Kia Sportage Reliability: How Long Will It Last?

Josh Barrett
Mar 1, 2022

Despite the SUV’s small stature, foreign origins, and low price tag, the compact Kia Sportage offers excellent dependability. While you might not see a quarter of a million miles, 150,000 to 200,000 is pretty common.

2021 Kia Sportage-Photo by Kia

Key Points

  • Nearly 15 years after its debut as Kia’s first-ever SUV, the compact Sportage is now one of the automaker’s best-selling models.
  • Kia Sportage owners across many reputable automotive sites often claim of reaching 200,000 miles or more without much hassle.
  • Routine service is your best bet at avoiding costly engine and transmission problems that can quickly retire a Kia Sportage.
  • Be wary of second-gen. models from 2011 to 2015 over faulty 2.4L engines. A few too many are known to fail before 100,000 miles.
  • Ultimately, expect somewhere between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. But in rare cases, a Kia Sportage can clock a quarter of a million miles or more.

2014 Kia Sportage - Photo by Kia

How Long will a Kia Sportage Last? Owner Reports Reveal Reaching 150,000 to 200,000 Miles is Very Likely

Arriving on U.S. shores in 1995, Kia’s first sport utility vehicle, the Sportage, is now one of the Korean automaker’s best-selling models. In general, the compact SUV is known for being affordable and dependable.

So, how long will a Kia Sportage last? Discussion on Kia Forums, and owner reviews on Vehicle History, show many drivers reach 150,000, 200,000, even 250,000 miles or more with minimal repairs. Driving 12,000 miles per year, that’s 12.5 to over 20 years of service.

“I bought my Kia as a used vehicle…it has 189,000 miles…runs great, and is 13 years old,” says one Vehicle History reviewer. “Very dependable. I keep up on routine maintenance to make sure that it stays in good running condition.”

Another reviewer shares, “[My Sportage] has almost 200,000 miles on it. We replaced the brake pads and windshield wipers. The check engine light came on, but nothing serious.”

Most high-mileage Sportage claims have the same thing in common: routine maintenance. 

2012 Kia Sportage Engine - Photo by Kia

Major Powertrain Repairs can Quickly Retire a High-mileage Kia Sportage, Making Regular Maintenance Crucial to Longevity

Like an auto insurance claim, a good time to consider retiring a vehicle is when a repair bill totals roughly 75 percent of the SUV’s worth.

For example, a 2012 Kia Sportage LX, with average miles, has a starting Blue Book value of about $8,800. With owners reporting engine replacement costs as high as $6,000, you may do better by putting it towards a different vehicle.

Following a regular service schedule is the best way to protect the longevity of a Kia Sportage. Changing the engine oil/oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is the most common service, and keeps the motor free from harmful contaminants.

Other services, like flushing the tranny fluid and changing the spark plugs, aren’t as frequent but are still vital to the SUV’s longevity.

Find a full list of which services to perform and when on Kia’s official maintenance page

2012 Kia Sportage - Photo by Kia

Kia Sportage SUVs from 2011 to 2015 have Problematic 2.4L Engines Known to Fail Before 100,000 Miles

Looking at models from the third generation (2011 to 2016), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows engine failure was a common problem. Models from 2011 to 2015 with 2.4L Theta II engines are the worst offenders.

Automotive research site Car Complaints shows the 2012 Kia Sportage alone has 24 reports of engine replacement at an average of just 89,800 miles. At a whopping $5,630 average repair bill, you may want to stick with models from 2016, which has fewer issues.

Kia issued several engine-related recalls on over a million units from the third generation. Many coincide with owner various registered owner complaints. Be sure to check that all recalls have been performed before paying a costly shop bill.

A few engine problems were reported for 2017 and 2018 models with the debut of the fourth-gen. Sportage (2017 to 2022), but have no common theme.

2018 Kia Sportage - Photo by Kia

How Long Will a Kia Sportage Really Last? Over 200,000 Miles is Possible in Maintained Units, but Tread Lightly Past 150,000

There are a lot of Kia Sportage SUVs with high mileage, but there are also quite a few owners with extensive shop bills.

