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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.

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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

Engine complaints

219 reports
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120,000 miles · Nov 1, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated while driving 72 MPH across three lanes of traffic, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated while driving 72 MPH across three lanes of traffic, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance due to the vehicle not having the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign software update. The contact had not yet received notification of the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign software update. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11491749

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022
Engine

I purchased a pre-owned 2017 Kia Sportage (~34,000 miles) from a Kia dealership in January 2020. I had my oil changed in late June 2022 at approximately 64,500 miles. In early October 2022 at approximately 67,800 miles (+3300) I noticed my oil light flickering when I would break form a high rate of speed. I brought it in to be …

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I purchased a pre-owned 2017 Kia Sportage (~34,000 miles) from a Kia dealership in January 2020. I had my oil changed in late June 2022 at approximately 64,500 miles. In early October 2022 at approximately 67,800 miles (+3300) I noticed my oil light flickering when I would break form a high rate of speed. I brought it in to be looked at and my engine had less than one quart of oil remaining. Not only did the engine consume ~5 quarts of oil in 3.5 months, 3300 miles, but almost more importantly oil light had barely begun to flicker to the deficit in oil. The kia oil consumption issues are well known at this point. However I was unaware of the oil pressure sensor being set to only register once the vehicle was down 4-5 quarts of oil from the fill level. I was told by the Kia service manager that my "excellent" warranty will in fact cover a new engine, but I will have to drive the car until the engine seizes or sustains serious damage. When I first noticed the issue I called Kia to make an appointment to be seen and they were unable to fit me in for 2 weeks. Out of concern for my safety I brought my vehicle to an independent repair center who then confirmed that there was less than one quart of oil in then engine when it was drained (attached service record). My car is currently at the Kia service center.

NHTSA ODI #11491581

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2022
EngineUnknown Or OtherFire

I was driving up to Vermont for an event. I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts drive through and noticed smoke coming from the hood of my car. I quickly pulled forward into the nearest parking spot and the car started smoking in and burst into flames. I had 20-30 seconds to get out of the car. I could have been killed.

NHTSA ODI #11489445

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2022
Engine

When we are driving the car accelerate on its own. I have taken to Kia multiple times and they see a problem. That’s a safety concern

NHTSA ODI #11489263

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2022
Engine

I purchased my Kia Sportage used in March of 2021. -By July, 2022 I noticed it was staring to burn a lot of oil. I had it at the shop and there were no leaks, --By September 1, 2022 I was driving up the interstate; the car lost power, check engine light was on and the car started shaking. -I checked the oil and it was good. We a…

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I purchased my Kia Sportage used in March of 2021. -By July, 2022 I noticed it was staring to burn a lot of oil. I had it at the shop and there were no leaks, --By September 1, 2022 I was driving up the interstate; the car lost power, check engine light was on and the car started shaking. -I checked the oil and it was good. We also checked all codes that were showing and replaced the spark plugs, coil pack, and VVT Solenoid. The car still was not running right. --September 15 I decided to take it to Timbrook Kia to see if I could trade it in or have it repaired. They would offer me $5000 due to engine issue. I was then told there was a recall on the CVVT Cover (later found out it was actually a service action #SA305). They said the CVVT Gear under the Cover was damaged which works the VVT Solenoid which controls the valves in the engine and they thought one of the valves was bent. They put in a request to have the repairs to be covered by Kia, but they denied it twice and claim that the gear was not responsible for the motor issue. -I contacted Kia Consumer Care, which is almost impossible, to be told that my motor was on a Class Action Settlement list and I should go online and fill out the claim form. I tried to fill out the form and found it was for reimbursement, so I called the number on the settlement site. I was then informed that I could not file for the settlement because my engine had not completely blown up or caught on fire and I was misinformed previously. -Over the past week, I have gotten nothing but the run around between Kia themselves and Timbrook Kia.

NHTSA ODI #11488528

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2022
EnginePower TrainCrash

My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive o…

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My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive oil consumption. However, they will not cover it because damages by oil consumption are not covered by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11485853

74,695 miles · Sep 14, 2022
EnginePower Train

My 2017 KIA SPORTAGE has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. After the KIA dealer rep…

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My 2017 KIA SPORTAGE has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. After the KIA dealer replaced the engine. The power steering, alternator, and water pump belt came off. This caused the second safety issue, as there is no powersteering making it very difficult to control as well as third safety issue the computer to stopped the engine. Again I paid to have it towed. The Kia dealer found a broken motor mount. Which they did repair and cover. Now the first week out of the KIA dealer service department there is a high pitched squeal. The KIA dealer just wrote me a quote for $800 plus dollars, stating this vital moving part is not covered.

NHTSA ODI #11484514

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2022
Engine

My engine locked up 8/29/22 , my mechanic informed me there was a recall associated with the engine .We had the car transferred to the local dealership . I was denied due to the dealer, Bill Byrd kia stating that the manufacturer , Kia , wouldn’t cover it due to not receiving the previous safety recall . Regardless of the ty…

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My engine locked up 8/29/22 , my mechanic informed me there was a recall associated with the engine .We had the car transferred to the local dealership . I was denied due to the dealer, Bill Byrd kia stating that the manufacturer , Kia , wouldn’t cover it due to not receiving the previous safety recall . Regardless of the type of recall all recalls that within the statute of limitation of eight years ago must be completed . Nevertheless the reason I didn't get notice of the recall , they said it was sent june 2019 . The reason why I didn't get the recall/product improvement notice was due to my house being damaged due to Hurricane Michael ,a category 5 hurricane that destroyed and made my house unlivable . How exactly I was supposed to get this notice being unhoused from a category 5 hurricane.Please contact bill byrd kia in Panama CIty , fl and approve and fix the repair ,which companies are required to under federal law , specifically the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act . I have taken the liberty to include photos of my house that are time stamped from the month June 2019 , the time frame Kia representatives state I should have received the notice

NHTSA ODI #11483617

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2022
Engine

While driving 70 mph on the highway, the car suddenly lost speed, and I was not able to accelerate, and the engine light came on. Fortunately, I was near an exit, and at the reduced speed I was able to get to a parking lot. After contacting the dealership where I purchased the Kia, they suggested I have it towed to their service…

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While driving 70 mph on the highway, the car suddenly lost speed, and I was not able to accelerate, and the engine light came on. Fortunately, I was near an exit, and at the reduced speed I was able to get to a parking lot. After contacting the dealership where I purchased the Kia, they suggested I have it towed to their service department. The initial diagnosis code indicated #1326 - which is excessive rod bearing wear.

NHTSA ODI #11482027

139,000 miles · Aug 26, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the mechanic informed the contact that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made awar…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the mechanic informed the contact that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ODI #11481412

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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