IllustrationWhen 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
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 reportsAll four power windows stopped going up or down in a six-week period. Safety is an issue because in the event of an accident when doors are damage, how can one exit the car if the windows do not go down. Dealer said it was the regulator. No warning lights, driver's side went broke, then a few weeks later, the rear left window…
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All four power windows stopped going up or down in a six-week period. Safety is an issue because in the event of an accident when doors are damage, how can one exit the car if the windows do not go down. Dealer said it was the regulator. No warning lights, driver's side went broke, then a few weeks later, the rear left window stopped working, then the driver passenger side window and then the rear right window. Car had only 41,000 miles on it at the time. This issue is all over the internet regarding the 2017 Sportage and Optima vehicles. Children ride in this car also. Safety is definitely compromised by these inoperable windows.
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.
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.
I was sitting in my driveway in my car and the windshield started cracking from the bottom. The crack has spread in both directions across my windshield. Visibility is not as good as the crack is in my line of vision.
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.
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
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.
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.
My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including…
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My 2017 KIA Sportage was purchased in 2016 and does not have any recalls showing under my VIN number for this issue but I have all of the signs of a serious malfunction and the dealer won't respond. My car has less than 23k miles on it, I barely drive it because I work from home and all of the ABS warning lights are on including the ABS, Hill Descent, Tire Pressure, Traction/Stability Control, Emergency Brake Light. My dashboard light to Check TPMS also pops on the screen consistently and there is a weird smell coming from my dashboard. My husband is a certified mechanic for Largo Honda and he claims it is a safety issue in the vehicle that should be recalled. In addition to this issue, my windows will not go down and this will be the third time I have to take the car to the dealer to get fixed in the short period that I've had the car.
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.