IllustrationThe vehicle will stall upon starting with push to start feature and you’d only hear clicking sound.
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
Engine complaints
219 reportsThe contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated temporarily. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not not…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60-70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated temporarily. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Vehicle is using on the average 2-3qts of oil within 1000 miles was told this could cause a fire. My vehicle had been checked twice was told I may need a new engine. Is this a common problem?
Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. I have been adding oil every couple of weeks for over 6 months now with no oil leak detected. I went to the dealer in January to ask about white smoke coming from the tailpipe and Dealership tells me I need to blow the engine up befo…
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Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. I have been adding oil every couple of weeks for over 6 months now with no oil leak detected. I went to the dealer in January to ask about white smoke coming from the tailpipe and Dealership tells me I need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's now close to blown up with check engine light on having it towed to dealership this week.
Engine seized twice randomly while driving. Turned car off and back on and it ran without issue. (May 21 2022 and June 30 2022). Had the recall addressed on july 9 and July 12 my check engine light came on. It was towed to Kia and they called the following day saying they’re replacing the engine under the extended warranty. …
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Engine seized twice randomly while driving. Turned car off and back on and it ran without issue. (May 21 2022 and June 30 2022). Had the recall addressed on july 9 and July 12 my check engine light came on. It was towed to Kia and they called the following day saying they’re replacing the engine under the extended warranty.
Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. We have been adding oil every two or three for over a year now with no oil leak detected. Dealership tells us we need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's not blown up but it is not driveable. Had it tow…
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Car shakes and putters when started as if the engine is shot, which at this point probably is. We have been adding oil every two or three for over a year now with no oil leak detected. Dealership tells us we need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. It's not blown up but it is not driveable. Had it towed to the local dealership which diagnosed the problem as being " low compression on cylinder 2 resulting in engine failure. Do not know the exact cause of failure due to no tear down", which cost us $144.04 on a vehicle that has a lifetime extended warranty on the powertrain. Mind you, they already changed out the transmission June of 2020 and just after that the engine problems started. We paid $502.85 as our part of the bill. The estimated cost of this engine repair is $3160 dollars plus taxes which still might not fix the problem, and the cost of a new engine is 4 to 5 thousand dollars. My understanding is that we are not the only people having these problems and this is their best response. With all the new vehicles they continue to sell and produce with their good name intact, they should have to recall or replace these vehicles because they were lemons from the start and they suffer no ill affects for it. A list of all the stuff needed to "fix" this problem are as follows: head gasket, head bolt set, intake gasket, t-stat & gasket, water outlet gasket, 4 spark plugs, 6 valve stem seals, lof, 2 gallons of antifreeze 14 assorted head bolts, 4 bushings for bolts, misc and labor. Total for that is $3160 plus tax. *Might need head-has no compression-valve burnt/stuck, or seat damage. No cost mentioned for that. Remind you, the engine hasn't been torn down yet. And yes, there is a lifetime powertrain warranty on the vehicle, which isn't worth the paper it is written on.
I was passing a car doing below 50 in a 55. As I sped to pass him the engine seemed to misfire, the car began to jerk and I suddenly lost power to the engine. I tried pressing on the gas pedal but engine was idle. I pulled to the side shut the engine off, waited a few minutes and tried to start the engine again. It did not want …
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I was passing a car doing below 50 in a 55. As I sped to pass him the engine seemed to misfire, the car began to jerk and I suddenly lost power to the engine. I tried pressing on the gas pedal but engine was idle. I pulled to the side shut the engine off, waited a few minutes and tried to start the engine again. It did not want to turn over, sounded like a piston had blown. I had it towed to the family mechanic whom I take all my vehicles to. He ran a diagnostics and said piston #3 was getting no compression and I would need a new engine. I bought the vehicle brand new with 0 miles, the car now has 103,000 miles, just 3000 miles over warranty, which is why I took it to my mechanic and not the dealership. I bought the service contract from the dealership so it has been completely maintained as per contract at Future Kia in Clovis. My mechanic advised me to take it back to the dealer. I had it towed there and awaiting their diagnostics report.
While driving, the engine suddenly lost power and stalled. All of the warning lights on the dash illuminated. After coasting to the side of the road I pressed the start button and the engine started back up. Later that week the low oil light illuminated. After stopping the car I pulled the dipstick and it was not registering any…
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While driving, the engine suddenly lost power and stalled. All of the warning lights on the dash illuminated. After coasting to the side of the road I pressed the start button and the engine started back up. Later that week the low oil light illuminated. After stopping the car I pulled the dipstick and it was not registering any oil. The car is at JT Kia in Columbia, SC to be diagnosed and we will be doing an engine oil consumption test.
Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder an…
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Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder and the spark plug had to be replaced. Several calls not returned by Roseville Kia asking for information regarding this problem as well as trying to set up appointment for current recall over the last year. Once again car left me on side of road and was told by mechanic that it needs new engine. Told by Folsom Kia to have it towed to them since Roseville Kia would not return calls and that the issue with the engine would be covered by warranty being extended due to past recall. After 4 days at Folsom Kia I was told that I would need a new engine and starting price to tear it down is $5000, and it would most likely be more, approx$8000. Also told that the warranty does not apply now.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and remained at the dealer for over 30 days and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and remained at the dealer for over 30 days and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,175.
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.