Here Are the Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
We've identified seven Kia Sportage years to avoid. See which ones — and why you should steer clear — so you can used car shop confidently.
The Kia Sportage is a fantastic vehicle that has been in production since 1995. This SUV is a smaller version of other sports utility vehicles, making for a fun drive. If you are thinking about investing in this unique car, you might wonder if there are any Kia Sportage years to avoid.
Read on to learn more about the Kia Sportage years to avoid. We will also discuss the years that have done well so you can make a well-rounded decision about the vehicle you can invest in for yourself. When you purchase a used car, you should ensure you get the safest and most efficient vehicle for your money.
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Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
The Kia Sportage has had some poor models over the years, along with the good ones. The worst of all was 2012, from which the Kia brand has had to make a steady recovery. There are several models you should take care to steer clear of when looking at used cars.
Some of the most prominent Kia Sportage years to avoid include:
- 2012
- 2013
- 2001
- 2009
- 2008
- 2000
- 2011
These are some of the worst years of creation for the Kia Sportage.
Many factors made these years both unreliable and expensive, with the most prominent issue being engine failure. Keep reading to learn more about each of these problems and what makes them so problematic for drivers of this vehicle.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE KIA SPORTAGE
Let’s look at the most reliable Kia Sportage year, the overall reliability of the Sportage over the years, and the least reliable selections.
What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?
The very worst year for the Kia Sportage was 2012, but all of the years listed above have had their troubles. It is vital to becoming familiar with each of these so you can make the best choice for your future and select a car that is both safe and inexpensive to keep up to standards.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the top reasons that make these years worth avoiding include:
- Engine problems
- Interior issues
- Braking troubles
These were some of the top complaints about these models, though there were many other smaller issues customers had with the vehicle models mentioned.
Read on to learn more about each of these complaints. Some of these are more worrying than others, but all are problems that can cost you money if they occur at any point while you are driving. Understanding these can help you solidify which Kia Sportage years to avoid.
Engine Problems
The biggest issue with the Kia Sportage has been engine issues, particularly with the 2012 model. This car has had many engine problems with varying models that have brought tons of customer complaints to life. Engine problems have been the downfall of many Kia models.
Some of the specific engine issues have been:
- Blown engine
- Engine death while driving
- Knocking engine sound
These are just a few of the engine problems that have arisen within the Kia Sportage model.
Engine issues can be both dangerous and costly to drivers. It’s best to avoid the Kia Sportage models prone to this issue to avoid unnecessary expenses. The 2011, 2012, and 2013 are versions that have garnered the most customer complaints in terms of engine issues over the years.
Interior Issues
One of the other common problems with the Kia Sportage is interior issues. Customers have complained about accessories vital to the comfort inside the vehicle, especially prominent with some of the pre-2010 models. These will not harm the way the car drives but can make handling the Kia Sportage uncomfortable.
The interior issues with some models include:
- Air conditioning malfunctions
- Interior accessories issues
- Seat belt issues
None of these are beneficial to drivers or passengers and can be expensive to replace.
If you are investing in a vehicle, it should have interior components that work. Don’t waste your funds on a model of Kia Sportage that does not work well. Once you know what Kia Sportage years to avoid, you can prevent this mistake.
Braking Troubles
Finally, one of the other issues with the Kia Sportage was braking issues. This problem was especially prominent with the 2011 model. Braking is critical to the well-being of the car and passengers. It’s best to avoid these models for this factor alone.
The newer models of the Kia Sportage are more successful at keeping the paint on the vehicle. Keep reading to learn about which Kia Sportage years are ideal for you to buy. The ones listed below will give you the most value for the money you spend.
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Which Years are Safe to Buy Used?
Now that you understand which years are the worst for you to invest in, we can discuss the options that will give you the most bang for your buck. Many Kia Sportage years have stood out among the rest, excelling even amid so many poor models.
According to carcomplaints.com, some of the best years for the Kia Sportage include:
- 2017
- 2019
- 2018
- 2021
- 2007
These are the best years you can invest in for the Kia Sportage.
If you are on the hunt for a great car, look at these models. The newer models have done an exceptionally great job correcting the mistakes with the older Kia Sportages. If you want a vehicle that will give you everything and more, look to the new models for this vehicle for the best result on the road.
Conclusion
Now that you know which of the Kia Sportage to avoid, you can make an educated choice about your next model to ensure you put your money into the best possible option on the market. You can compare the good with the bad, receiving the most bang for your buck.
Receiving a car that will give you everything you need is a critical part of making a purchase this big. You don’t want to invest in a vehicle that will take just as much money out of your pocket for repairs as you put into buying it. There are many great Kia Sportage models, but just as many poor ones too.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kia Sportage Years to Avoid
Q: What is the worst year for the Kia Sportage?
A: As per the guide above, the 2012 model year is considered the worst for the Kia Sportage. The brand has had to make a steady recovery since the release of this particularly problematic model.
Q: What are some of the other Kia Sportage years that should be avoided?
A: In addition to the 2012 model, other Kia Sportage years that have been identified as problematic and best avoided include 2013, 2001, 2009, 2008, 2000, and 2011. These model years have been plagued by various issues that make them unreliable and expensive to maintain.
Q: What are the most common problems reported in these problematic Kia Sportage models?
A: The most significant issues reported by owners of these troublesome Kia Sportage models include engine problems (such as blown engines, engine failure while driving and knocking sounds), interior issues (like malfunctioning air conditioning, faulty interior accessories, and seat belt problems), and braking troubles.
Q: Are there any Kia Sportage years that are considered safe to buy used?
A: Yes, several Kia Sportage model years, including 2017, 2019, 2018, 2021, and 2007 years, have proven reliable and safe to purchase as used vehicles.
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