IllustrationWHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY ENGINE ACCELERATED AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF IT'S OWN AND HIT A POST. I PUSHED HARD ON THE BRAKE WITH NO RESPONSE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN WITH $5,500 DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.
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
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
17 reportsSOMETIMES WHEN WE ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLS & REVS UP, THEN IT WILL ACT FINE, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON FOR A BIT. THEN GOES OFF AND IT ACTS NORMAL. THIS IS ALL WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER A FEW MONTHS,,,IT'S JUST EVERY SO OFTEN.
SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL …
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SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS VERY ISSUE) AND THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT ESSENTIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, AND WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR OUT TO RE-CREATE THE ISSUE, NOTHING HAPPENED. I'VE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A CASE NUMBER, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. MY RPMS CONTINUE TO OCCASIONALLY SPIKE, AND IT'S VERY CONCERNING THAT KIA IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
FOR THE LAST 2-3 MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN RANDOMLY ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, DUE TO THIS I WAS RECENTLY (AUG 14, 2018) IN AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. I HAVE CALLED MY DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES INQUIRING IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY RECALLS AND THERE HAVEN'T BEEN. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (AUG 18, 2018) HAVING THE PROBLEM LOOKED…
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FOR THE LAST 2-3 MONTHS MY CAR HAS BEEN RANDOMLY ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, DUE TO THIS I WAS RECENTLY (AUG 14, 2018) IN AN AT FAULT ACCIDENT. I HAVE CALLED MY DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES INQUIRING IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY RECALLS AND THERE HAVEN'T BEEN. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (AUG 18, 2018) HAVING THE PROBLEM LOOKED AT BUT HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PIN POINT THE ISSUE.
WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM THE VEHICLE WILL START TO MOVE AND THEN THE ENGINE RPMS WILL DROP TO IDLE. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE. IT SEEMS TO TAKE FROM THREE TO FIVE SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING PUSHED. THIS SEEMS IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANY LOCATION USUALLY FROM A S…
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WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM THE VEHICLE WILL START TO MOVE AND THEN THE ENGINE RPMS WILL DROP TO IDLE. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE. IT SEEMS TO TAKE FROM THREE TO FIVE SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING PUSHED. THIS SEEMS IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANY LOCATION USUALLY FROM A STOP POSITION. IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME BACKING UP MY DRIVEWAY BUT ALSO ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS STARTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SPEED DROPPED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUAR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SPEED DROPPED TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DID NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. THE FAILURE HAD BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE REMEDY AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,343.
I HAVE HAD 4 INSTANCES OF WHAT FEELS LIKE THE CAR SLIPPING OUT OF "DRIVE". WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR BUT WHILE THE RPM'S GO UP, THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE.. ONCE I REMOVE MY FOOT AND THEN PRESS AGAIN ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT PROCEEDS NORMALLY. KIA CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE BUT LAST INSTANCE WAS LESS TH…
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I HAVE HAD 4 INSTANCES OF WHAT FEELS LIKE THE CAR SLIPPING OUT OF "DRIVE". WHILE IN DRIVE, WHEN I PRESS ON ACCELERATOR BUT WHILE THE RPM'S GO UP, THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE.. ONCE I REMOVE MY FOOT AND THEN PRESS AGAIN ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT PROCEEDS NORMALLY. KIA CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE BUT LAST INSTANCE WAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO. THIS IS AFTER KIA HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOCK THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNERSHIP OF THIS BRAND NEW VEHICLE.
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.