IllustrationDRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT LAMP LENS IS TURNING YELLOW, VERY DISTORTED. *TR
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 reportsUPON PULLING UP TO THE DRIVEWAY TO GET READY TO PARK, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN LEADING TO CRASH THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR & IMPACT TO THE WALL. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ACCIDENT & HEAD ON COLLISION TO A WALL. AIRBAGS WAS NOT DEPLOYED. I WAS PULLING UP THE DRIVEWAY GETTING READY TO PARK WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHICH LED TO CRASH THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR & HIT A WALL. *TR
2017 KIA SPORTAGE LOST ALL POWER AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKING NOTHING. SMOKE AND FUMES FILLED THE CAB OF SUV. ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS BOILING OUT OF HOOD OF CAR.
THE CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. PUTTING THE CAR INTO LIMP MODE. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC. LOW POWER. THE CAR HAS TO BE TOWED. THEY REPLACE A SINGLE WIRE UNDER THE HOOD EACH TIME.. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN 1.5 YEARS. THEY ARE NOT FIXING THE CAR, JUST PUTTING A BAND AID ON IT ,AND KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD.
MY CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AND I AM NOT ABLE OPEN BOTH FRONT DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. IT IS MECHANICAL ISSUE WITH KIA QUALITY PRODUCT. SPECIALLY MY PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT OPEN THAT OFTEN. THE ISSUE IS THAT AFTER LOCKING THE CAR AND THEN I TRY UNLOCK, THE DOOR IS UNLOCK BUT OUTSIDE HANDLE DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. INSIDE HANDLE WORKS WITH NO P…
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MY CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AND I AM NOT ABLE OPEN BOTH FRONT DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. IT IS MECHANICAL ISSUE WITH KIA QUALITY PRODUCT. SPECIALLY MY PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT OPEN THAT OFTEN. THE ISSUE IS THAT AFTER LOCKING THE CAR AND THEN I TRY UNLOCK, THE DOOR IS UNLOCK BUT OUTSIDE HANDLE DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. INSIDE HANDLE WORKS WITH NO PROBLEM. SINCE MY WARRANTY ENDED AT 60K, SO IT IS NOT COVER BUT I AM SURE MORE CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND SHOULD BE RECALL CREATED FOR THIS ISSUE,
I HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR WHEN THE AIR BAG CAUTION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TO FIND OUT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE WAITING FOR SERVICE, MY HUSBAND WAS ASKED WHETHER WE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HE TOLD THEM NO. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FRO…
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I HAD JUST STARTED THE CAR WHEN THE AIR BAG CAUTION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TO FIND OUT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE WAS BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE WAITING FOR SERVICE, MY HUSBAND WAS ASKED WHETHER WE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HE TOLD THEM NO. WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER CERTIFIED USED AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF ANY ACCIDENTS PRIOR TO US PURCHASING IT. FAILURE TO REPLACE THE CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE RENDERED THE AIR BAG SYSTEM USELESS.
MY PARKING BRAKE NO LONGER SETS, IT JUST PUMPS AND NEVER LOCKS. SO I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PARK ON ANY HILLS FOR A WHILE. ALSO, MY HEATING AND AIR GOES WONKY SOMETIMES AND WON'T SHOW ME THE ACTUAL TEMP OR GIVE ME THE OPTION TO INCREASE OR DECREASE IN TEMP OR MODE UNLESS I PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, START IT AGAIN, THEN TURN …
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MY PARKING BRAKE NO LONGER SETS, IT JUST PUMPS AND NEVER LOCKS. SO I HOPE I DON'T HAVE TO PARK ON ANY HILLS FOR A WHILE. ALSO, MY HEATING AND AIR GOES WONKY SOMETIMES AND WON'T SHOW ME THE ACTUAL TEMP OR GIVE ME THE OPTION TO INCREASE OR DECREASE IN TEMP OR MODE UNLESS I PARK AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, START IT AGAIN, THEN TURN OFF THE WHOLE COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM AND THEN MESS WITH IT MORE. MY CAR IS ALSO OFTEN TIMES IN DRIVE, AND IT'LL REV UP FOR NO REASON TO THE RED LINE, THEN STALL AND COAST TO A STOP. I'VE BEEN LUCKY MY KIDS HAVE YET TO BE WITH ME WITH THIS HAPPENING AND IT'S BEEN ON BACK ROADS WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC. ALL THESE THINGS WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE/MOTION, EXCEPT PARKING BRAKE, THAT IS OBVIOUSLY WHILE IN PARK THAT I'VE NOTICED.
KIA SPORTAGE 2017 BEGAN SHOWING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL KIA SERVICE STATION. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THAT SHOWED, TWICE, THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ONE AND A HALF QUARTS OF OIL PER 1,000 MILES OF USE. IT WAS TAKEN FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS AFTER CONFIRMATION OF ADEQUATE OIL CHANGE SCHE…
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KIA SPORTAGE 2017 BEGAN SHOWING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL KIA SERVICE STATION. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST THAT SHOWED, TWICE, THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ONE AND A HALF QUARTS OF OIL PER 1,000 MILES OF USE. IT WAS TAKEN FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS AFTER CONFIRMATION OF ADEQUATE OIL CHANGE SCHEDULE AND AT 39914 MILES. MOTOR WAS DISASSEMBLED AND AFTER MORE THAN 3 WEEKS, DIAGNOSIS IS UNCERTAIN. THIS PROBLEM MAY CAUSE MALFUNCTION OF INTERNAL PARTS AND THERE MAY BE A HIGH PROBABILITY OF SAFETY COMPROMISE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS.
ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE PLACED IN SERVICE MAY 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 34,000 MILES. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED WHILE VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED DECEMBER 2019 AND WERE REPLACED FEBRUARY 2020 BY THE DEALER AT…
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ALL FOUR POWER WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE PLACED IN SERVICE MAY 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 34,000 MILES. DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED WHILE VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATOR/MOTOR'S FAILED DECEMBER 2019 AND WERE REPLACED FEBRUARY 2020 BY THE DEALER AT A COST TO THE OWNER OF $1044.63.
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.