Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Kia Sportage (2015–2017) Reliability

The Kia Sportage (2015–2017) scores 62/100 on our composite reliability index — average territory — drawn from ADAC, DVSA, NHTSA data. The most-flagged failure mode is 1.6 t-gdi engine bearing / knock, typically surfacing between 60,000 and 150,000 km. Workshop repair runs €2,000–€5,000. Estimated used prices span €6,700–€12,100.

Composite Score
62
/ 100
Average
Sources: ADAC · DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years20152017
Est. used price€6,700€12,100
Documented issues1
Listings in catalogue18
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Buying a Kia Sportage? Check its VIN history first

Reliability data covers the model. A VIN history report covers the exact Kia Sportage you're looking at — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2013–2019 · 2026 report · n=871
871 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="SPORTAGE"
View source ↗
44
/ 100
ADAC (European Auto Club)
All model years · 2025 report
12.5/1000 breakdowns
View source ↗
58
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2021 · 2024 report · n=380157
380,157 UK MOT tests · overall 19.4% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
72
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2020 · 2023 report · n=233951
233,951 UK MOT tests · overall 19.6% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
70
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 380,157 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 35 yrs
69
11.3% fail vs 10.9% fleet
95,427 tests
Age 69 yrs
75
16.9% fail vs 19.2% fleet
188,772 tests
Age 1014 yrs
71
30.9% fail vs 32.1% fleet
85,825 tests
Age 1520 yrs
64
44.4% fail vs 38.8% fleet
10,133 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Tread depth
21,257
22.9%
#2
Wipers
20,241
21.8%
#3
Brake pads
19,420
20.9%
#4
Track rod end
16,295
17.6%
#5
Condition
15,578
16.8%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Known Issues

Specific failure modes documented across European workshops, owner forums, and TSBs. Costs in EUR (and USD reference) reflect typical retail European labor + parts ranges — specialist shops at the low end, dealer pricing at the high end.

1.6 T-GDI engine bearing / knock
Typical at 60,000150,000 km
QL Sportage 1.6 T-GDI same engine + same risk as Tucson sibling. Recall status critical pre-purchase.
€2,000€5,000high

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