Kia Sportage reliability: how long will it last?

Key points

• Nearly 15 years after its debut as Kia’s first SUV, the compact Sportage is now one of the automaker’s best-selling models.
• Kia Sportage owners on many reputable car sites often claim to achieve 200,000 miles or more without too many problems.
• Routine maintenance is your best bet to avoid costly engine and transmission problems that can quickly retire a Kia Sportage.
• Be careful with the second generation. 2011-2015 models on defective 2.4L engines. Too many are known to fail before 100,000 miles.
• Ultimately, expect between 150,000 and 200,000 miles. But in rare cases, a Kia Sportage can travel a quarter of a million miles or more.

How long does a Kia Sportage last? Owner reports reveal that it is very likely to get between 150,000 and 200,000 miles

Arriving on American shores in 1995, Kia’s first sport utility vehicle, the Sportage is now one of the Korean manufacturer’s best-selling models. Overall, the compact SUV is known to be affordable and reliable.

So how long will a Kia Sportage last? talk about Kia Forums and the opinions of the owners about Vehicle history, show that many drivers achieve 150,000, 200,000, or even 250,000 miles or more with minimal repairs. Driving 12,000 miles a year is 12.5 with more than 20 years of service.

“I bought my Kia as a used vehicle. It has 189,000 miles on it…drives great and is 13 years old,” said one. Vehicle history is critical. “Very reliable. I continue routine maintenance to ensure it remains in good working order.

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

Most high mileage Sportage claims have one thing in common: routine maintenance.

Major powertrain repairs can quickly retire a high-mileage Kia Sportage, making regular maintenance crucial to longevity.

Similar to an auto insurance claim, a good time to consider recalling a vehicle is when a repair bill totals about 75% of the SUV’s value.

For example, a 2012 Kia Sportage LX, with average mileage, has a blue book initial value of around $8,800. With owners reporting engine replacement costs of up to $6,000, you’re better off assigning it to another vehicle.

Following a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to protect the longevity of a Kia Sportage. Changing the engine oil filter every 3000-5000 miles is the most common service and protects the engine from harmful contaminants.

Other services, such as flushing tranny fluid and changing spark plugs, are not as frequent but are still critical to the longevity of the SUV.

Find a complete list of services to perform and the Kia official service page.

2011-2015 Kia Sportage SUVs have problematic 2.4L engines that fail before 100,000 miles

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

automotive research site car complaints show that only the 2012 Kia Sportage has 24 engine spare gears with an average of only 89,800 miles. With an average repair bill of $5,630, you may want to stick with the 2016 models, which have fewer problems.

Kia has issued several recalls related to the engine on more than one million units of the third generation. Many coincide with various complaints from registered owners. Be sure to check that all reminders have been completed before paying an expensive bill.

Some engine issues were reported for the 2017 and 2018 models with the release of the fourth generation. Sportage (2017 to 2022), but they do not have a common theme.

How long will a Kia Sportage last? Actually Last? Over 200,000 miles are possible on serviced units, but go up a bit beyond 150,000

There’s a graphic Kia Sportage SUV with high mileage, but there are also quite a few owners with large workshop bills.

“Overall I’m happy with the car, but recently I had problems with the rear end,” said one owner in a Vehicle history owner’s opinion. “He was running pretty choppy, so I took him to the dealership… it all ended up netting me $1,600.”

Another reviewer mentions: “I bought a 2013 Kia [Sportage]…drove fine up to 89,000 miles…[then] the engine blew up without warning, nothing at all… it’s $2,500.

Your best bet, avoid the second generation. 2011 to 2015 models with the 2.4L Theta II engine or opt for the 2.0L instead. Either way, routine maintenance will increase your chances of getting brag-worthy odometer numbers.

Ultimately, expect 150,000 miles in most years without too much of a headache. Still, if you take care of the vehicle and don’t drive like a speedster, 200,000 or more is possible.

Photos: Kia