A used Kia Sportage is a decent value if you sort it by generation first: 2017-2022 Sportages need the ABS control unit fire recall confirmed, 2017-2019 models fall under the Theta II engine settlement and its KSDS software, and key-start trucks need Kia's anti-theft upgrade. The redesigned 2023-and-newer Sportage has a shorter recall list of its own, and on any year you should decide if you really need AWD before paying for it.
NHTSA's recall data for the 2017 through 2025 Sportage returned 12 campaigns when we pulled it in mid October 2026. That is a short list for a high-volume crossover, but two of the older ones carry a park-outside warning, and the engine and theft programs never show up as recalls at all. Decode the VIN with our Kia VIN decoder so you know the exact year, engine and drivetrain.
Generations: 2017-2022, then the 2023 redesign
The fourth-generation Sportage arrived for 2017. Car and Driver's first drive lists a 181-hp 2.4-liter four as standard and a 2.0-liter turbo at 240 hp, or 237 with all-wheel drive, in the SX. Kia kept selling that design as a 2022; its 2022 Sportage spec page still shows the 2.4 and 2.0 turbo with a six-speed automatic. The all-new 2023 model switched to a 187-hp 2.5-liter with an eight-speed, and added hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, per Kia's 2023 overview. Car and Driver called the new base engine sluggish and missed the old turbo, so if you want quick, a 2017-2022 SX Turbo or a 2023-plus hybrid is the pick.
Engines: the settlement, KSDS and replaced motors
Kia's October 2019 settlement release covers 2011-2019 Sportages with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter GDI engines, so the 2017-2019 trucks are in it and the 2020-2022 trucks are not on that list. The deal included lifetime engine coverage tied to the knock sensor detection software, and our Hyundai and Kia engine recall check walks through how to confirm KSDS and any engine replacement with a dealer. One follow-up worth knowing: NHTSA's summary of recall 18V-907 says Sportages through 2018 that got a replacement engine under the earlier recall, warranty or the KSDS campaign need the high-pressure fuel pipe checked for leaks. If the seller brags about a "new motor from Kia," smell for fuel at the engine bay and ask for both repair orders.
The fire recalls on 2017-2022 trucks
Recall 21V-137 matters most. Kia's Part 573 report covers 372,251 2017-2021 Sportages built December 2015 to October 2020 without Smart Cruise Control, where the ABS hydraulic control unit can short and start an engine compartment fire; NHTSA lists it as park outside until repaired, and dealers swap in lower-rated fuses, with a control unit software update on trucks that have the electronic parking brake. Recall 22V-703 is about the Genuine Kia tow hitch wiring module on 2017-2022 Sportages; Kia's filing says moisture and debris on its circuit board can cause a fire while driving or parked with the ignition off. If there is a factory or dealer hitch plug, get the recall result in writing.
Theft: check for the software upgrade
Many key-start Sportages lack an engine immobilizer. Kia's service bulletin CS2302 covers 2017-2022 Sportages built December 10, 2015 through December 7, 2021 that may not have one, and the fix reprograms the body control unit to add ignition-blocking logic that arms when the truck is locked, plus window decals. Run the VIN on Kia's recall page and ask the dealer about the anti-theft campaign, then look at the steering column and ignition for cracked trim. Our Kia and Hyundai theft recovery title post explains what a recovered theft can leave behind.
AWD vs FWD, and the newer trucks
AWD costs fuel. On the 2022 2.4-liter, Kia rates FWD at 23 city, 30 highway and 26 combined, against 22, 26 and 23 for AWD. The 2023-plus AWD system can lock its center coupling, Car and Driver notes, and Kia says AWD trucks sit 1.5 inches higher than the outgoing model. If you live where it rarely snows, a FWD truck deserves a look. On 2023-2024 trucks, check 23V-410, a brake booster diaphragm that can misalign and cut power assist, and 24V-422, a power steering circuit board that can short on 2024s.
History, title and price
Look for rental first owners and short registrations using our CARFAX rental history guide, then check for theft-recovery or salvage brands and odometer gaps. As of mid October 2026, a CARFAX report through us is about $5.50 as a guest or $4.50 as a member, and a CARFAX plus AutoCheck bundle is about $6.75, versus roughly $39.99 to $44.99 at retail. Confirm at checkout. We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck, or Experian. For cross-shopping, see our used Mazda CX-5 and used Honda CR-V buying guides.
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