TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WINDOW REGULATOR DRUM GEAR REPLACEMENT (SA418) - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the window regulator drum/gear on some 2017 MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 15, 2015 through May 31, 2016, which may exhibit an inoperative front (left and/or right side) window regulator concern due to a drum gear separating and/or breaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Sportage visibility problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 6 visibility complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 11 model years of Kia Sportage in our records for visibility problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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.
PITSTOP: BLOCKED WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLES ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH WASHER HEATERS - This Pitstop provides information regarding blocked windshield wiper nozzles on some 2016MY~ Sorento (UMa) and 2017MY~ Sportage (QL) vehicles equipped with windshield washer heaters (A). Mixing tap water (?) and concentrated windshield washer fluid can cause corrosion of the heater element due to the mineral content of tap water.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗PITSTOP: ANTI-CONDENSATION LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Some Kia vehicles starting with 2016MY and all Kia vehicles, after and including 2017MY, incorporate an anti-condensation logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. The HVAC control head in these vehicles monitors ambient temperature to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature (about 60°F or below), the anti-condensation logic may automatically set the air intake mode to FRESH, depending on the other HVAC settings. The anti-condensation logic is also designed to ensure that air intake mode is set to FRESH, as l
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperature and/or cabin humidity to determine which settings will best prevent the windows from fogging. If the system detects lower ambient temperature or higher cabin humidity, the defogging logic may automatically switch ON the A/C, and/or set the air intake mode to Fresh Air. If the user changes these settings, the defogging logic will take control again after 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the procedu
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: SERVICE ACTION: DELTA GARNISH AND FRONT BUMPER GAP/WIND NOISE ADJUSTMENT (SA248) - This bulletin provides the information for applying soundproof padding to the Delta Garnish on 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from December 10, 2015 through October 14, 2016, and to inspect the front bumper and, if necessary, apply soundproof padding on some 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from July 8, 2016 through August 30, 2016. Kia is requesting the completion of this Service Action on all affected vehicles in dealer stock, prior to delivery. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia sportage. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the sun roof exploded without warning or an impact occurring. The contact stated that the glass shattered. There were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired by the insurance company. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was…
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $350.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, visibility issues most often appear around 21,375 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.