Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sportage, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine221
- Unknown or other69
- Electrical system63
- Power train41
- Structure24
- Fuel/propulsion system21
- Vehicle speed control18
- Air bags16
- Service brakes15
- Exterior lighting15
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 19 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 52 2017 Sportage vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 29 people died inside them, and 11 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2017 Kia Sportage failed the safety check 1.90% of the time — 6% more often than the average 2017 passenger car (1.79%). Median odometer at inspection: 69,929 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2017
128,975 new Kia Sportage cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2017; the largest markets were the United Kingdom (39,603), Spain (16,826), Italy (15,943).
- Average mass
- 1,572 kg
- Average CO₂
- 142 g/km (NEDC)
- Average power
- 107 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 68% · Petrol 32%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2017 Kia Sportage cars on Dutch roads are the 1.6 petrol (97 kW, 130 hp), 1.6 petrol (130 kW, 174 hp) and 1.7 diesel (104 kW, 139 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 petrol | 97 kW 130 hp | 1,399 |
| 1.6 petrol | 130 kW 174 hp | 592 |
| 1.7 diesel | 104 kW 139 hp | 28 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
2,051 first registered in 2017 are on Dutch roads; 27% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €30,790.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde1,058
- Band onvoldoende profiel482
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld315
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm272
- Band beschadigd171
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage166
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht160
- Drager/bevestigingsmiddel van remvoering raakt trommel/schij94
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
36,153 cars built in 2017 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 430 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 36,501 of these cars first registered in 2017 took their annual MOT test. 82% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2017 the figure was 82%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.5% | 3.6% |
| Tyres | 5.7% | 5.7% |
| Visibility | 4.6% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.6% | 4.7% |
| Suspension | 1.0% | 3.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% | 1.4% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
561 of these cars first registered in 2017 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 136,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
3,472 2017 cars are on the New Zealand register; 1% arrived as used imports, 98% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Sportage SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 14.7 % |
| 2017 Kia Sportage SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 15.5 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 9.3–11.1 L/100 km (about 21–25 mpg US), CO₂ 220–263 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportage · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 8.0 | 9.3 |
| Sportage AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.3 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| Sportage AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Small · Regular gasoline | 11.9 | 10.2 | 11.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2017 Kia Sportage.
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2021680 5 Nov 2021 | Electrical Issue: Certain vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer wiring harness that could fail. Over time, water could leak into the control module and caus… |
| 2021123 8 Mar 2021 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem in the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) could cause it to short circuit. Note: This recall does not … |
| 2019143 18 Mar 2019 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2019098 27 Feb 2019 | Fuel System Issue: When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly i… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2017 Kia Sportage: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11001593 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGREADE $ DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from December 10, 2015 through December 7, 2021, |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10252085 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the s |
| 10245265 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the inhibitor switch on some 2017MY Optima (JFa), Sorento (UMa), Optima Hybrid (HEV), Optima Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Sportage (QL), Forte (YD), and Sedona (YP), and some 2016-2017MY Optima (JF) vehicles, equipped with a front wheel drive 6-speed transmission, which may experience the concerns listed below. These |
| 10242913 | PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause. |
| 10240563 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 7. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated |
| 10240241 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10239712 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from Dec 10, 2015 through Dec 7, 2021, which may no |
| 10239108 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 6. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) may experience five (5) inadvertent honks after starting the vehicle with the remote start feature. |
| 10238484 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the inhibitor switch on some 2017MY Optima (JFa), Sorento (UMa), Optima Hybrid (HEV), Optima Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Sportage (QL), Forte (YD), and Sedona (YP), and some 2016-2017MY Optima (JF) vehicles, equipped with a front wheel drive 6-speed transmission, which may experience the concerns listed below. These |
| 10238218 | PITSTOP: SRS DTC B176200 AND/OR B168400 - This pitstop has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this pitstop are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This Pitstop provides information regarding a possible mismatch of a SRSCM (Supplemental Restraint System Control Module) and driver seat belt buckle that may set the SRS DTC(s) B168400 and/or B176200 on the models listed below. When diagnosing a vehicle that has been in an accident and/or has recently had a superseded SRSCM replaced, it may be necessary to inspect and replace the driver seat belt buckle |
| 10237610 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the inhibitor switch on some 2017MY Optima (JFa), Sorento (UMa), Optima Hybrid (HEV), Optima Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Sportage (QL), Forte (YD), and Sedona (YP), and some 2016-2017MY Optima (JF) vehicles, equipped with a front wheel drive 6-speed transmission, which may experience the concerns listed below. These |
| 10236641 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from Dec 10, 2015 through Dec 7, 2021, which may no |
| 10233650 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from Dec 10, 2015 through Dec 7, 2021, which may no |
| 10231839 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10230883 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10230881 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from Dec 10, 2015 through Dec 7, 2021, which may no |
| 10230879 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2302) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on some 2011-2016MY Sportage (SL) vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through Nov 16, 2015, and 2017-2022MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from Dec 10, 2015 through Dec 7, 2021, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10220346 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi |
| 10219692 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that the tool provides accurate readings when testing the engine rod bearing wear. The calibration and BCT measuring point maintenance is included in this bulletin. |
| 10212197 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Warranty Extension Program" (WTY027) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) with a new one on 2017MY Cadenza (YG) produced from June 2, 2016 through July 12, 2017 and Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from December 10, 2015 through April 11, 2017. If these vehicles exhibit an MIL "ON" and one or more of the DTCs listed in the table below are stored, the ACU is to be replaced. Follow the procedure outlined in this publication for the |
| 10210590 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form for 17 MY Sportage customers which was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch. |
| 10210588 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning Light in 2017 MY Sportage vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. This warranty extension is to address certain Airbag Warning Light ON conditions at no cost to you. |
| 10210587 | WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the warranty extension (WTY027). |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Loss of Motive Power
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation