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Hyundai Tucson vs KIA Sportage: which has more problems

Hyundai Tucson and KIA Sportage side by side: owner complaints by component, problem years, service bulletins and engines. Same data as on each model page.

More complaints often just means more cars sold, so compare the pattern of problems and the years, not only the total.

At a glance

Hyundai Tucson

  • Model years in data: 2005–2026
  • Owner complaints: 6,344 (after a crash 252, fires 0)
  • Complaints per model year (average): 288
  • Service bulletins: 318
  • Worst years: 2016 (1,626), 2017 (1,097), 2018 (399)

KIA Sportage

  • Model years in data: 1995–2027
  • Owner complaints: 4,733 (after a crash 309, fires 0)
  • Complaints per model year (average): 148
  • Service bulletins: 339
  • Worst years: 2017 (404), 2012 (392), 2013 (381)

Components: owner complaints

Component Hyundai Tucson KIA Sportage
Engine 2,387 38% 1,521 32%
Powertrain 1,219 19% 459 10%
Electrical system 737 12% 640 14%
Service brakes 730 12% 595 13%
Structure 385 6% 277 6%
Engine and cooling 104 2% 480 10%
Fuel/propulsion system 391 6% 173 4%
Vehicle speed control 361 6% 193 4%
Air bags 191 3% 294 6%
Visibility 126 2% 226 5%
Fuel system 0 0% 291 6%
Steering 115 2% 160 3%

Which is more reliable: Hyundai Tucson or KIA Sportage?

This data alone can't settle it: complaint counts depend on sales. Compare which components draw the most complaints (engine, powertrain, electrical system) and which years are worst, then check the specific car by VIN and photos.

Check a specific car by VIN and photos