Years to avoid
Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
The 2023, 2018, 2020 model years stand out as the weakest in this Kia Sportage dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated June 2026
- Weakest year
- 2023
- Model average
- 75/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 257
- Recalls, weakest year
- 9
67/100 reliability
16-point range
26 crash · 0 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2023 Kia Sportage ranks last
The 2023 scores 67/100, rated good, versus a model average of 75/100. NHTSA data contains 257 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (56), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (28), Service Brakes (20). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2023 Kia Sportage record →Evidence by year
The weakest Kia Sportage model years compared
2023 Kia Sportage
- Complaints
- 257
- Recalls
- 9
- Crash reports
- 26
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (56), Unknown Or Other (41), Power Train (28)
View 2023 details →2018 Kia Sportage
- Complaints
- 147
- Recalls
- 3
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 8
Top issues: Engine (53), Electrical System (20), Power Train (14)
View 2018 details →2020 Kia Sportage
- Complaints
- 139
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 11
- Fire reports
- 11
Top issues: Engine (47), Unknown Or Other (19), Electrical System (15)
View 2020 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Kia Sportage years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Kia Sportage data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Kia Sportage research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Kia Sportage research FAQ
Which Kia Sportage years should I avoid?
2023, 2018, 2020 score materially below the strongest Kia Sportage years in this dataset. The 2023 is the weakest at 67/100, with 257 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Kia Sportage year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Kia Sportage year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (83/100), 2025 (82/100), 2022 (79/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Kia Sportage you are considering.