Which years of the Kia Sportage should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2023 as the Sportage years with the most reported problems, led by engine complaints, which make up 60% of all Sportage complaints.

Which years of the GMC Terrain should I avoid?

2010 through 2013 are the Terrain years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint counts and recalls; engine issues account for 43% of Terrain complaints overall.

Does the Kia Sportage or GMC Terrain have more complaints?

GMC Terrain has more total NHTSA complaints, 3,079 versus 2,575 for the Kia Sportage, and also averages more per model year, 192 versus 161. Totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.

Which has more recalls, the Sportage or the Terrain?

Both models have 20 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA over the years covered.

Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or the Terrain?

The GMC Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its model years versus 23.5 mpg combined for the Kia Sportage.

Kia Sportage vs GMC Terrain: Which Years to Avoid

Kia Sportage owners should avoid 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2023; GMC Terrain owners should avoid 2010-2013. Sportage logs 2,575 total complaints (161/year) with 20 recalls; Terrain logs 3,079 (192/year) with 20 recalls. Terrain edges out slightly better average combined MPG, 24 vs 23.5.

Head to head

Kia Sportage

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 2,575
Per model year: 161
Recall campaigns: 20
Years to avoid: 2012, 2013, 2017, 2023
Best years: 2010, 2014, 2019, 2022
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 23.5
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 5.0 ★

GMC Terrain

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 3,079
Per model year: 192
Recall campaigns: 20
Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.5 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Sportage				Terrain
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Best	20	2	21	Avoid	290	2	21.5
2011	Good	181	6	23	Avoid	386	4	19.5
2012	Avoid	392	5	23	Avoid	364	4	21.5
2013	Avoid	381	3	23	Avoid	364	3	21.5
2014	Best	122	3	22.5	Caution	296	2	21.5
2015	Good	146	2	22	Caution	297	3	23
2016	Good	131	2	22	Good	152	2	23
2017	Avoid	399	4	23	Good	133	1	23
2018	Caution	164	3	23	Caution	220	5	27
2019	Best	70	2	23	Good	185	3	27
2020	Caution	160	2	23	Caution	196	2	25
2021	Good	51	2	23	Best	35	2	26.5
2022	Best	46	1	23	Best	60	2	26.5
2023	Avoid	190	6	28	Best	39	2	26
2024	Caution	71	3	27	Good	49	1	25.5
2025	Caution	51	1	27	Best	13	0	26

Complaint Index by year

Kia Sportage

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

GMC Terrain

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years of the Kia Sportage should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2023 as the Sportage years with the most reported problems, led by engine complaints, which make up 60% of all Sportage complaints.
Which years of the GMC Terrain should I avoid?: 2010 through 2013 are the Terrain years to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint counts and recalls; engine issues account for 43% of Terrain complaints overall.
Does the Kia Sportage or GMC Terrain have more complaints?: GMC Terrain has more total NHTSA complaints, 3,079 versus 2,575 for the Kia Sportage, and also averages more per model year, 192 versus 161. Totals are not adjusted for how many of each model were sold.
Which has more recalls, the Sportage or the Terrain?: Both models have 20 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA over the years covered.
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or the Terrain?: The GMC Terrain averages 24 mpg combined across its model years versus 23.5 mpg combined for the Kia Sportage.