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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

399 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2022
Engine

I filed a claim 14001328 for excessive oil consumption. I am told that one quart of oil per 1000 miles is normal consumption. The car holds 4.5 quarts of oil. This means that for a 7500 mile oil change interval the entire volume is replace almost twice. I do not accept this as normal. I purchased a 2017 Kia Sportage in Augu…

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I filed a claim 14001328 for excessive oil consumption. I am told that one quart of oil per 1000 miles is normal consumption. The car holds 4.5 quarts of oil. This means that for a 7500 mile oil change interval the entire volume is replace almost twice. I do not accept this as normal. I purchased a 2017 Kia Sportage in August of 2016. I believe that Kia is running out the warranty. I have driven 158,000 miles in a VW Rabbit - no oil issues. 238,000 miles in a VW Jetta 195,000 miles in a VW Jetta TDI, 175,000 miles in a Chrysler Town and Country. Average oil consumption between changes was .25 quarts. You are now telling me this Kia Sportage has a normal oil consumption of one quart per 1000 miles. I find this then to be an inferior design. I should be entitled to a repair. I have oil coming out of my exhaust tailpipe. I am copying this to the NHTSA. All of the time I have my Sportage I have maintained proper oil change intervals and I have service records.

NHTSA ODI #11446700

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 · Dec 6, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

On November 2020 I bought my 2017 Kia Sportage 4DR FWD LX. I been having issues with the driver's and passenger windows since 05/08/2021. The driver's window will not go down, Deland Kia Dealer inspection said the rubber window channel for the driver's windows needed to be lubricated and it got fix. Now 8 months later the same …

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On November 2020 I bought my 2017 Kia Sportage 4DR FWD LX. I been having issues with the driver's and passenger windows since 05/08/2021. The driver's window will not go down, Deland Kia Dealer inspection said the rubber window channel for the driver's windows needed to be lubricated and it got fix. Now 8 months later the same situation is happening again on the the same window, the window will not go down, and the motor works because you can hear it running. On 10/18/2021 I had to get my kia Sportage for service due the right (passenger) window not going up, it was stock and will not go up at all, again the motor was working because you can heart running. I got my Kia serviced at Deland Kia and they changed the window regulator gear panel. Is working (for now) but now my left rear window will not go up and is sliding down, like it loose and the drive's windows also having the same problem. I believe all this issues are a safety concern due to; first what if that window that is sliding will break and cut someone, plus is an easy way for someone to brake into my vehicle. Also the windows not coming down, what if I had an accident and the only way to get me out will be breaking the window because it will not go down and if there was a gas leak or something I will get trap there. I looked online to multiple vehicle forums and there is multiple complains about this window issue, some believe is due to a regulator wheel malfunction or a complete regulator malfunction. At this point almost all my windows had an issue which is putting my safety and my family safety on risk.

NHTSA ODI #11442934

Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2021
Engine

I have performed the required oil changes since the car was purchased with the KIA dealer network. At 50,000 miles my oil light came on while making a turn and I brought it to the nearest dealer. They changed the oil and started an oil comsumption test. Since then, we have done 3 oil comsumption tested which "just passed" the …

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I have performed the required oil changes since the car was purchased with the KIA dealer network. At 50,000 miles my oil light came on while making a turn and I brought it to the nearest dealer. They changed the oil and started an oil comsumption test. Since then, we have done 3 oil comsumption tested which "just passed" the criteria. I burn enough oil that I have a soot deposit in my exhaust pipe. My car is at 81,000 miles and has lost enough oil from the last oil change (4,000 miles ago - scheduled oil change for December 15) that there is no oil indication on the dipstick. The dealer has asked me to not add oil because it is 2 quarts low and ok to drive. They have said the warranty only covers if the consumption is greater than 1 quart per 1000 miles and this much oil loss is normal. THIS IS NOT NORMAL and indicates a defect in the piston rings, which would be a warranty repair that is being denied.

NHTSA ODI #11442383

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The car is manufactured in such a way that it is easy to steal without a key. When a car is stolen, typically it is driven recklessly putting many others at risk. Also any child or animal in the car could be taken as well as needed possessions of the owner. The problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and several polic…

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The car is manufactured in such a way that it is easy to steal without a key. When a car is stolen, typically it is driven recklessly putting many others at risk. Also any child or animal in the car could be taken as well as needed possessions of the owner. The problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and several police departments. The problem became well known to the manufacturer, however, the manufacturer neglected to ever notify individuals who purchased their vehicles. This can be verified by any large police department. Some of these would include: Milwaukee, Denver and multiple others. There is no warning that this is a problem in the vehicle you own. The manufacturer or dealer would have to notify such as they do in a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11441238

100,000 miles · Nov 19, 2021
EngineFire

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 5-10 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping sound and she saw black and white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle immed…

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The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 5-10 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping sound and she saw black and white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle immediately and called the fire department. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact's daughter did not sustain physical injuries however, she was mentally traumatized and had been seeking therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where the vehicle was deemed totaled. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced two months prior to catching on fire and several recall repairs were performed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11441020

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Power Train

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

NHTSA ODI #11438709

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 · Oct 19, 2021
Air Bags

While driving heard a loud cracking noise, when I made ot to my destination I noticed that the dash infront of the passenger seat were the airbag is has two v cracks in it

NHTSA ODI #11437397

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2021
Electrical System

The car start button failed to start the car . It has happened sporadically over last 4 months .It is available for inspection. I have not reported it as of today to the dealer . It is not a safety issue since it happens while parked. The cars dashboard lite up ,radio was on as were the headlights and all other warning lights wh…

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The car start button failed to start the car . It has happened sporadically over last 4 months .It is available for inspection. I have not reported it as of today to the dealer . It is not a safety issue since it happens while parked. The cars dashboard lite up ,radio was on as were the headlights and all other warning lights when I depressed the start button with my foot on the brake pedal. The only thing that was different was the brake pedal was extremely hard to depress it didn't move at all.The brake pedal was up higher then normal by a couple of inches. It took multiple times before it started.

NHTSA ODI #11435843

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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