CarBrief

The 2017 Kia Sportage has more owner complaints on file with NHTSA than any other Sportage model year listed, and engine complaints lead the list[1][2][3]. Four recalls apply, and three of them involve a fire risk[4][5][6][7].

402owner complaints[1]
4recalls[3]
21–26MPG combined (EPA)[8]
5★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Reported problems

NHTSA has 402 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Of those, 14 mention a crash, 28 a fire and 19 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part of the car, so the groups below overlap.

Component group Complaints Fires Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 229 21 70,587
Unknown or other[10] 69 8 31,608
Electrical system[11] 62 7 60,000
Power train[12] 41 0 37,000
Brakes[13] 26 3 93,703
Structure[14] 24 2 59,350
Fuel/propulsion system[15] 21 1 20,598
Speed control[16] 18 0 19,113

The engine group is the biggest. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 7 describe the engine stalling, shutting off or losing power while driving, and 3 mention an engine or engine block being replaced[2].

In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 3 describe smoke or fire, 2 describe the engine shutting off soon after a remote start, and 2 describe power window motor failures[11].

In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 6 describe the transmission slipping or dropping out of gear while the engine revs, and 3 say the problem came back after an engine or transmission was replaced[12].

In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 6 come from owners who were waiting because the repair part for recall 21V137 was not yet available at their dealer[13][5]. 4 describe a brake pedal that sank or a car that did not stop, and 2 describe smoke or fire that the owner tied to that recall[13].

These samples are small. They show what owners write about, not how often any problem happens.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first. All four list a free dealer remedy[4][5][6][7]. Each recall covers other models or years as well, so the unit counts below are not Sportage-only.

You can check any VIN on the NHTSA recall site to see whether a recall is still open on a specific car.

Fuel economy

EPA lists six versions of the 2017 Sportage. All use regular gas and an Automatic (S6)[17][8][18][19][20][21]. Fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
FE FWD, 2.4L[8] 23 / 30 / 26 $2,600
FWD, 2.4L[17] 22 / 29 / 25 $2,700
FWD, 2.0L turbo[18] 21 / 26 / 23 $2,900
AWD, 2.4L[19] 21 / 25 / 23 $2,900
FE AWD, 2.4L[20] 21 / 25 / 22 $3,050
AWD, 2.0L turbo[21] 20 / 23 / 21 $3,200

The best combined rating is 26 MPG and the lowest is 21 MPG. Front-wheel drive versions rate higher than the all-wheel drive versions with the same engine[17][8][18][19][20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2017 Sportage 5 stars overall in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive form[9][22]. Frontal crash is rated 4 stars, side crash 5 stars and rollover 4 stars[9][22]. NHTSA puts rollover risk at 14.7% for AWD[9] and 15.5% for FWD[22].

Engine and size

EPA lists two engines for this model year. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 237 to 240 hp depending on version[23]. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is rated 181 hp[24].

Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US cars can differ slightly. Length is 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in and wheelbase 105 in for every version listed[25][26][27].

Version Curb weight
FWD[27] 3,596 lb
AWD[25] 3,739 lb
AWD turbo[26] 3,997 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

1995: 56 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 57 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 181 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 303 complaints, 3 recalls19981999: 284 complaints, 3 recalls2000: 304 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 228 complaints, 0 recalls20012002: 234 complaints, 1 recalls2005: 68 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 111 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 77 complaints, 2 recalls2008: 98 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 80 complaints, 3 recalls20092010: 20 complaints, 2 recalls2011: 181 complaints, 6 recalls2012: 392 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 381 complaints, 3 recalls2014: 124 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 146 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 134 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 402 complaints, 4 recalls40220172018: 164 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 71 complaints, 2 recalls2020: 162 complaints, 2 recalls2021: 54 complaints, 2 recalls20212022: 46 complaints, 1 recalls2023: 308 complaints, 7 recalls2024: 107 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 73 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 38 complaints, 1 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sportage model year. The 2017 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995562
1996573
19971813
19983033
19992843
20003042
20012280
20022341
2005683
20061111
2007772
2008983
2009803
2010202
20111816
20123925
20133813
20141243
20151462
20161342
20174024
20181643
2019712
20201622
2021542
2022461
20233087
20241073
2025731
2026381
202710

Among the Sportage model years NHTSA lists, 2017 has the highest complaint count at 402[3]. The next highest are 2012 with 392 and 2013 with 381[3]. Years near 2017 are far lower, with 134 for 2016 and 164 for 2018[3].

Recalls tell a different story. 2017 has 4, which is fewer than 2023 with 7, 2011 with 6 and 2012 with 5[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a year with more sales can have more complaints. Comparing years of the same model is still fair, but treat the gap as a signal to check the car, not as proof of a defect.

Should you buy a used 2017 Sportage?

The numbers call for a careful look, not a pass. This model year has the highest complaint count of any listed Sportage year, and engine complaints make up 229 of its 402[1][2][3]. Owners in the samples we read describe stalling, power loss and engine replacements[2].

Before you buy, run the VIN on the NHTSA recall site and confirm that all four recalls were done, especially the fire-related ones[4][5][6]. Ask for service records, including any engine replacement. Fuel economy and crash ratings are solid, with 5 stars overall[9][22] and combined ratings of 21 to 26 MPG[17][8][18][19][20][21]. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is a sensible step for any used car.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2017 Kia Sportage?
Engine complaints are the largest group at 229 of 402 total, followed by unknown or other (69) and electrical (62)[1][2][10][11]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe stalling and power loss[2].
Does the 2017 Kia Sportage have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists four: 22V703, 21V137, 18V907 and 16V862. Three involve a fire risk[4][5][6][7].
What is the gas mileage of a 2017 Kia Sportage?
EPA combined ratings run from 21 to 26 MPG depending on engine and drive type[17][8][18][19][20][21]. The 2.4L FE front-wheel drive version rates 26 MPG combined[8].
Is the 2017 Kia Sportage a good year compared with other years?
It has the highest complaint count among the listed Sportage years, 402, ahead of 2012 at 392[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2017 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 stars for side crash[9][22].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 402 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Kia Sportage (14 mention a crash, 28 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 229 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 21 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,587). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sportage model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 22V703, filed September 19, 2022: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 21V137, filed March 4, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 18V907, filed December 19, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V862, filed November 30, 2016: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Sportage FE FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 69 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 8 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,608). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 62 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 7 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 41 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,703). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 24 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,350). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 21 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,598). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 18 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,113). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Sportage FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sportage FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Sportage AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sportage FE AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sportage AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Sportage with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 237 to 240 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Sportage with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SPORTAGE AWD 4DR SUV: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,739 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SPORTAGE AWD TURBO 4DR SUV: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,997 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SPORTAGE FWD 4DR SUV: length 176 in, width 73 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,596 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.