IllustrationWE WERE DRIVING STEADY AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND THE RPM GAUGE RUBBED AT RANDOM JUST ONCE EVERY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE WE DON'T CHANGE YOUR SPEED OR ANYTHING IT JUST RUBS UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM AND GO BACK TO NORMAL AND DOES IT SPORADICALLY
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
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
21 reportsENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SMELL OF GAS WHEN YOU LIFT HOOD
THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN 10 DAYS. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE IN PARKING MODE WITH VEHICLE ON - SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, CANNOT ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING IS LOST, AND 3 PANEL LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY: BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE. BOTH TIMES BY TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING, PO…
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THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN 10 DAYS. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE IN PARKING MODE WITH VEHICLE ON - SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, CANNOT ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING IS LOST, AND 3 PANEL LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY: BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE. BOTH TIMES BY TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING, POWER IS RESTORED AND PANEL LIGHTS TURN OFF. HAVE TAKEN BOTH TIMES TO KIA SERVICE SOUTHSIDE/JACKSONVILLE FL AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE, THEREFORE UNABLE TO FIX A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION IF THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. EXTREMELY CONCERNED!
I WAS ON THE STREET DRIVING PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I TRIED TO GIVE GAS CAR MADE IDLE SOUND BUT DID NOT MOVE. I WAS IN MIDDLE OF STREET. NOT FIRST TIME HAPPENING..ADVISED NALLY KIA DEALERSHIP. DID NOT HELP ME. *TR
MY BRAND NEW 2017 KIA SPORAGE EX VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY STREET AND ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING. I WAS TERRIFIED. THE POLICE CAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
FUEL LINE SEEMS TO BE CLOGGED? WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T GO BUT THE RMP'S REV UP. SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OR JUST NO GO. THIS HAPPENS EVEN WHILE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THEN GIVING THE CAR GAS TO SPEED UP; NOT JUST AT STOP AND GO;
DEALING WITH OIL LOSS SINCE LAST YEAR, SINGLE OWNER NEW VEHICLE. FIRST TIME NO OIL TOWED TO FAYETTEVILLE NC KIA WHERE THEY SAID NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAD THE OIL CHANGED SOMEWHERE ELSE. I PAID FOR TOW AND REPAIR WHICH BASICALLY INVOLVED ADDING OIL JUMPING BATTERY IN MORNING. THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT A …
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DEALING WITH OIL LOSS SINCE LAST YEAR, SINGLE OWNER NEW VEHICLE. FIRST TIME NO OIL TOWED TO FAYETTEVILLE NC KIA WHERE THEY SAID NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAD THE OIL CHANGED SOMEWHERE ELSE. I PAID FOR TOW AND REPAIR WHICH BASICALLY INVOLVED ADDING OIL JUMPING BATTERY IN MORNING. THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT A PART RECALL ON THE OIL PAN PER THE KIA FEMALE REPAIR REP AT PINEHURST KIA IN SOUTHERN PINES NC WHERE I HAD IT TOWED TO WHEN BATTERY DIED A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. AGAIN THEY FOUND NO OIL BUT OIL SPLATTERED UNDERNEATH IN ENGINE AND SPOKE WITH KIA NATIONAL CONSUMER IN CA AT THAT TIME. THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE, AND CHANGED OIL AND CALLED FOR PART. RETURNED 2 WEEKS LATER JUST TO HAVE OIL CHECKED AND AGAIN NO OIL. XALLED KIA NATIONAL AGAIN. WAS TOLD TO SELF MANAGE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM FAYETTEVILLE NC KIA MANAGER BY DEALING WITH HIM MYSELF. 