Buy Kia Sportage Headlight Assembly

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Quick Take

The Kia Sportage headlight (also called a head lamp, front light, or lighting unit) lights the road, signals other drivers, and gives the SUV its sharp "boomerang-eye" look. Recent Sportage models use bright LED projectors with High-Beam Assist (HBA), while older years may use halogen 9005 or HID D3S bulbs. Good headlights matter for safety, cost, and style, so this guide explains fitment, bulb types, care, legal rules, common fixes, and upgrades.

How It Works

The Sportage's headlight assembly holds the lens, reflector or projector, bulb, adjuster screw, seals, and wiring harness. LEDs create light with a chip, so they run cool and last longer than halogens that heat a filament. LED models add HBA, which dims automatically when traffic is ahead (Kia).
Every U.S. and EU Sportage headlamp must meet the federal FMVSS 108 standard for light color, brightness, and aim (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) grades the 2023-25 Sportage's LED projectors "A" for forward vision (IIHS).

Fit & Compatibility

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Always match the bulb type and look for "Sportage QL" (2017-21) or "NQ5" (2022-25) when buying a complete headlamp assembly.

Bulb & Tech Options

• Halogen 9005/H7 - inexpensive, 1-2 year life.
• HID D3S - brighter than halogen but needs ballast.
• Factory LED projector - long life, sharp cutoff, includes HBA.
• Aftermarket LED conversion kits must still meet FMVSS 108 rules for glare (NHTSA).

Cost Snapshot

Replacing one Sportage headlight bulb costs about US $113-135 (parts + labor) (RepairPal.com). A full LED headlamp assembly for a 2022-25 Sportage can run several hundred dollars because the LED board is sealed and not serviceable.

Common Symptoms

• Dim or yellow light (aging halogen).
• Intermittent flicker (loose connector or failing HID ballast).
• Moisture or fog inside the lens-Kia notes light fog is normal, but standing water needs service (NHTSA Static).
• "Headlight out" dash message (blown fuse or bulb).

Fuse & Wiring Tips

The low-beam fuse sits in the interior box (#14 "HEAD LAMP LOW") on 2017-20 QL models (sc35ef6025435ca24.jimcontent.com). Fuse diagrams for every model year are linked at StartMyCar for quick reference (StartMyCar).

Aim Adjustment

A single Phillips/hex screw on the back of each lamp moves the beam up or down. Turn clockwise to lower, counter-clockwise to raise; a garage door 25 ft away makes a good target (YouTube).

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Turn wheels outward and remove the two wheel-liner clips.
2. Pull back liner to reach the bulb cover.
3. Twist cover, unplug old bulb, and install the new one-avoid touching the glass (YouTube).
4. Re-fit the liner and test high and low beams. A video walk-through for 2017 models is available (YouTube).

Upgrades & Accessories

The UK-spec Sportage offers dual LED adaptive headlamps and signature "Boomerang" daytime running lights (Kia). Owners of 2023 X-Line trims often add vertical LED fog lamps for better spread (Reddit). Always adjust aim after any upgrade.

Safety & Regulations

• U.S. FMVSS 108 limits headlight brightness and glare (NHTSA).
• IIHS scores show good ("A") visibility for 2023-25 LED Sportage lamps (IIHS).
• EU rules require automatic leveling for LED/HID lamps.
• Check local laws on colored bulbs and tinting.

Environmental Notes

Plastic lenses and electronic boards can be recycled with certified auto-dismantlers; the EPA End-of-Life Vehicle Guide explains safe removal of hazmat materials like mercury switches (US EPA).

Warranty Pointers

Kia's global warranty covers lamp defects for at least 36 months (India) (Kia) or 7 years/100k mi in the UK (Kia), but wear items like bulbs may be excluded-check your booklet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size fits a 2018 Sportage LX?
A: Both low and high beams use size 9005 halogen unless the car left the factory with HID lamps (AutoZone.com).

Q: Does my 2024 Sportage have High-Beam Assist?
A: Yes; every 2023-25 trim uses LED projectors with HBA that dims automatically for oncoming traffic (IIHS).

Q: Can I swap LEDs into my 2016 Sportage halogen housing?
A: You can, but the LED kit must meet FMVSS 108 glare rules and fit behind the dust cap (NHTSA).

Q: Why is there mist inside the lens after rain?
A: A thin fog is normal and usually clears when the light warms up; standing water points to a bad seal (NHTSA Static).

Q: Where is the headlight fuse on a 2019 model?
A: It's in the interior fuse box, slot 14 labeled "HEAD LAMP LOW." See the fuse diagram link for details (sc35ef6025435ca24.jimcontent.com).

Q: How much does a mechanic charge to change a bulb?
A: National averages run $113-135, including labor (RepairPal.com).

Q: What tools do I need for bulb replacement?
A: A plastic clip puller, #2 Phillips screwdriver, gloves, and the correct bulb. Follow the step-by-step video guide (YouTube).

Q: Will an adaptive headlamp fit my U.S. Sportage?
A: Only if built for the same generation (NQ5) and wired for automatic leveling; otherwise the control module may not work (Kia).

Q: Do HID bulbs last longer than halogens?
A: Yes-HIDs often reach 2,000 hours versus about 500 hours for a halogen filament (AutoZone.com).

Q: How can I recycle an old headlight?
A: Take it to a licensed dismantler that follows EPA end-of-life guidelines (US EPA).