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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

Power Train complaints

40 reports
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60,000 miles · Dec 15, 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainInjury

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added t…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test but no problem was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #11497531

64,000 miles · Dec 7, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was …

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11496347

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2022
EnginePower TrainCrash

My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive o…

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My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive oil consumption. However, they will not cover it because damages by oil consumption are not covered by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11485853

74,695 miles · Sep 14, 2022
EnginePower Train

My 2017 KIA SPORTAGE has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. After the KIA dealer rep…

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My 2017 KIA SPORTAGE has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. After the KIA dealer replaced the engine. The power steering, alternator, and water pump belt came off. This caused the second safety issue, as there is no powersteering making it very difficult to control as well as third safety issue the computer to stopped the engine. Again I paid to have it towed. The Kia dealer found a broken motor mount. Which they did repair and cover. Now the first week out of the KIA dealer service department there is a high pitched squeal. The KIA dealer just wrote me a quote for $800 plus dollars, stating this vital moving part is not covered.

NHTSA ODI #11484514

Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2022
EnginePower Train

Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. I have been adding oil every couple of weeks for over 6 months now with no oil leak detected. I went to the dealer in January to ask about white smoke coming from the tailpipe and Dealership tells me I need to blow the engine up befo…

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Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. I have been adding oil every couple of weeks for over 6 months now with no oil leak detected. I went to the dealer in January to ask about white smoke coming from the tailpipe and Dealership tells me I need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's now close to blown up with check engine light on having it towed to dealership this week.

NHTSA ODI #11475705

Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2022
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

Engine seized twice randomly while driving. Turned car off and back on and it ran without issue. (May 21 2022 and June 30 2022). Had the recall addressed on july 9 and July 12 my check engine light came on. It was towed to Kia and they called the following day saying they’re replacing the engine under the extended warranty. …

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Engine seized twice randomly while driving. Turned car off and back on and it ran without issue. (May 21 2022 and June 30 2022). Had the recall addressed on july 9 and July 12 my check engine light came on. It was towed to Kia and they called the following day saying they’re replacing the engine under the extended warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11474410

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2022
EnginePower Train

Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. We have been adding oil every two or three for over a year now with no oil leak detected. Dealership tells us we need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's not blown up but it is not driveable. Had it tow…

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Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. We have been adding oil every two or three for over a year now with no oil leak detected. Dealership tells us we need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's not blown up but it is not driveable. Had it towed to the local dealership which diagnosed the problem as being " low compression on cylinder 2 resulting in engine failure. Do not know the exact cause of failure due to no tear down", which cost us $144.04 on a vehicle that has a lifetime extended warranty on the powertrain. Mind you, they already changed out the transmission June of 2020 and just after that the engine problems started. We paid $502.85 as our part of the bill. The estimated cost of this engine repair is $3160 dollars plus taxes which still might not fix the problem, and the cost of a new engine is 4 to 5 thousand dollars. My understanding is that we are not the only people having these problems and this is their best response. With all the new vehicles they continue to sell and produce with their good name intact, they should have to recall or replace these vehicles because they were lemons from the start and they suffer no ill affects for it. A list of all the stuff needed to "fix" this problem are as follows: head gasket, head bolt set, intake gasket, t-stat & gasket, water outlet gasket, 4 spark plugs, 6 valve stem seals, lof, 2 gallons of antifreeze 14 assorted head bolts, 4 bushings for bolts, misc and labor. Total for that is $3160 plus tax. *Might need head-has no compression-valve burnt/stuck, or seat damage. No cost mentioned for that. Remind you, the engine hasn't been torn down yet. And yes, there is a lifetime powertrain warranty on the vehicle, which isn't worth the paper it is written on.

NHTSA ODI #11467759

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2022
EnginePower Train

Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder an…

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Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder and the spark plug had to be replaced. Several calls not returned by Roseville Kia asking for information regarding this problem as well as trying to set up appointment for current recall over the last year. Once again car left me on side of road and was told by mechanic that it needs new engine. Told by Folsom Kia to have it towed to them since Roseville Kia would not return calls and that the issue with the engine would be covered by warranty being extended due to past recall. After 4 days at Folsom Kia I was told that I would need a new engine and starting price to tear it down is $5000, and it would most likely be more, approx$8000. Also told that the warranty does not apply now.

NHTSA ODI #11463101

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2021
Power Train

Transmission intermittently goes into neutral while driving causing engine rev, loss of ability to continue to drive/maintain speed. Very dangerous as you have to drift to the side of the road and put the transmission into Park and back to Drive to get it to engage again. Meanwhile you could easily be struck by another car try…

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Transmission intermittently goes into neutral while driving causing engine rev, loss of ability to continue to drive/maintain speed. Very dangerous as you have to drift to the side of the road and put the transmission into Park and back to Drive to get it to engage again. Meanwhile you could easily be struck by another car trying due to sudden loss of momentum with no brake light warning or trying to maneuver to the side of the road with no engine power. Occurs every month or two. Dealer unable to duplicate multiple times. No warnings before it happens. There are at least 20 other reports of this on the NHTSA site. When will an investigation be opened? This has the potential to cause a serious crash.

NHTSA ODI #11443115

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Power Train

bad transmission. engine revs up but car isnt moving at all.

NHTSA ODI #11438709

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.

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