Kia Sportage: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 52,307 Kia Sportage cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2001 and 2026.
In a sample of 395 cars, 62.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (16.5% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 10 recalls for this model; 9.4% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Kia Sportage
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.5% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.4% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 11.9% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.6% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 9.6% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.3% |
| Steering dust boot damaged, not sealing | 6.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.3% |
| Brake lining carrier/fixing touches drum or disc | 5.1% |
| Steering ball joint has too much play | 5.1% |
Share of 395 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 18% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 9.1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 5.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 52,307 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 9.4% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2001 to 2026 |
All Kia Sportage passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-15 | steering | – | 0 |
| 2024-12-18 | brakes | – | 147 |
| 2024-11-11 | electrical system | – | 45,406 |
| 2023-07-27 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 778 |
| 2023-07-17 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 310 |
| 2023-01-10 | electrical system | – | 7,080 |
| 2022-04-04 | electrical system | – | 572 |
| 2021-05-25 | brakes | serious | 8,634 |
| 2014-05-07 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 4,148 |
| 2013-05-21 | lights | – | 17,751 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Kia Sportage fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 62.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Kia Sportage?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (16.5%), tyre pressure incorrect (14.4%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (11.9%).
Does the Kia Sportage have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 10 recalls. 9.4% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Kia models
Picanto · Niro · Rio · Ceed · Stonic · Venga · Cee · EV3 · EV6 · Xceed · Sorento · Proceed · Soul · Carens · EV5
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.