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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 →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 reportsI bought a 2017 Kia Sportage with a salvage title at auction on [XXX] for my wife, [XXX]. It had 57,463 miles on the engine. Before it reached the 60,000-mile warranty limit (only for non-salvage title vehicles), it showed error code P1326 and went into limp mode which makes the vehicle drive at a very slow speed to avoid damage…
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I bought a 2017 Kia Sportage with a salvage title at auction on [XXX] for my wife, [XXX]. It had 57,463 miles on the engine. Before it reached the 60,000-mile warranty limit (only for non-salvage title vehicles), it showed error code P1326 and went into limp mode which makes the vehicle drive at a very slow speed to avoid damage to the engine. For an explanation of limp mode, go to the web address below: [XXX] Despite my wife's Kia Sportage NOT being under warranty, the vehicle's electronic system takes control and slows the vehicle making it unsafe for continued driving. Despite the KIA manufacturer no longer having a financial interest in a non-warranted vehicle, their electronics system prevents me from managing or using my vehicle. The dealerships will not do any repairs or bypass the control system and their only solution is an expensive engine replacement. 1. The Kia displays error code P1326 which is the subject of numerous complaints to dealers throughout the U.S. The problem is the KIA goes into limp mode with no remedy. Available for inspection. [XXX] While the lawsuit above refers to Ford products, the statement regarding loss of power significantly increasing the risk of a crash does pertain to my complaint against the KIA limp mode. 2. Risk - See link above 3.Archer Kia at 11614 SW Frwy. in Houston has confirmed and diagnosed the problem on 8-15-2024. 4. See #3 above. 5. The error code P1326 is the warning. Despite the KIA manufacturer no longer having a financial interest in a non-warranted vehicle, their electronics system prevents me from managing or using my vehicle. The dealerships will not do any repairs or bypass the control system and their only solution is an expensive engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The front passenger side locking latch is getting stuck when trying to unlock with the key fob. It has to be opened manually from the inside for the door to unlock.
January 9, 2025 I bought a new 2017 KIA Sportage from Bob Bell KIA-Glen Burnie July of 2017. All oil changes have been performed up-to-date and regularly as advised. When Bob Bell-Glen Burnie no longer serviced KIA, I started taking my vehicle to KIA-Eastern Avenue (Baltimore). The oil consumption issue started during the tim…
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January 9, 2025 I bought a new 2017 KIA Sportage from Bob Bell KIA-Glen Burnie July of 2017. All oil changes have been performed up-to-date and regularly as advised. When Bob Bell-Glen Burnie no longer serviced KIA, I started taking my vehicle to KIA-Eastern Avenue (Baltimore). The oil consumption issue started during the time I was taking my vehicle to KIA-Eastern Avenue for services. Throughout this entire process, I received mixed messages from KIA-Eastern Avenue, JBA KIA-Glen Burnie, and Johnson KIA-Annapolis about how often to change the oil. Depending on which Advisor at each dealership I spoke with – one would say change the oil every three thousand miles another would say every five thousand miles. As of late, one of the Advisors (Johnson KIA-Annapolis) even told me over the phone that I should change the oil every 2500 miles as that is what he does for his car – thankfully, I happen to be a customer that knows better than that. Unfortunately, his poor advice reminds me of the poor customer service dealing with KIA-Eastern Avenue, which is why I chose to deal no longer with them and take my vehicle to Johnson KIA-Annapolis with the hopes of getting better service. Advisor was kind enough to verify my information in Johnson KIA’s system and had to make a couple of corrections - one being my name misspelled and the other being someone entered into the system that I was not the original owner of my car when in fact I bought it off the Bob Bell KIA-Glen Burnie lot, brand new. In September of 2023, after my car went limp on the highway due to a knock engine sensor, I had my car towed to Johnson KIA-Annapolis (see Invoice XXX). They performed a BCT and decided that my car was one that did not fit the requirements for a new engine. I filed a Thet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While removing the padding of my daughters car seat to wash I discovered that one of the straps is cut/ripped almost halfway through. It appears that the same issue is starting on the other strap. The seatbelt harness strap is cut/ ripped halfway through. This could have resulted in serious injury or even death if we had been …
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While removing the padding of my daughters car seat to wash I discovered that one of the straps is cut/ripped almost halfway through. It appears that the same issue is starting on the other strap. The seatbelt harness strap is cut/ ripped halfway through. This could have resulted in serious injury or even death if we had been in an accident. I’ve contacted the manufacture but have not heard back from them. Other than myself nobody has inspected the car seat.
excessive engine oil consumption, 2 quarts every 1,000 miles. which prompts me to change spark plugs every 10,000 miles because they get so fouled up. this has been going on since 55,000 miles and now have 80,000 miles, it started with .5 quart and now it is up to 2 quarts.
High oil consumption and engine noise and metal residue with each engine oil change
The engine consumes oil excessively, oil changes have been done at dealer well before service intervals since brand new and it consumes oil to the point we add oil within a week of oil change. Engine seals have very minor seepage but no active drips or leaks. The oil consumption has lead to weak engine internals were I am now ex…
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The engine consumes oil excessively, oil changes have been done at dealer well before service intervals since brand new and it consumes oil to the point we add oil within a week of oil change. Engine seals have very minor seepage but no active drips or leaks. The oil consumption has lead to weak engine internals were I am now experiencing a cylinder 2 misfire, burnt exhaust valve, among other issues and the dealership will not stand behind the class action lawsuit and extended warranty over this engine, quoting me over $7k for an engine that was defective and poorly built from factory.
On November 8, 2024 a large oil leak was noticed where the Kia Sportage had been parked. When the oil was checked it was empty. There had been no warning lights prior to this occurring and I have always provided maintenance to this vehicle. The car was towed by AAA to a local Kia dealership the next day. Their technician found "…
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On November 8, 2024 a large oil leak was noticed where the Kia Sportage had been parked. When the oil was checked it was empty. There had been no warning lights prior to this occurring and I have always provided maintenance to this vehicle. The car was towed by AAA to a local Kia dealership the next day. Their technician found "leaking severe due to oil pressure switch shooting oil through the main wiring harness and to the injector harness". The repair cost was estimated at $6,148.94. I was told that my warranty would not cover this expense even though I have only 70,875 miles. I have not received a notice from Kia indicating a recall or advising that I will receive extended warranty coverage. Research has shown that many Kia vehicles and others have had this same Oil pressure switch problem. This malfunction is extremely dangerous since I drive often on interstate highways and could have been involved in a major breakdown with possible accident. Kia needs to pay for this repair.
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the panoramic sunroof exploded without impact. The glass shattered into pieces onto the driver. The driver sustained some minor cuts to her head. The glass was picked out of her hair by her colleagues, bu…
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The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the panoramic sunroof exploded without impact. The glass shattered into pieces onto the driver. The driver sustained some minor cuts to her head. The glass was picked out of her hair by her colleagues, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.