engine issues is this one. Not just Kia’s four-cylinder engines are impacted by this problem.
Engine knocking is another frequent issue with the Sportage’s engine. This is due to improper mounting of the piston rods in the engine. Increasing the frequency of oil changes for the engine can help with this issue.
The Sportage’s turbocharger is a very recent feature. The third generation saw its initial introduction. Unfortunately, it has a history of failing too soon. When a turbocharger problem arises, it will be clear because the engine will lose power and start to whine loudly.
One or more of a number of factors, such as a clogged air filter or damaged spark plugs, might result in cylinder misfire. By routinely replacing your air filter and spark plugs, try to avoid this.
Delivering fuel from the tank to the engine is the responsibility of the fuel pump. It is a crucial component of the engine and one of the most vulnerable to failure. The engine will stall out or fully shut off if the fuel pump fails.
Cooling system problems
The radiator, water pump, and thermostat are just a few of the components that make up the Sportage’s cooling system. While any of these components could malfunction, a leaking radiator is the most frequent issue.
Take your vehicle to a repair as soon as you discover coolant seeping from it. Your engine could overheat if the leak is not repaired.
Transmission problems
Transmission failure is another problem that frequently affects Kia Sportage vehicles. Since the entire transmission must often be replaced, this can be an extremely expensive repair.
The torque converter transforms the rotational force of the engine into hydraulic pressure. The transmission’s gears are then moved using this pressure. Failure of the torque converter may result in transmission slippage or possibly total failure.
Electrical problems
Electrical issues have also been reported with the Kia Sportage. Typically, a bad battery or alternator is at blame for this.
The battery is in charge of supplying electricity to the car’s electrical system. If it malfunctions, the engine may stall, the lights may dim or flicker, and the radio may stop working. Battery charging is carried out by the alternator. It can result in the same issues as a bad battery if it malfunctions.
Suspension problems
Suspension failure is another issue that Kia Sportage customers have brought up. The car can go off course as a result.
Nowadays, body-on-frame construction is less frequent because unibody design is now the standard among automakers. Although this design is more stiff and lighter, it is also more prone to suspension failure.
Typically, worn-out suspension parts are the root of this issue. The impact of bumps and potholes is absorbed by the shocks and struts. They may degrade over time, leading to the car losing control.
Braking problems
Braking issues of various kinds have been documented with the Sportage. Premature brake pad wear is the most typical one. Towing a big cargo or operating a vehicle in stop-and-go traffic can both contribute to this.
The Sportage’s brakes frequently squeal, which is another typical issue with stopping. This typically results from worn-out brake pads, thus it needs to be changed right away.
A broken brake caliper can also result in issues. The brake pads are held in position by the caliper. If it malfunctions, the brakes could not function properly.
Interior Quality Issues
Owners of the Kia Sportage have complained about poor interior quality. This can range from sloppy door handles to wobbly trim.
Typically, shoddy workmanship is the root of this issue. It is well known that Kia builds its cars using low-quality components. In the past, the business has addressed this issue by repairing and recalling defective items.
Exterior Quality Issues
Issues with the Kia Sportage’s exterior build quality are another frequent criticism. This might be anything from faded paint to headlight cracks.
Typically, shoddy workmanship is the root of this issue. You can take care of such problems by bringing your car to an established body shop.
Kia Sportage Safety Rating
The safety rating for the Kia Sportage is good. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it four out of five stars for frontal impact crash tests and five out of five ratings for side impact crash testing.
The Sportage has, however, occasionally been recalled due to safety concerns. This covers issues with the engine, brakes, and airbags.