2 MONTHS OF FAILED CONTACT ATTEMPTS ENSUED. LAST WEEK ON WAY BACK FROM UNC CHILDREN'S ONCOLOGY WITH SON, BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP AGAIN. CLOSE TO ACCIDENT. TOEED TO RONALD MACDONALD HOUSE 0.7 MI AWAY, AGAIN NO OIL. PUT OIL IN. ALSO SMOKE AND SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL SOMETHING FRKM ENGINE FOR SOME TIME. NEXT MORNING PAID TO TOW TO UNIVERSITY KIA CHAPEL HILL. FOUND OUT MY CASE # HAD BEEN ERRONEOUSLY CLOSED. NOW DEALING WITH CASE MANAGER TAMMY WHO I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT. CASE NUMBER NOW IS 12908741. A NEW CAR OBVIOUSLY ACTS THIS WAY WHEN THERE IS A BIG ISSUE AND NOBODY AT KIA WOULD HELP ME. NOW I SIT AT MY SONS BEDSIDE WITH A DEAD 2017 KIA SPORTAGE AT UNIVERSITY KIA WHERE BRANDON IS TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER ALL PAST RECEIPTS. MY SON WAS DX'D LAST MONTH AND NO I DO NOT KNOW WHERE EACH RECEIPT IS, I HAVE BEEN AT THE HOSPITAL MORE THAN AT HOME. I HAVE HAD TO APPLY FOR FMLA FROM MY JOB AS WELL. I EXPECT AN HAVE READ OF MANY ISSUES WITH KIA AND THIS OIL ISSUE AS WELL AS PAST RECALLS. RENTED CAR 10 23 18
THE CAR WAS RUNNING THEN LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL ON A STREET. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THEN SHUT OFF. IT WOULD RESTART, IDLE FOR 10 SECONDS AND DIE.I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT ONLY HAD 20000 MILES.
ON NOVEMBER 16, 2017 I PICKED UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL, SHE ASKED ME TO TURN ON THE HEATER THAT SHE WAS COLD, WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER, WITHIN A MINUTE THE WHOLE CAP OF MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS ENGULFED IN A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR, WHICH BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I BECAME DIZZY AND NAUSEA. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED ALL THE WINDOWS AND DROVE A …
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ON NOVEMBER 16, 2017 I PICKED UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL, SHE ASKED ME TO TURN ON THE HEATER THAT SHE WAS COLD, WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER, WITHIN A MINUTE THE WHOLE CAP OF MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS ENGULFED IN A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR, WHICH BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I BECAME DIZZY AND NAUSEA. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED ALL THE WINDOWS AND DROVE A SHORT WAY TO MY PARENTS HOUSE. I DROVE MY SPORTAGE STAIGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY MOM AND DAUGHTER FOLLOWING ME IN HER CAR. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY SAVAGE KIA CALLED ME AND STATED I SHOULD PICK UP A LOANER THAT THEY WOULD HAVE MY CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY A WEEK. WHEN MY DAD AND I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PICK UP THE LOANER, WE ASKED WHAT WAS THE ISSUE WITH MY SPORTAGE, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY CONTACTED KIA ASSISTANCE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, THAT GAS WAS SPURTING OUT FROM THE INJECTORS AND INTO MY ENGINE,THAT THE SUV HAD A DEFECTIVE ( FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR AND HOUSING IN IT) MY FATHER THEN STATED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THAT COULD OF KILLED MY SON AND GRANDDAUGHTER IF THE GAS WOULD OF SPARKED IN THE ENGINE AND ALSO STATED LUCKILY MY SON IS NOT A SMOKER OR THEY WOULD BOTH BE DEAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER DID NOT DENY THE ISSUE WAS A SERIOUS ISSYE. WHEN I CONTACTED KIA CORP TO FILE A COMPLAINT THEY WERE LIKE ROBOTS, LIKE THERE ONLY RESPONSABILITY IS TO FIX THE CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED SO IT'S ALL GOOD. I STATED TO THEM THAT I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE. THEY STATED THIS IS NOT A OPTION. THE ONLY THING THEY COMPENSTATED ME WITH WAS ONE LEASE PAYMENT. COULD YOU PLEASE INFORM ME WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. I JUST DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT KIA DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPASSION TOWARDS THERE VEHICLE POTENTIALLY CAUSES GREAT HARM OR DEATH TO MY SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS - 2X IN ONE WEEK. TOWED BOTH TIMES. DEALER UNABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM, SAID TO JUST DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. GAS SMELL WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
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.