EngineCritical
2.4 GDI engine failure / bearing knock.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for knock and confirm engine recall/warranty history.
- Typical repair
- Major mechanical repair · £800–£2,500
Is the 2017–2022 Kia Sportage reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.8/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Kia Sportage rates 3.8 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 1 of them are rated critical and 2 high, so a bad example can be expensive. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and electrical. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 1
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, electrical, steering.
Two faults free · full checklist for this exact Kia Sportage for $9.
Check this carThe faults that decide it
EngineHigh
Oil consumption on GDI engines.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and top-up history.
- Typical repair
- Oil leak trace & seal / gasket · £180–£700
EmissionsHigh
DPF blockage and rising engine oil levels on CRDi models
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Pull the dipstick and check if the oil level is significantly above the maximum mark, which indicates diesel dilution from failed DPF regenerations. Rev to 2,500 rpm to check for hesitation or excessive exhaust soot.
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
TransmissionMedium
1.6T dual-clutch hesitation.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test-drive for jerky low-speed shifts.
- Typical repair
- DCT clutch pack / mechatronic work · £900–£3,200
SteeringMedium
Clunking or clicking noise when turning the wheel
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine running and vehicle stationary, rock the steering wheel rapidly left and right by a few degrees. Listen for a distinct knock from the steering column indicating a worn flexible coupling bush.
- Typical repair
- EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
Inspecting a Kia Sportage?
See two faults free, then get the full tickable checklist for this exact car · what to look at, what it costs and how serious it is. Full report $9.
Check this exact car