TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - 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 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, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Sportage powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Sportage have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 36,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Sportage | 18 |
| 2014 Sportage | 4 |
| 2015 Sportage | 6 |
| 2016 Sportage | 6 |
| 2017 Sportage (this page) | 39 |
| 2018 Sportage | 15 |
| 2019 Sportage | 7 |
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 39 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Kia Sportage we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 39.
Owners have filed 39 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 concerns may be due to the inhibitor switch not allowing the correct gear position signal to be sent
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 concerns may be due to the inhibitor switch not allowing the correct gear position signal to be sent
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Kia Sportage earns a dire reputation on NHTSA for oil-burning engines and transmission failures that turn ordinary commutes into emergencies.
Oil burn is the baseline problem. Owners consistently report losing 1+ quart per 1,000 miles with no visible leaks. One owner documented an 8-quart loss over seven months despite meticulous maintenance records. Kia's Oil Consumption Test, which owners are sometimes forced to pay for, has repeatedly cleared vehicles as "within acceptable limits"—yet the oil disappears anyway. One Sportage lost oil so fast the engine coolant ran dry in under 500 miles. Dealers tell owners the engine is "damaged" but refuse warranty coverage because "oil consumption damage" isn't covered.
Transmissions drop out of Drive mid-traffic. Multiple owners describe the transmission disengaging spontaneously—RPMs spike, the car loses all power for 20–90 seconds, and drivers must shift to Park and back to Drive to regain control. It happens with no warning lights, no codes, and the dealership can't replicate it. One owner had a remanufactured transmission replaced, and the same symptoms recurred within six months. Another reported the transmission stuck in 4th gear during rush-hour traffic.
Engines fail or seize. Owners lose power at highway speed, hear abnormal knock, then limp the vehicle to the dealer. Knock sensor software upgrades are incomplete on some models, and Kia denies warranty claiming the software wasn't updated before failure. One owner's engine seized twice in two weeks, restarted both times, then failed for good. Engine replacement waits stretch 10 weeks; costs run $4,000–$8,000.
Misfire and acceleration hesitation plague later years. Cylinder 3 misfires recur after spark plug replacement. Some vehicles enter "LIMP mode" and refuse to accelerate, particularly dangerous when merging onto highways. One owner reported a radiator overheat after the dealership delayed a service appointment by a week, leaving the engine undiagnosed.
Same Kia Sportage powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine consumes 1+ quart of oil every 1,000 miles with no visible leaks. Owners report losing 8+ quarts over months of normal driving despite meticulous maintenance. Kia's Oil Consumption Test conducted but deemed within acceptable parameters by dealerships, though owners dispute this standard as unsafe.
When: From 60,000 miles onward; some cases from early use (reported as early as 12K-65K miles); ongoing in 2023-2025 model years observed
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly between oil changes; No visible leaks under vehicle; Oil light not illuminating even with critically low levels; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration; White smoke from tailpipe
Codes mentioned: No specific codes generated; Oil Consumption Test performed but inconclusive
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report adding quarts manually to prevent engine damage. One case mentions $3,160+ estimate for head gasket, valve stem seals, and other top-end repairs; another states engine may fail entirely, requiring replacement at $4,000–$8,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealerships state that 1 quart per 1,000 miles is within acceptable limits. No recalls or warranty coverage offered for oil consumption damage. Owners forced to pay for Oil Consumption Tests to qualify for any manufacturer consideration.
Camshaft Position Actuator / Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) Failure
Oil leakage around E-CVVT motor plug area triggers camshaft position sensor malfunction. Check engine light illuminates with DTC P001000 (Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Bank 1) indicating high voltage condition. Kia TSB SA305 addresses earlier production models (Dec 2015–Sep 2016) but does not cover January 2017 units despite identical symptoms.
When: January 2017 model year; failure reported within normal service life
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Oil leakage from CVVT area; Camshaft sensor circuit voltage high; Risk of engine stalling, loss of power, further engine damage
Codes mentioned: P001000 – Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
Repairs/costs cited: CVVT cover, seals, and gaskets required. No cost provided; owner disputes lack of recall/warranty extension.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia TSB SA305 issued but does not cover January 2017 Sportage. No official recall or warranty extension issued despite matching symptoms documented in TSB for earlier models.
