2017 Kia Sportage: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Kia Sportage? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 382 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Kia Sportage Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2017 Kia Sportage trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2017 Kia Sportage Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Kia Sportage SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Kia Sportage has 382 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sportage
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 382
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Kia Sportage Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Kia Sportage?
The 2017 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Kia Sportage
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and brake performance.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and electrical systems before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Test drive to check for transmission shifting issues and brake performance.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Kia Sportage, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Kia Sportage are heavily concentrated in engine problems, which account for over half of all reports. Electrical faults and transmission issues also appear frequently, though with lower counts. The data suggests potential powertrain concerns, but the low confidence level and limited model year range mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems represent the largest share of complaints, with 215 reports.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues are the next most common categories.
- There are 14 crash-related complaints out of 382 total.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2017 Kia Sportage Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Sportage. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 215 | 3 | 18 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 68 | 4 | 8 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 60 | — | 7 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 39 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 24 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 24 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 6 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 14 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Chest Clip | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Buckle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Sportage. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane d…
The contact’s mother owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact's mother noticed an abnormal odor and an abnormal ticking sound c…
have a 2017 Kia Sportage and there is something unusual in the airbag compartment on the console in front of the front passenger seat. Although there are no apparent signs of damage or impact, it seems that the airbag has been partially deployed. After seeking input from multipl…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; howev…
I own a 2017 Kia Sportage 2.4L (VIN: [XXX] ). In October of 2024 , the vehicle began making a loud engine knocking noise consistent with a known rod bearing failure. I immediately stopped driving and it has been in my garage to prevent further damage or safety risk. I contacted …
Component Failure: Independent inspection confirmed a broken brake master cylinder mounting bracket and a missing AC compressor mounting bolt. Safety Risk: The broken brake bracket compromises the structural integrity of the braking system, posing a risk of brake failure while d…
Car has 84000 miles on it for last 15-20 thousand miles there is a smell of gas in the oil. I took to dealership they charged me to replace a catalytic converter. Not even a year later the cars engine blew up. Now needs a whole new motor there is loud knocking and car will not ac…
Car started making noise, slowed down. I stopped the vehicle immediately and parked on shoulder. Towed it to a mechanic shop and they said the engine stopped. It needs an engine replacement.
My 2017 Kia Sportage with approximately 98,000 miles suddenly started using oil at times. It would go for several trips with everything fine and then it would be a quart low. I continued to drive it and check the oil before every trip. At approximately 106,000 miles, I suddenl…
The Catalytic Converter in the Kia. We were driving to Texas to take my kids out for mini vacation and it’s cut off right in the middle of the highway. My car was running just fine everything was fix properly. Can you check in the Catalytic Converter and see if it safely issue.
The vehicle has had recurring drivability problems since at least June 2024, including repeated check engine light illumination and severe loss of acceleration. On 06/19/2024, dealership service records document that the check engine light was on and the vehicle would not acceler…
Kia Sportage has had serious oil consumption issues for 3 years. And recently is loosing pressure in cylinder 2 as a result of excessive carbon build up on valves and head from oil burning in the combustion chamber.
"I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure (rod knock/bearing failure) in my 2017 Kia Sportage, consistent with the Theta II GDI defect. The failure caused a sudden loss of motive power while in traffic, creating a significant safety risk. Furthermore, I am reporting Bill Dod…
On 1/10 about 1.5 hour driving out of town later engine started idling low. Pulled over, replaced spark plugs and engine coil and still idling rough. Took vehicle for diagnostics of a broken head in the valve. I drive a 2.4L engine 2017 Kia Sportage LX AWD. only 114K miles. Quot…
Catastrophic engine failure, no oil, over 3 qts low, oil light did not come on, 4 Cylinder had no compression. In summary: On [XXX] oil light came on, how? I just had oil change on 7/28/25. Stopped to check oil, it was dry. Bought 5Qts at WalMart, put 3 Qts in. Checked oil every …
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH on the highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke inside the vehicle. It was unknown whether a warning l…
See attached document for complaint.
On 11/21/2025, while operating my vehicle, I experienced a critical engine failure. The engine failed a compression test, with readings as follows: Cylinder 1: 125 PSI Cylinder 2: 60 PSI Cylinder 3: 25 PSI Cylinder 4: 3 PSI As a result, the engine had no compression in multi…
On November 2, while driving my 10-year-old son to a soccer game, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of power at road speed. The vehicle's failure to provide a "limp-home mode" or any sensor warnings prior to stalling created a significant life-safety risk for my son and me as w…
AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Kia Sportage.
2017 Kia Sportage Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Sportage. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Kia Sportage Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Sportage reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 382 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sportage?▾
#1: Engine Problems (215 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (68 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (60 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Sportage?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Kia Sportage?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Kia Sportage, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 24 fire reports out of 382 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Kia Sportage have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Kia Sportage. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Kia Sportage?▾
The 2017 Kia Sportage shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sportage reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Kia Sportage based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.