IllustrationTHE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. NOT MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THIS STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO AND THE ROSEVILLE, CA KIA SERVICE DEPT. WALNUTS TO CHARGE FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD REPAIR AT NO COST TO THE BUYER.
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
What owners actually said
399 reportsCAR IS RAPIDLY BURNING OIL AND NOT DRIPPING ON GROUND. RECENT ACTIVITY: OIL DIPSTICK SHOWED NO OIL ON 01/18/2021 AND TOOK 3 QUARTS. IT READ FULL! ON 01/25/2021. SERVICE STATION REPORTED OUT OF OIL AGAIN! OIL LIGHT ON DASHBOARD DID NOT LIGHT.KIA DEALERSHIP ADVISED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THAT WILL BE REPORTED TO YOU. I THINK IT I…
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CAR IS RAPIDLY BURNING OIL AND NOT DRIPPING ON GROUND. RECENT ACTIVITY: OIL DIPSTICK SHOWED NO OIL ON 01/18/2021 AND TOOK 3 QUARTS. IT READ FULL! ON 01/25/2021. SERVICE STATION REPORTED OUT OF OIL AGAIN! OIL LIGHT ON DASHBOARD DID NOT LIGHT.KIA DEALERSHIP ADVISED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THAT WILL BE REPORTED TO YOU. I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU NOTE THAT THIS OCCURRED 1000 MILES INTO MY REGULARLY SCHEDULED 3000 MILE OIL CHANGE. OUR LOCAL SERVICE STATION INDICATED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR AND LITIGATION IS BEING CONSIDERED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED OIL VERY QUICKLY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT AL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED OIL VERY QUICKLY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE CYLINDER MISFIRES AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
ON OCTOBER 6,2020 MY 2017 KIA SPORTAGE SEEMED TO HAVE EXCELLERATION ISSUES; THE CAR WOULD HESITATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THEN ABOUT A WEEK LATER 10/9/20 MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I USED FIXD APP TO ASSIST DIAGNOSIS. 420 CODE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOOK IT TO REPUTABLE SHOP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED AND SUGGESTED I TAKE T…
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ON OCTOBER 6,2020 MY 2017 KIA SPORTAGE SEEMED TO HAVE EXCELLERATION ISSUES; THE CAR WOULD HESITATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THEN ABOUT A WEEK LATER 10/9/20 MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I USED FIXD APP TO ASSIST DIAGNOSIS. 420 CODE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. TOOK IT TO REPUTABLE SHOP WHERE THEY CONFIRMED AND SUGGESTED I TAKE TO KIA DEALER DUE TO 80,000 MILE CATALYTIC WARRANTY. I DID THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. KIA STATED THAT THEY HAD TO RUN THEIR OWN DIAGNOSIS AND WOULD CALL ME. THEY CONFIRMED THE 420 CODE BUT STATED THEY SIMPLY 'RESET' THE COMPUTER STATING THIS IS KIA DIRECTIVE PRIOR TO REPLACING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER; AND SAID TO BRING IT IN IF THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AGAIN. IT DID A WEEK LATER; THEY REPLACED THE VCM MOTOR 10/19/20. NOW 11/7/20 ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND FIXD CODE 420 CATALYTIC CONVERTER AGAIN. THEY DID NOT WANT TO HONOR THE 80,000 MILE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY. I AM JUST UNDER 80,000 MILES NOW AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN WAS AT 78,000 MILES.
2017 KIA SPORTAGE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY AUTISTIC SON WHO MUST CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE BACK SEAT THROUGH THE FRONT SEAT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER KIA OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE POSTED O…
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY AUTISTIC SON WHO MUST CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE BACK SEAT THROUGH THE FRONT SEAT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER KIA OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE POSTED ON HERE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY KIA.
MY 2017 KIA SPORTAGE COMPLETELY DIED ON ME. IT WAS TOWED TO JENSEN TIRES AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS TOTALLY BLOWN. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO H&H KIA IN OMAHA, NE AND SHANE CLAPPS (SERVICE PERSON) STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS INDEED BLOWN AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND DIED ON MY IN THE MIDDLE OF HWY 370…
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MY 2017 KIA SPORTAGE COMPLETELY DIED ON ME. IT WAS TOWED TO JENSEN TIRES AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS TOTALLY BLOWN. I THEN HAD IT TOWED TO H&H KIA IN OMAHA, NE AND SHANE CLAPPS (SERVICE PERSON) STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS INDEED BLOWN AND NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND DIED ON MY IN THE MIDDLE OF HWY 370 & 25TH ST IN BELLEVUE, NE. TRIED JUMPING THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. THAT IS WHEN OR GOT TOWED TO JENSEN TIRES, FIRST, THEN TO H&H KIA
LEAKING COUPLER / REAR DIFFERENTIAL. GEAR OIL LEAKING. UNDER 14,000 MILES ON VEHICLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.
HAVE CHANGED OIL IN LESS THAT 3000 MILES EVERY TIME AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE CHANGED. NOW I HAVE METAL SHAVINGS IN MY OIL
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.
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.