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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

69 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Around December 2020 our driver side window stopped working. We had the dealership replace the inner door panel accuator. As soon as we went over 60,000 and lost our warranty all of the other 3 windows stopped working. The plastic gears crumbbled. We bought 3 panels to fix the windows in January they have worked until the beginn…

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Around December 2020 our driver side window stopped working. We had the dealership replace the inner door panel accuator. As soon as we went over 60,000 and lost our warranty all of the other 3 windows stopped working. The plastic gears crumbbled. We bought 3 panels to fix the windows in January they have worked until the beginning of October. Same problem!!!

NHTSA ODI #11437400

Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2021
Unknown Or Other

In Oct 2020, we took the vehicle in as it had low oil. A prior inspection and oil change had been performed in June 2020, and it was assumed that the inspection mechanic did not change the oil. The dealership (Fred Beans Kia of Langhorne) changed the oil in October, and in December 2020 the vehicle was again low on oil well befo…

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In Oct 2020, we took the vehicle in as it had low oil. A prior inspection and oil change had been performed in June 2020, and it was assumed that the inspection mechanic did not change the oil. The dealership (Fred Beans Kia of Langhorne) changed the oil in October, and in December 2020 the vehicle was again low on oil well before the 3000 mile mark. The dealership informed us that it was likely due to an error on their part, and the technician was no longer employed there. Once again in April 2021 the vehicle was low on oil, and was taken to the dealership. In June 2021 the vehicle was once again low on oil, and taken to the dealership where they confirmed oil consumption was out of spec. Cleaning was performed in July and the vehicle was again low on oil in Sept 2021. Dealer is claiming the oil consumption is now "normal." The vehicle is both burning and leaking oil, causing a concern for both safety (engine seizure) and durability.

NHTSA ODI #11432513

117,774 miles · May 1, 2021
Unknown Or Other

SINCE THE USED CAR LOT DID NOT SUPPLY IS WITH A KEY FOB, WE HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. WHEN PUTTING KEY IN DRIVER'S DOOR AND TURNING KEY TWICE IN A ROW (QUICKLY)TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS, WE HAVE TO PULL HANDLE ANYWHERE FROM 2-3 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND NOT RUNNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ODI #11414762

71,776 miles · Apr 9, 2021
StructureUnknown Or OtherFire

THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING DRIVEN. AS SOON AS IT WAS PARKED IT STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN MINUTES IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND TOTALLY DESTROYED

NHTSA ODI #11407196

50,000 miles · Mar 20, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrash

AS I WAS DRIVING THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND WHEN NOT ACCELERATE SO WHEN I PUSHED DOWN HARD ON THE GAS IT FINALLY KICKED IN SUPER HARD CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE.

NHTSA ODI #11404037

95,000 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Exterior LightingService BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

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

NHTSA ODI #11400198

78,000 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS MALFUNCTIONED AND DO NOT WORK. PREVENTS WINDOWS AND GOING UP AND DOWN. UNABLE TO ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED.

NHTSA ODI #11400083

52,668 miles · Sep 24, 2020
Unknown Or Other

WHILE MAKING A STOP SIGN MY KIA SPORTAGE STARTED ACCELERATING INVOLUNTARILY LIKE IF I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY! I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF JUST TURNING MY VEHICLE OFF BUT AFTER I SWITCH THE GEAR TO NEUTRAL. THIS INCIDENT WAS VERY SCARY TO THE POINT THAT I DO NOT FEEL SECURE TO DRIVE IT. VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE.

NHTSA ODI #11361000

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other

I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS SETTLEMENT REGARDING : ENGINE SEIZURE,ENGINE STALL,ENGINE NOISE,OR ILLUMINATION OF OIL LAMP THAT WAS DIAGNOSED AS REQUIRING REPAIR OF ENGINE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE PROVIDED ASAP. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT…

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I JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS SETTLEMENT REGARDING : ENGINE SEIZURE,ENGINE STALL,ENGINE NOISE,OR ILLUMINATION OF OIL LAMP THAT WAS DIAGNOSED AS REQUIRING REPAIR OF ENGINE. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS CAN YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE PROVIDED ASAP. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11351012

33,000 miles · Aug 24, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE WHILE WINDOW WAS DOWN THEN A WEEK LATER THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11350929

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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