Engine Failure – Knock Sensor Software Issue / Low Compression
Multiple reports of sudden engine stall, loss of power, and abnormal knocking during highway driving. Diagnostic findings include knock sensor faults and low compression in individual cylinders (e.g., cylinder 2) with no tear-down confirmation of root cause. One case involves engine seizure followed by restart. Dealers often refuse warranty coverage citing incomplete knock sensor software upgrade at time of failure.
When: 65,000–95,000 miles; one case at 87,000 miles; one case of seizure at random intervals (May–June 2022)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall at highway speed without warning lights (some cases); Abnormal knocking sound during restart attempt; Loss of power; vehicle unable to accelerate past 30–40 mph; Engine shaking and missing; Smoke from exhaust; Engine seizure followed by restart (two instances in one owner's case)
Codes mentioned: Knock sensor fault (software incomplete per dealers), Low compression detected on specific cylinders (e.g., cylinder 2); valve burnt/stuck or seat damage possible per estimate
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Costs cited: $3,160–$8,000 for partial repair/tear-down; $4,000–$5,000+ for full engine replacement. One case: 10-week parts lead time. One owner cites lifetime powertrain warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers informed but often deny warranty due to incomplete knock sensor software upgrade. One case states Kia offered engine replacement under extended warranty (after recall addressed). Knock sensor software upgrade issued in some cases, but some vehicles not updated before failure.
Transmission Neutral Drop-Out / Disengagement
Transmission intermittently disengages from Drive while vehicle is in motion, causing engine RPMs to spike while transmission loses all power connection. Vehicle must be returned to Park and Drive to re-engage. Occurs without warning; no diagnostic trouble codes set; happens sporadically (20–90 seconds duration or instantaneous). One case involves same symptoms recurring after transmission replacement.
When: Throughout service life; multiple occurrences reported 2019–2025; one case recurred within 6 months of remanufactured transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission suddenly disengages while driving at any speed; Engine RPMs spike to 4,500+ with no acceleration; Complete loss of drive ability; vehicle coasts until re-engagement; No warning lights or error messages; Happens 1–4 times per month or every 1–2 months; Vehicle nearly stalled when entering highway traffic; loss of control risk
Codes mentioned: No codes generated (multiple owners report dealer unable to pull diagnostic codes)
Repairs/costs cited: One transmission replacement with remanufactured unit; failure recurred within 6 months. Dealers unable to diagnose due to lack of reproducible codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No action taken in most cases. Kia customer service escalated one case (Case #13369527) but no resolution reported. Warranty coverage unclear; one owner told warranty no longer applies after failed dealer diagnostics.
Transmission Slipping / Rough Shifting / Stuck in Gear
Automatic transmission slips between gears, shifts roughly, or becomes stuck in a single gear (often 4th). Shifting is delayed or slow; transmission occasionally cannot be manually shifted out of the stuck gear. ESP and DBC warning lights may illuminate. One case involved transmission switch plate/sensor replacement that only temporarily resolved the issue.
When: 60,000–87,000 miles reported; can occur as early as mid-service life; recurring issues post-repair in 2019 case
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips gears intermittently during city and highway driving; Rough or jerky shifting; Delayed upshifting; Transmission stuck in 4th gear; unable to manually shift; RPMs fly up during acceleration as transmission enters Neutral; ESP and DBC warning indicators illuminate when stuck; Unable to achieve normal acceleration; slow crawl required to exit roadway; Rear seatbelt fails to latch when vehicle is stationary (one case, possibly related)
Codes mentioned: No codes available (one case stated dealer unable to pull any codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission switch plate/sensor replacement ($cost not stated); no resolution in 2019 case. Full transmission replacement performed in one case but same symptoms recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case opened (Kia Case #13369527, 2019) with escalation promised but not resolved. Dealers document problem during test drive with mechanic present but cannot resolve. No manufacturer action documented in recent cases.
Loss of Power / Acceleration Hesitation / Limp Mode
Vehicle intermittently loses acceleration ability or enters LIMP mode despite check engine light. At highway or traffic speeds, pressing accelerator produces no response or severely reduced power. Vehicle may drop into LIMP mode with check engine light blinking. One case involved radiator overheat secondary to unknown primary failure.
When: 54,000–65,000 miles observed; occurring during highway and city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration response at idle and during acceleration; Engine hesitation when attempting to accelerate onto highway; Vehicle enters LIMP mode with blinking check engine light; Sudden deceleration while driving at steady speed; Engine races (RPMs spike) without power delivery
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illumination (codes not always retrieved), P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (one case; no repair performed despite code)
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic declined diagnosis due to vehicle being under recall. Dealership declined further repairs despite documented recurring DTC P0420.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case reports Kia indicated vehicle was under recall; independent mechanic deferred to manufacturer. Dealer service on 06/05/2025 documented P0420 code but declined repair action. No recall details provided.
