Is the kia sportage a reliable car

It’s been nearly 30 years since the birth of the Kia Sportage, and it’s been a staple name in the compact SUV game as one of the most reliable vehicles in the class. Evolving over decades, Kia Sportage has become quite the popular SUV with its convenient design and more than enough performance.

Opting to buy a used Kia Sportage can be your next smart move. However, before going for a used Kia Sportage, it’s better to get to know the car’s highs and lows and recognize its weaknesses, the worst model years, and liabilities.

So without further ado, let’s find out more about Kia Sportage and see which models you should avoid and which years will make a good buy.

2012, 2013, And 2017 Are The Worst Years Of The Kia Sportage

Via Kia Newsroom

As reported on CarComplaints, the 2012 Kia Sportage is dubbed the worst Sportage among its many iterations. With minor interior problems concerning the radio, the 2012 model suffers significantly from engine problems. This particular model’s engine tends to stop working mid-driving. Being a highly dangerous problem to have, it also costs a ton with around $5630 to possibly replace the engine. Based on the complaints, it seems that this incident can be expected around 70,000 miles and above mileage. Less-concerning issues like excessive engine noise can also be seen with this model.

The 2013 model also suffers from basically the same engine problem. Its engine tends to die and get blown while on the road. Compared to the 2012 model, it has more interior issues. Doors opening easily, overhead noises from the visor, radio not working, and Bluetooth issues are some quick-fix problems of the 2013 model.

Coming in at the third-worst place is the 2017 model, with varied issues all across the vehicle. The most significant problem of the 2017 model relates to its engine and its excessive oil consumption. There is no accurate data on how much it would cost to fix the problem, and it varies depending on the severity of the issue. Various other problems are reported regarding AC, transmission, and windshield issues.

There is not much to worry about among other model years of the Kia Sportage as there are little to no complaints reported on them by customers. However, just like any other vehicle, they all have their minor flaws but are not too significant to be a deal breaker.

Do What Needs To Be Done If You Want Your Kia Sportage To Get Past 200,000 Miles

Via Kia Newsroom

Kia Sportage, just like any other vehicle, needs to be taken care of properly. With that being said, a well-maintained Kia Sportage can get past the 200,000 miles mark and get close to the 300,000 range. The general principles of maintaining a car can apply to the majority of the vehicles, but each vehicle has its own routine that needs to be performed. Here’s the official maintenance schedule designed for your future Kia Sportage:

• At 7,500 miles: oil change, safety inspection, tire rotation
• At 15,000 miles: 7,500-mile service, engine air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement
• At 22,500 miles: all 7,500-mile procedures, brake pad replacement, tire replacement
• At 30,000 miles: all 15,000-mile services, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant replacement
• At 37,500 miles: 22,500-mile services, drive belt replacement
• At 60,000 miles: all 30,000-mile services, timing belt replacement, spark plug replacement

According to Repairpal, the average yearly cost of maintaining a Kia Sportage is $462.59, lower than the average for the compact SUV market. These figures can vary depending on your vehicle’s model year and how you maintain it.

With Proper Maintenance, Kia Sportage Can Be Your Next Reliable Vehicle

Via Kia

Kia Sportage is one of the most reliable compact SUVs on the market and can fulfill all your demands, but no car is perfect, and this is no exception. If you’re looking for a used Kia Sportage, try to avoid the 2012, 2013, and also 2017 model years, as they are the most problematic Sportages produced to date. They suffer from major engine problems and tend to die mid-driving. If you avoid these three main models, there is a very good chance that you have a problem-free, reliable Sportage.

Expect to get more than 200,000 miles out of your Kia Sportage. With proper care and attention, you can keep your Kia Sportage up and running even for 300,000 miles.