← New search

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 →

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
Clear category filter
100,000 miles · Nov 19, 2021
EngineFire

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 5-10 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping sound and she saw black and white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle immed…

Read full complaint

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 5-10 MPH, she heard an abnormal popping sound and she saw black and white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter exited the vehicle immediately and called the fire department. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact's daughter did not sustain physical injuries however, she was mentally traumatized and had been seeking therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where the vehicle was deemed totaled. The contact stated that the vehicle had been serviced two months prior to catching on fire and several recall repairs were performed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11441020

Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2021
Engine

I just changed my oil 2 weeks ago and it has lost 3 quarts of oil already, and I do not have any oil leaks, nor is the oil/engine light coming on.

NHTSA ODI #11434858

41,000 miles · Aug 24, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTS…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for several months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

NHTSA ODI #11430317

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2021
Engine

Vehicle failed to accelerate to highway speed while climbing on ramp of highway. Vehicle started to go to idle speed and would not accelerate when highway speed was needed to keep with flow of traffic. Had fear of being rear ended as car was just coasting. Dealer replaced VCM under warranty. Tech service bulletin TSB eng 158. …

Read full complaint

Vehicle failed to accelerate to highway speed while climbing on ramp of highway. Vehicle started to go to idle speed and would not accelerate when highway speed was needed to keep with flow of traffic. Had fear of being rear ended as car was just coasting. Dealer replaced VCM under warranty. Tech service bulletin TSB eng 158. Check engine light on with code DTC p200a00.

NHTSA ODI #11427433

60,000 miles · Jul 20, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the transmission shifter would not go into the reverse position. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the transmission. No further information was available. Later, while driving the vehicle suddenly stalled and was towed to the dealer who diagnosed …

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the transmission shifter would not go into the reverse position. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who repaired the transmission. No further information was available. Later, while driving the vehicle suddenly stalled and was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11425664

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2021
Engine

Mileage at 94,000 miles, less than 100,000 warrantied for, and this car is using oil until its dry less than every 1000 miles. I can't go anywhere without carrying oil in the car. Took it to the dealer and was told Kia would not approve engine work. Reported to them also that the oil light does NOT come on, it only blinked o…

Read full complaint

Mileage at 94,000 miles, less than 100,000 warrantied for, and this car is using oil until its dry less than every 1000 miles. I can't go anywhere without carrying oil in the car. Took it to the dealer and was told Kia would not approve engine work. Reported to them also that the oil light does NOT come on, it only blinked once causing concern for me because the engine was kind of dragging. The dipstick was dry. Has happened three times since then.

NHTSA ODI #11424182

80,542 miles · May 11, 2021
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE STARTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BUT UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE STARTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BUT UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND STARTING THE VEHICLE SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE BEHIND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO KIA OF CHERRY HILL (1803 MARLTON PIKE W, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THIS ISSUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE KIA ENGINE SETTLEMENT HOTLINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,542.

NHTSA ODI #11416124

84,000 miles · Apr 30, 2021
EngineService BrakesFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF BEDFORD LOCATED 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THE CAUSE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF BEDFORD LOCATED 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOKUP INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11414555

73 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine

ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I…

Read full complaint

ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I BEING CHARGE? ON THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST TO THE COSTUMER. AM I BEING SCAM?

NHTSA ODI #11407154

64,000 miles · Apr 2, 2021
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSED THE RPM TO SURGE TO 5,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 75 MILES, DUE TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE, THE VEHICLE USED UP A HALF TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSED THE RPM TO SURGE TO 5,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 75 MILES, DUE TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE, THE VEHICLE USED UP A HALF TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHUCK OLSEN CHEVROLET OF SEATTLE (17037 AURORA AVENUE N, SHORELINE, WAS 98133, (206)607-8743) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ASKED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER 1,000 MILES TO PERFORM AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11406127

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sportage problems