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2017 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

181 reports with mileage · 218 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports27 fire reports17 injury reports

Engine complaints

219 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2024
Engine

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine has failed and the timing is off, causing knocking sounds. The diagnostic results are indicating codes P0014 and P1326. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There have been reports of the …

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's engine has failed and the timing is off, causing knocking sounds. The diagnostic results are indicating codes P0014 and P1326. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There have been reports of the vehicle catching fire so if I continued to drive the vehicle it could result in a major catastrophic event. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, I had the vehicle diagnosed by an independent dealer, and the car is waiting for the next appointment to return to the KIA dealership where the initial purchase was made. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the engine light came on in September 2021, two months after I purchased the vehicle. The dealership said that it was nothing, and all the diagnostic codes came back fine at that time.

NHTSA ODI #11573436

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil wa…

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first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil was. No leaks then, no leaks now, oil maintenance performed, we have meticulous records and have been to the #1 Cochran Robinson Township Kia dealership where they have perform Kias required Oil Consumption Test that we've paid for. 1st set of test failed each time, dealership performed deep clean, and since there was only 3/4 quart loss, Kia had no further responsibilities. too busy with our small business over the holidays, started Oil Consumption test, again [XXX]. Every single time we hit 1,000 miles (monthly) we are down over 1+ quarts of oil, with no leaks anywhere. Added 40 ounces of oil (I have photos) a few days before we decided to get the Oil Consumption test again. PLS NOTE: There are quite a few MODELS and ENGINES listed in recalls or perhaps lawsuits for excessive oil consumption, our SX model 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4 cyl) specifically is not. Over the past 7 months, we have lost over 8 quarts of oil, and have had 2 maintenance oil changes in between, part of normal maintenance. Looking online there are thousands of posts regarding Kia Excessive Oil Consumption, Kia states losing 1 quart every 1,000 miles is acceptable? How can this not cause a hazard to us drivers, engine could blow due to oil going somewhere or into the environment, etc? IF you require all of the service records for the oil changes, etc. I have them all. Thank You Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact stated the vehicle is continuing to show Excessive Oil Consumption while required to go through this KIA test again, (first in 2023, now this 2nd set of the same tests). Further stating that numerous owners having

NHTSA ODI #11572722

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2024
Engine

Engine failed on the highway. Car is part of the class action lawsuit but dealer is refusing to replace engine for free. Asking me to pay $7k. Claiming that DTC is reading P0303.

NHTSA ODI #11572487

74,000 miles · Feb 12, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The co…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with failed rod bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the engine was replaced with a used engine. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced three times by the dealer within three years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced another time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

NHTSA ODI #11571519

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Engine

The car is consuming/leaking oil. The leak is from the oil pressure switch and traveling to the main engine harness which may cause a fire or engine to suddenly fail. Check engine light is on and the engine idles high due to Kia diagnosed Cam Phaser issue that had a TSB issued in 2016. This TSB was not completed during the warra…

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The car is consuming/leaking oil. The leak is from the oil pressure switch and traveling to the main engine harness which may cause a fire or engine to suddenly fail. Check engine light is on and the engine idles high due to Kia diagnosed Cam Phaser issue that had a TSB issued in 2016. This TSB was not completed during the warranty period, and Kia won't remedy this even though I owned the car when it was under warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11570583

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2024
Engine

I have taken my sportage to the service department multiple times due to having to add oil multiple times after an oil change. They told me that the engine needs to be fixed but won't fix it until the car stops working. Now they are telling us that it isn't going to matter because they aren't going to cover the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11563649

96,000 miles · Jan 4, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on two occasions. The contact stated that on each occasion, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the engine was replaced twice. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at an…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on two occasions. The contact stated that on each occasion, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the engine was replaced twice. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at an independent mechanic, he was informed that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11563524

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2024
Engine

I took my vehicle in three times for excessive oil consumption. It’s been going through three quarts every thousand miles. The first oil consumption test ran over by 100 miles and the dealer made me do another one. It was determined that 3 1/2 quarts of oil were burned in thousand miles . There was no other diagnostic done. The …

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I took my vehicle in three times for excessive oil consumption. It’s been going through three quarts every thousand miles. The first oil consumption test ran over by 100 miles and the dealer made me do another one. It was determined that 3 1/2 quarts of oil were burned in thousand miles . There was no other diagnostic done. The dealer told me that the warranty does not cover oil consumption when I advise them that oil consumption is a side effect of the real problem which is most likely the rod bearing issue and I did get the update so the engine is supposedly covered lifetime by Kia Dealer and Chia have been going back-and-forth to no resolution and today I was told that it’s a piston failure not rod failure, but neither of those things have been checked out. I was told I would have to pay for an engine breakdown and then Chia America told me to get another opinion from another Kia dealer , in the meantime, my car is burning like crazy. It’s pinging on acceleration, and occasionally when I start it shutters and cuts off.

NHTSA ODI #11563381

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the poin…

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I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire department was able to put it out. The vehicle was assessed by my insurance, but I think the extent of that was to determine whether it was a total loss (which it obviously was).

NHTSA ODI #11562438

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Driving as usual and all of a sudden no acceleration. No warning lights at all. Started smoking. Towed to Flynn’s. They said there is a known oil consumption issue and the motor locked up. Communicated with KIA and they say to have it looked at - at a cost. Said it’s not under warranty. But is a likely know issue!

NHTSA ODI #11556009

Official recalls

4

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Mar 4, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

16V862000 · Electrical System; Trailer Hitches

Nov 30, 2016

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Trailer Hitches

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.

Electrical System

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems