IllustrationEngine light came on flashing on the dash. Went to O’reily auto shop to get it checked and their scanner discovered P1326 code, “knocking sensor” and oil light came on and flashing as well. The motor oil was replaced about a month ago. Checked the oil dip stick and it was below the first dot.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sportage years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
570–25K
2325–50K
4250–75K
3075–100K
25100–150K
4150K+
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
Exterior Lighting complaints
14 reportsThe contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while depressing the brake pedal to make an abrupt stop, the front brakes made an abnormal sound like loosened pieces of metal bouncing around in the front wheels. Additionally, the contact stated that her rear brake light bulbs were burning out frequently and the brake light wiring was melted. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear taillight wiring needed to be replaced. The taillight bulbs and the wires were replaced. The mechanic also determined that the brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
My KIA Sportage 2017 headlights malfunctioned by flickering on and off and the screen and dashboard lights went totally out while I was driving on THE FREEWAY at NIGHT. This happened five times in the span of 30 minutes and each incident lasted approximately five to ten seconds. My car is available for inspection upon request.…
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My KIA Sportage 2017 headlights malfunctioned by flickering on and off and the screen and dashboard lights went totally out while I was driving on THE FREEWAY at NIGHT. This happened five times in the span of 30 minutes and each incident lasted approximately five to ten seconds. My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk. I worried my lights might actually go out totally, plus drivers on the freeway would be confused and distracted; it might blind them, or possibly result in road rage. This issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer nor have the lights been inspected by anyone yet. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the repeated failure. This problem with 2017 KIA Sportage has been reported by others on the internet. KIA, the manufacturer, would not admit to me there is an issue with the lights flickering and the dashboard going black nor what might cause it. They said I could submit a claim for reimbursement AFTER my KIA dealer’s service department gives a diagnostic on the vehicle. I have been issued a KIA Case #. It would be a great benefit to know the cause and the remedy from other KIA vehicle owners that have been repaired. The earliest service appointment available with my KIA service dealer is October 25, 2023. I am not able to drive my car in the dark until this issue has been resolved. This is a great hardship on me because I am a widow and the sole driver in my household. Thank you for looking into this. I look forward to your response and information.
Headlights have started flickering. The dash lights and radio also went out completely and came back on after a few seconds.
My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including…
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My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including the ABS, Hill Descent, Tire Pressure, Traction/Stability Control, Emergency Brake Light. My dashboard light to Check TPMS also pops on the screen consistently and there is a weird smell coming from my dashboard. My husband is a certified mechanic for Largo Honda and he claims it is a safety issue in the vehicle that should be recalled. In addition to this issue, my windows will not go down and this will be the third time I have to take the car to the dealer to get fixed in the short period that I've had the car.
RECENTLY I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT , MY CAR BREAKS FAILED TO STOP WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY KIA WAS GIVING ME ALERTS WITH TIRES PRESURES, NEEDS A LT S IDE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED IN MULTIPLE TIMES, BRAKES ROTATORS BEEN CHANGED, SMELL OF BURNT CABLE INSULATION, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE RECALLS NKS TWICE,*DT*JB
DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LAMP LENS IS TURNING YELLOW, VERY DISTORTED. *TR
HIGHLIGHTS TO BRIGHT, CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT GETTING HIGH BEAM BY MOST CARS THAT PASS
NEWER MODEL KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES HAVE LOW MOUNTED TURN SIGNALS THAT ARE SEPERATE FROM THE REST OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THIS PRESENTS TWO ISSUES: 1: THE LOW MOUNT MAKES IT HARDER TO SEE IN GENERAL 2: THE SEPARATION MAKES THE TURN SIGNAL NOT AS APPARENT WHEN THE SIGNAL IS USE. I BELIEVE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE A HAZAR…
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NEWER MODEL KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES HAVE LOW MOUNTED TURN SIGNALS THAT ARE SEPERATE FROM THE REST OF THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THIS PRESENTS TWO ISSUES: 1: THE LOW MOUNT MAKES IT HARDER TO SEE IN GENERAL 2: THE SEPARATION MAKES THE TURN SIGNAL NOT AS APPARENT WHEN THE SIGNAL IS USE. I BELIEVE THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE A HAZARD ON THE ROAD DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE TURN SIGNAL.
SAFETY ISSUE: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE REAR TURN SIGNALS NOT INTEGRATED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TOO LOW TO BE EASILY SEEN. I'VE BEEN TOLD ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT MY REAR TURN SIGNALS ARE TOO SMALL (7 7/8" WIDE X 1 3/4" HIGH), TOO LOW (23" FROM STREET LEVEL, ON THE REAR BUMPERS), AND TOO FAR AWAY FROM MY BRAKE LIGHTS (20" FROM T…
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SAFETY ISSUE: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE REAR TURN SIGNALS NOT INTEGRATED INTO THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TOO LOW TO BE EASILY SEEN. I'VE BEEN TOLD ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT MY REAR TURN SIGNALS ARE TOO SMALL (7 7/8" WIDE X 1 3/4" HIGH), TOO LOW (23" FROM STREET LEVEL, ON THE REAR BUMPERS), AND TOO FAR AWAY FROM MY BRAKE LIGHTS (20" FROM TURN SIGNALS ON BUMPERS TO BRAKE LIGHTS) TO BE SEEN BY CARS BEHIND ME, ESPECIALLY DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS. WHAT MAKES THIS EVEN MORE UNSAFE IS THE SIGNALS WRAP AROUND THE BUMPER, SO THAT OF THE 7 7/8" OF LAMP, ONLY 2 1/2" SHOW IN THE REAR. THE REST OF THE SIGNAL LAMP AREA IS ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT VISIBLE TO CARS BEHIND ME. (PLEASE SEE UPLOADED PHOTOS.) IF A DRIVER IS FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE OR IF I'M IN BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR A CAR BEHIND ME TO SEE ME SIGNAL. THIS MAKES IT DANGEROUS FOR ME TO CHANGE LANES, MERGE, OR MAKE TURNS. AFTER BEING NOTIFIED BY MANY DRIVERS OF MY SMALL, OUT-OF-PLACE AND INCONSPICUOUS TURN SIGNALS, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THINKING THAT THE CIRCUIT TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS WAS FAULTY, SINCE THE BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T BLINK TO SIGNAL A TURN. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND STATED THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE CAR WAS DESIGNED: BRAKES LIGHTS DO NOT BLINK TO SIGNAL A TURN; THE ONLY REAR TURN SIGNALS ARE LOCATED ON THE REAR BUMPERS. ODDLY, THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW SHOWS UP ONLY ON THE SPORTAGE. OTHER KIA MODELS HAVE TURN SIGNALS INCORPORATED INTO OR ADJACENT TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS. IT SHOULD BE A SIMPLE MATTER FOR KIA TO INCORPORATE THE TURN SIGNALS INTO THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE SPORTAGE, SINCE ALL THEIR OTHER MODELS ALREADY DO SO. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THIS IS THE ONLY CAR IN THE UNITED STATES WITH TINY BUMPER-MOUNTED TURN SIGNALS AND NO SIGNALS IN THE BRAKE LIGHT AREA. HOPEFULLY, THIS DANGEROUS DESIGN IS SO RADICALLY OUT OF STEP WITH RECOGNIZED AUTO SAFETY STANDARDS AS TO MERIT A SAFETY RECALL.
Official recalls
422V703000 · 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
2AQ23002 · 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.