“Overall I’m happy with the car, but I did recently have issues with the rear end,” mentions one owner in a Vehicle History owner review. “It was driving pretty jerky so I took it into the dealership…everything ended up putting me back $1,600.”

Another reviewer mentions, “I purchased a 2013 Kia [Sportage]…it drove nice until 89,000 miles…[then] the engine blew with no warning, no nothing…that’s $2,500.

Your best bet, avoid second-gen. models from 2011 to 2015 with the 2.4L Theta II engine or opt for the 2.0L instead. Regardless, routine service will up the odds of clocking any boast-worthy odometer figures.

Ultimately, expect 150,000 miles from most years without much headache. Yet, if you care for the vehicle, and don’t drive like a speed racer, 200,000 or more is possible.

Photos: Kia

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Angel S on December 14, 2021
Reliable With Amazing Safety Features
My Kia Sportage is extremely comforting and reliable. I have yet to have a problem with my car. It is great for road trips as you don't use a lot of gas, it is extremely roomy for its size, and it warns you of things such as blind spots, and keeping you in your lane. It also warns you when to take a break if it sees you have been driving for a long period of time. I love the safety features.
accountCircle Eric on October 27, 2023
Best Car Owned Until...
My Sportage was the best vehicle we have owned - much better body integrity than our Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee while also providing great driving in winter snow. It was the best until the motor blew at only 135k miles. We were the only owner and it was well maintained. It is our only vehicle to not reach at least 200k. As others have noted - beware of these engines.
accountCircle Jim Nolan on November 22, 2022
Transmission 2021 KIA
My daughter-in-law has nothing but problems you name it’s a lemon money pit. Now I believe her transmission is going out the dealer service cntr see’s her coming it’s always money. I believe these SPORTAGE are junk after reading all the reviews I believe these should e a recalled. Never again beware do your research before you buy.
accountCircle Claudia D on November 20, 2021
The Kia Sportage Is Reliable And Trustworthy
I have to no problems with my vehicle thus far. The only problem that I have had would be the battery. I have had to change the battery once. Other than that my vehicle is still running great and without a problem. The Kia Sportage is a good vehicle and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants good and reliable transportation.
accountCircle Cristina M on December 22, 2021
Kia Sportage Has Many Problems And Recalls
Multiple recalls. Turbo replaced, engine replaced, fuel line replaced. The air conditioner stopped working. Windows do not work properly. Too many repairs to be able to afford. I have had nothing but problems since financing this car. Even after getting the engine replaced, it still doesn't run right.
accountCircle Oiseau M on January 1, 2022
Constant Problems With My Kia Sportage
No, I wouldn't buy another! Between 60,000 to 200,000km I have changed the battery, 5 times all brakes, the whole thing! I also changed the shocks, and the front direction completely as well as the sensors! And now at 200,010 the radio just blew up! I also forgot the cable shifter at 180,000!
accountCircle Kathy Lammi on October 14, 2021
My Kia Sportage Has Major Engine Problems
36,000 miles on it drove nice until 89,000 miles in the engine blew with no warning nothing. Had just been to the shop 2 months before that no problems. This should be on the recall list but nope not going to do it the short block is discontinued that's $2,500.
accountCircle Denise Weigand on October 2, 2021
My Kia Sportage And The Engine Died With No Warning
The engine began ticking while on the interstate. Within minutes the ticking turned into local banging. No engine warning lights, nothing at all. The engine is blown. We have meticulously maintained this car and given the records. 139K miles and it is now dead.
accountCircle Kam W on December 25, 2021
So Far So Good With My Kia Sportage
Purchased used one year ago. I have completed maintenance regularly. I have not had any issues with the vehicles. It starts without fail in the winter and heats up quickly. The air conditioning also works great and cools down quickly. Great gas mileage.
accountCircle Nancy on August 17, 2023
Sportage special anniversary 2010 model
13 years after, still running. No major problems. I guess I beat the record for milage on it. My garagist even took bets on it. 321 000 miles (520 000 km Québec, Canada so meaning rough winters and roads) and still running.
accountCircle E Lopez on June 28, 2021
Engine Replacement With My Kia Sportage
At 68,000 miles it made a horrible noise, stopped to see what it was, nothing was found. I took it to the mechanic, and the engine needs to be replaced. Bought it 1 year ago, and the repairs would be about $5000.
accountCircle Joe E on August 25, 2021
Kia Sportage Works Well In Bad Weather
I did not have any problems when driving it in snow which is great. Its very spacious and comfortable. I have only had the car for a little over a year and it has been very reliable with no issues at all.
accountCircle Vanessa G on February 10, 2022
To Many Issues With The Kia Sportage
It has so many problems with it. Some of the doors do not want to open sometimes and the check tire pressure light goes on all the time for no reason at all. It is so annoying and kind of scary at times.
accountCircle Sergii on August 20, 2022
Great vehicle.
I bought mine 3 years ago, it was 134000 on it , now 247000 km and still driving good. Had no any big issues with it , regular service , brake pads , replace both oxygen sensors and drive shaft bearing.
accountCircle Wayne S on September 16, 2021
I Am Happy With The Kia Sportage's Safety
I do not have any concerns or problems. The car is very reliable and great on gas. It has an added backup camera which helps in very tight places and also at night. I feel safe driving this vehicle.
accountCircle Nancy on August 17, 2023
Sportage Special Anniversary 2010
I beat the records. Bought 13 years ago, no major problems besides, even here in bad road conditions and winter. I'm from Québec Canada. 520 000 km so 321 000 miles and still running.
accountCircle Michele T on January 15, 2022
Dependable And Durable: Kia Sportage
Dependable vehicles great on gas haven't had any problems in the last year. It is comfortable to drive and is reliable. It has great safety ratings and is the perfect size for me.
accountCircle Des F on February 18, 2022
No Complaints With My Kia Sportage
It does not give me any problems whatsoever! I will always recommend a Kia because they have so many amazing features for such a great price, and they're very reliable!
accountCircle Cindy Aaronson on January 20, 2022
Engine Problems Should Be Recalled: Kia Sportage
Sportage vehicles have been added to the recall list for engines seizing when driving. It froze up on my way to work last week. No warning just died. Only at 68k miles.
accountCircle Andre Costa on September 1, 2023
Reliable.
Kia Sportage 2015 has 218000 miles and never break down change only sparks plugs and fix AC.I give bad maintenance change oil every 10000 Miles!
accountCircle D. S. Platt on May 11, 2023
So far, no real complaints
2008 6cyl. Had to replace corroded oil pan, power steering hose, and both sun visors. Currently with 154k miles. Radio recently crapped out.
accountCircle J Hester on November 13, 2021
Kia Sportage: Nothing But Problems
So much so the entire engine had to be replaced by Kia. Now I’ve had problems with the turbo, the windows, the door locks, and the radio.
accountCircle Taylor H on January 26, 2022
My Kia Sportage Is Safe And Reliable
No problems! Kia warranty is VERY reliable, I feel very safe. Tech features are handy but not overwhelming, and maintenance is easy.
accountCircle Sharon Pennington on March 7, 2023
I bought a great dependable car
My Kia Sportage just turned100,000 miles…. Best car I have ever owned… Would certainly buy another one 👍🏼
accountCircle Maureen B on February 21, 2022
Nothing But Reliable: Kia Sportage
The Kia has really no problems. It is very comfortable and feels very reliable.
avatar Josh Barrett
After 13+ years of hustling in the exciting world of car sales, Josh Barrett took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo. He's since been an automotive journalist and editor for Vehicle History as an original member of the content team. His works can also be found on automotive sites AutoChimps and CashCarBuyers, including in-depth transmission troubleshooting guides and car-care advice.
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