Selling a junk or broken-down Kia Sportage

Whether yours is a 1990s 4x4 or a newer crossover with a dead engine, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US.

Known problems in each Sportage generation

The Sportage counts are owner complaints pulled from NHTSA's file on October 10, 2026, and a 2024 has had only a small share of a 1998's years to build them up. Wikipedia gives production dates rather than model years for most generations, so the year groups below are our match of the two. Recall vehicle counts are whole-campaign numbers and can include other models.

1995-2003: the Mazda-based original

Wikipedia lists 2.0-liter FE four-cylinders and a 4-speed automatic, with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Engine and engine cooling leads on the 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002. The fuel system leads the 2000 (68) and 2001 (47). Hydraulic brakes come up often too, with 52 complaints on the 1998.

Seat belts carry the big recalls. 02V216 covers 1995-1998 buckles that can "false latch", which the recall says exposes the driver to unrestrained movement in a crash; 04V305 covers 1999-2000 buckles that can click as if latched when they are not. Both campaigns name passenger vehicles in general, so their counts (189,706 and 251,594) may include other models. 99V325 secured engine wiring connectors on 1997-1999 Sportages.

2005-2010: unibody, and a fire recall that came back

The second generation switched to a unibody with front-wheel drive, related to the Hyundai Tucson, with a 2.0 four or a 2.7 V6. Its six years have only 454 complaints. Air bags lead most years, but the 2008 is the one to note: 24 of its 98 complaints mention a fire.

Recall 16V815 inspected the HECU wire harness cover on 71,704 2008-2009 Sportages. Recall 22V800 went back to the same SUVs for a fire that can start around the HECU while driving, with a park-outside warning.

2011-2016: the engine generation

Peter Schreyer designed the third Sportage, built March 2010 to August 2015 with a 1.6 GDI, a 2.0 and a 2.0 turbo. Its complaints total 1,355, and the 2012 and 2013 are lopsided: the engine is named in 317 of 392 and 287 of 381.

Recall 17V224 covers certain 2011-2013 Sportages for bearing wear from machining errors, with engine replacement if necessary, in a 618,160-vehicle campaign with the Optima and Sorento. Recall 20V750 covers engine compartment fires on the 2012. Recall 22V051 adds a HECU fuse on 2014-2016 Sportages, and 2016-2018 K900s, because the module could short and start a fire.

2017-2022: the busiest single year

The fourth generation, built from September 2015, offered a 1.6 GDI, a 1.6 turbo and a 2.0, with 6-speed, 7-speed dual-clutch or 8-speed gearboxes. The 2017 has 401 complaints, the most of any Sportage year, and 191 name the engine. Recall 21V137 covers 2017-2021 Sportages, and Cadenzas, whose HECU circuit may short and cause an engine compartment fire; it counts 379,931 vehicles and carries a park-outside warning. Recall 22V703 covers factory tow hitch harnesses on 2017-2022 models.

2023 on: hybrids and seven recalls in year one

The fifth generation rides on the N3 platform with Smartstream engines and mild hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. The 2023 already has 305 complaints, 28 of them reporting a crash, and seven recall campaigns. Among them: 23V410, where the brake booster diaphragm can shift and cut power brake assist on 98,944 2023 Sportages; 22V878 for side curtain air bags that may have been twisted at installation; and 24V025 for roof molding that may come loose.

Complaints and recalls by model year

NHTSA's file lists no 2004 Sportage.

Sportage recalls spanning several years appear under every year they cover, so the column totals more than 36.

Fix it or let it go?

1. Start by checking the Sportage VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup. Three HECU fire campaigns span 2008-2009, 2014-2016 and 2017-2021, and the 2011-2013 engine recall can mean a replacement engine.
2. Already burned? Read fire damage before paying for a teardown.
3. 2023 with a hard brake pedal? Ask about 23V410.
4. A 1990s Sportage? Age is usually the deciding factor more than any one repair; old or high mileage covers that choice.

How to sell your Sportage whole

1. Tell us the drivetrain: two-wheel or four-wheel drive on the early ones, and hybrid or plug-in on a 2023 or newer.
2. Mention any open park-outside recall, and whether the SUV sits in a garage or carport.
3. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008. Say where your Sportage sits and whether it rolls and steers.
4. Keep the Sportage whole, wheels and catalytic converter included. Mention any Sportage part that's already been pulled.
5. When the Sportage gets picked up, have your photo ID and the Sportage title ready. After you sell covers plates and insurance.

Other Kia SUVs: the Sorento, Seltos and Niro, or every Kia.