Misfire / Single Cylinder Failure
Repeated misfires in specific cylinders (notably cylinder 3 reported twice) trigger check engine light and power loss. Spark plug replacement resolves issue temporarily but misfires recur. One case involved cylinder 2 low compression with unknown root cause.
When: Multiple visits over 1+ year; cylinder 3 misfire recurred after repair; low compression in cylinder 2 at 60,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Vehicle idles roughly; shakes and putters on startup; Misfire detected in specific cylinder (#3 reported twice; #2 low compression reported once); Loss of power while driving; vehicle stranded on roadside multiple times; Engine damage suspected or confirmed by technician
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes in cylinders (specific codes not provided by owners; dealership diagnosed via meter), Low compression on cylinder 2 (no specific code provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement (cost not stated). One case: estimated $3,160+ for head gasket, intake gasket, valve stem seals, and labor; head may require removal if valve burnt/stuck. Cost of full engine replacement: $4,000–$5,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership told one owner 'engine must blow up' before Kia will cover under warranty. Lifetime powertrain warranty denied in one case; owner disputes warranty value. One case: Kia service mentioned past recall and warranty extension but later stated warranty no longer applies.
RPM Surging / Unintended Acceleration
Engine RPMs spike suddenly without driver input, causing vehicle to accelerate independently or lurch forward. Occurs during light acceleration from stops (red lights, stop signs) or at steady highway speeds. One owner received recall letter for this exact issue but dealer found no problem during test drive and declined repair.
When: Various mileage points; one recall letter issued for same problem (no timeframe given)
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs spike suddenly to 4,500–5,000+; Vehicle accelerates without pressing accelerator pedal; Front wheels spin or vehicle lunges forward; Occurs when lightly pressing accelerator at stop or during steady-speed highway driving; Happens intermittently (every month or two, or sporadically); Inconsistent reproduction during dealer test drive
Codes mentioned: No codes generated; issue cannot be replicated by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor reset performed in one case (38,000 miles) but failure recurred. No resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall letter issued for this issue on one vehicle; dealership unable to replicate during test and declined repair. Case number provided but no action taken. Manufacturer offered no further assistance.
Engine Stall / Check Engine Light with No Acceleration Response
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving at highway speed with check engine light illuminating. In one case, vehicle stalls at stop light and fails to respond when accelerator pressed. Intermittent stalling recurs without warning lights prior to failure event.
When: 54,000–65,000 miles; stalling events at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall at highway speed (60–65 mph) without prior warning lights; Check engine light illuminates following stall; Vehicle fails to accelerate from stop despite pedal input; Stalling occurs intermittently and recurs over time
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not retrieved by owner or dealer), P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (one related case)
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnostic testing or repairs performed in most cases. Vehicle not taken to dealer or independent mechanic in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owners referred to authorized dealer for assistance. No resolution or warranty action documented.
Jerking / Vibration / Tapping During Operation
Vehicle vibrates, jerks, or taps during normal operation, particularly during deceleration, engine shutdown, or startup. One case reports violent jerking accompanied by loud noise and fumes at highway speed.
When: Early mileage (3,000–4,645 miles) and later in service life
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle decelerates on its own while driving at various speeds; Vibration and tapping noise when engine is turned off; Violent jerking at highway speed (60 mph) with loud noise and fumes; Check engine light illuminates (in one case); no warning lights in others
Codes mentioned: Check engine light illumination (codes not specified), No codes retrieved in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or declined repair after determining vehicle 'operating as designed' or unable to replicate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated nothing could be done since dealer unable to diagnose. Dealers found no failures; vehicle deemed to be operating as designed. Case numbers provided but no repairs performed.
Post-Repair Issues – Motor Mount Failure, Belt Slippage, Alternator/Power Steering Loss
Following engine replacement, vehicle develops multiple secondary failures: belt comes off causing loss of power steering, alternator, and water pump function; broken motor mount discovered. High-pitched squeal develops shortly after repairs completed; dealership quotes $800+ for 'vital moving part' not covered under warranty.
