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2017 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

399 reports
46,000 miles · Sep 22, 2019
Unknown Or Other

EXPERIENCING REDUCED PERFORMANCE AND INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONING OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WHILE THE ENGINE IS IN IDLE.

NHTSA ODI #11257240

24,000 miles · Sep 17, 2019
Engine

2017 KIA SPORTAGE LX 2.4L BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN USING OIL. CAR NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 22,000 MILES AND IS USING 1.4 QUARTS OF OIL DURING THE 5000 MILE DEALERSHIP OIL CHANGES WHICH HAVE ALL BEEN DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE PURCHASING NEW. THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AFTER PERFORMING 3 OI…

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2017 KIA SPORTAGE LX 2.4L BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND HAS BEEN USING OIL. CAR NOW HAS A LITTLE OVER 22,000 MILES AND IS USING 1.4 QUARTS OF OIL DURING THE 5000 MILE DEALERSHIP OIL CHANGES WHICH HAVE ALL BEEN DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE PURCHASING NEW. THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AFTER PERFORMING 3 OIL CONSUMPTION TEST HOWEVER KIA CORPORATE CONSIDERS THE OIL USAGE NORMAL SO THEY ARE DECLINING TO FIX THE ISSUE SINCE THEIR "TECHNICIANS" DOES NOT SEE THIS AS A PROBLEM TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY. AN INTERNET SEARCH "KIA OIL CONSUMPTION" FOUND MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND SAME RESPONSE FROM KIA.

NHTSA ODI #11256065

55,000 miles · Sep 16, 2019
Structure

RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM NOTICED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR. CURRENTLY 56,600 MILES ON VEHICLE. 'PARTS ON ORDER' FOR THE FIRST PROBLEM LIKE THIS THEY HAVE SEEN.

NHTSA ODI #11255756

32,177 miles · Aug 16, 2019
EngineFire

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PULLING OVER MORE WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE MOTOR. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE REAR OF THE MOTOR, THE FLAMES GREW FROM ALL SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE F…

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THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER PULLING OVER MORE WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE ENGINE TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE MOTOR. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE FLAMES APPEARED FROM UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE REAR OF THE MOTOR, THE FLAMES GREW FROM ALL SIDE OF THE ENGINE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE DASH AND INTERIOR OF THE CAR CAUSING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TO BLOW.

NHTSA ODI #11244424

20,000 miles · Aug 14, 2019
Power Train

TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE AND ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE TO 4500 RPM OR HIGHER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY WHEN VEHICLE IS BETWEEN 25 AND 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO PAUSE WHEN SWITCHING LANES, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST Y…

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TRANSMISSION WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE AND ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE TO 4500 RPM OR HIGHER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING MOSTLY WHEN VEHICLE IS BETWEEN 25 AND 45 MPH. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH. THIS HAS CAUSED VEHICLE TO PAUSE WHEN SWITCHING LANES, ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11244046

12,000 miles · Aug 12, 2019
Power Train

TRANSMISSION STARTED EARLY UPSHIFTING AFTER 12K MILES. WHILE NOT APPARENTLY DANGEROUS, I FIND IT VERY ANNOYING.

NHTSA ODI #11243353

80,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Electrical System

STARTER STOPPED WORKING AFTER 80000 MILES. IT WAS THE ISSUE WITH SOLENOID BUT I HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER. MY SAFETY CONCERN WAS THAT I WAS ATE GAS STATION AT SAMS CLUB AND I WAS NOT ABLE RESTART THE CAR AFTER FUELING GAS.

NHTSA ODI #11242516

80,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Structure

FRONT DRIVER HANDLE DO NOT OPEN THE CAR. IF YOU LOCK THE CAR AND UNLOCK, YOU CAN NOT OPEN DRIVER DOOR FROM OUTSIDE. I TRIED DOOR ADJUSTMENT AND DIDN'T WORK. IT COULD BE OPEN FROM INSIDE. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD. IT IS SAFETY HAZARD SINCE THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPEN FROM OUTSIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11242513

30,000 miles · Aug 7, 2019
Unknown Or Other

THE SUNROOF / MOONROOF EXPLODED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11242231

56,994 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Power TrainSeat Belts

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP …

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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP ON (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM) INDICATOR AND DBC ON (DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL) INDICATORS WHEN STUCK IN GEAR. SAFETY ISSUE AS UNABLE TO MOVE WITH NORMAL ACCELERATION, BUT SLOW CRAWL TO GET OUT OF ROADWAY. REAR SEATBELT WONT LATCH WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI #11231076

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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