When: Within first week of engine replacement completion; engine had been replaced approximately 10 weeks prior
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering belt comes off after engine is replaced; Loss of power steering function (major safety hazard at highway speed); Alternator and water pump belt failure; Computer stops engine (safety issue); High-pitched squeal audible from engine compartment; No assisted steering or brakes initially after belt failure
Codes mentioned: Engine computer shutdown detected
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mount repair covered by dealership. Squeal repair quoted at $800+ for 'vital moving part' with no warranty coverage. Owner paid for towing twice.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Motor mount repair covered by dealership; belt/alternator/power steering repairs not covered. Squeal repair declined as warranty-ineligible.
Transmission Shift Sensor Failure / Early Upshifting
Transmission exhibits early upshifting (shifting to higher gears before expected RPM) or transmission sensor malfunction requiring reset. In one case, early upshifting began as early as 12,000 miles.
When: 12,000 miles (early upshifting case); 38,000 miles (sensor reset case)
Symptoms owners cite: Early upshifting; engine running at lower RPMs than normal for driving conditions; Transmission shifts up prematurely
Codes mentioned: Transmission sensor fault (implied; sensor reset performed)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission sensor reset performed; no cost stated. Owner finds early upshifting annoying but notes it is not apparently dangerous.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission sensor reset performed at dealership; no further action documented.
Radiator / Cooling System Overheat and Leak
Vehicle develops radiator overheat and coolant leak during highway driving. Service engine light was illuminated prior to failure, but dealership delayed appointment by one week. Radiator failure caused collateral damage to other components.
When: Unknown mileage; occurs during highway driving at 60–70 mph after service engine light illuminated
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine light illumination (note: appointment delayed 7 days); Radiator overheat and coolant leak while driving at highway speed; Damage to collateral parts; Engine coolant consumption noted in other cases (loss in <500 miles in extreme case)
Codes mentioned: Service engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quotes $2,800 for repairs; owner disputes coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has a documented recall for the same problem on 2017 Kia Sorento (per owner), but unclear if same recall applied to Sportage. Dealership declined warranty coverage and requested owner payment.
Rear Differential / Coupler Gear Oil Leak
Leaking coupler/rear differential detected under 14,000 miles. Gear oil actively leaking from differential assembly.
When: Under 14,000 miles; early in vehicle service life
Symptoms owners cite: Gear oil leaking from rear differential/coupler area; No performance symptoms reported; defect discovered during inspection
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
AWD Engagement Malfunction
AWD lock engaged without functioning. No error lights indicate malfunction. Vehicle slips aggressively on lightly snowed roads; rear axle fails to engage properly.
When: On lightly snowed roads (no mileage or date specified)
Symptoms owners cite: AWD lock engaged but not operational; No warning lights present; Aggressive slipping on light snow; Only front wheels spin; rear tires not engaged despite AWD lock status; Vehicle required winch to extract from snow
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission Slipping Post-Replacement / Mold in Cabin
Transmission slips intermittently without error message display. After transmission replacement, same symptoms recur. One case involves airborne mold forming on dashboard causing owner illness; medical attention required.
When: Failure post-replacement within service life; airborne mold during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips intermittently with no error message; Airborne mold forming on dashboard; Owner experienced illness and dizziness requiring medical attention from urgent care
Codes mentioned: No error codes generated despite slipping
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced (first occurrence); slipping recurred post-replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Transmission replaced but failure recurred; no further action documented.
Vehicle Roll-Away from Park
Vehicle rolled from Park position after sitting overnight with engine off and doors locked for 9.5 hours. Vehicle came out of Park and rolled into a tree. After rollaway, transmission was in Reverse, but doors remained locked.
When: Vehicle parked overnight at 8 pm; rollaway at 5:30 am (9.5 hours later)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle exited Park position spontaneously; Rolled into parked tree; Transmission shifted to Reverse; Doors remained locked after event; No key contact or external manipulation evident
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; defect description only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Engine failure occurs while in motion on city streets - 2x in one week. Towed both times. Dealer unable to detect problem, said to just drive it and call if it happens again. Gas smell when this happens.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation…
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.
Transmission intermittently goes into neutral while driving causing engine rev, loss of ability to continue to drive/maintain speed. Very dangerous as you have to drift to the side of the road and put the transmission into Park and back to Drive to get it to engage again. Meanwhile you could easily be struck by another car trying due to sudden loss of momentum with no brake light warning or…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 Kia Sportage?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 39 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 12,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Kia/Sportage.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.