2017 Kia Sorento
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 804 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 23 Sorento model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 13 involved a crash and 32 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Trailer hitchesPark outsideSep 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.
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 22V703000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineSep 21, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.
Campaign 17V586000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesNov 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."
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 16V862000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
402 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 29, 2023
We bought our 2017 Kia Sorento new from the Kirby dealership in, CA. The first 100k miles we took it faithfully to the dealer for all suggested service. For years it has had oil leak, oil where it should not be in the engine, and serious oil consumption issues. They did not solve the issues despite bringing it in many times. 9/2022 the engine completely shut down on the freeway in a very dangerous area. At 115k miles it happened again 3/23 in the exact same place, with the same symptoms. This time they say it is not covered and quoted us over $7k for an engine replacement. We escalated to management and corporate, they have all denied responsibility, given us many reasons why, all that we do not agree with. Each person we have talked to has given a different reason. I joined the Engine Failure- Kia/Hyundai group on Facebook. Now I am aware of the extent of the catastrophic Theta ll engine failure problem. Kia is doing everything they can to deny claims even with class action suits and pending suits and litigation. Anecdotally, I have read hundreds of stories like ours. In 4 weeks 4k more have joined, almost 500 daily, with engine failures. Now that I know that this is a pervasive and wide spread issue with thousands of faulty engines, I realize that this is not a company who cares about the wellbeing of their customers. Their engine design flaws, actions and inaction are causing their customers stress and heartache, financial ruin, terrifying accidents, house fires, and death and yet they are doing everything they can to skirt financial responsibility for their issues. They are lying to their customers, finding every loop hole they can and not honoring the mandated settlements to make their customers whole and provide them with a safe and reliable vehicle. It is a tragedy that should be getting more press and legal attention to hold Kia responsible for the pain they are causing their customers, who put their faith and safety in the hands of the company.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023, fire
A broken connecting rod punctured the engine block which resulted in engine oil escaping. The leaking oil caught fire while it was being driven down a highway. My son was driving at the time. He could have been killed had he not noticed the fire and stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps\lights on until after the fire occurred. Because Kia stated that the engine in my car was not part of the previous recall, and my insurance company did not consider it a total loss, I chose to put ~$10,000 into the car to have a used engine installed. (A used engine that most likely has the same safety issue) See this article about other Kia owners being told that this issue not covered under the previous recall since it didn't cover their year\make. I fall into this category as well. Kia has refused to acknowledge there being a problem and provided NO assistance with getting me car repaired. My vehicle is still not drivable, due to other electrical issues most likely caused by the fire: https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/12/despite-not-being-subject-recall-second-kia-catches-fire-while-driver-is-behind-wheel/ Kia Case Number:[XXX] Kia has stated that they feel there is no issue with the engine in my vehicle and that it is safe to drive. This is most likely not true and I feel they are engaged in gross negligence by not taking this issue more seriously. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
This 2017 Kia Sorento burns oil so excessively that it has stalled at times creating unsafe driving conditions. More so, it seems that Kia is aware of this issue but not moving to fix it. The date is for the most recent stalling.
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
My car is excessively burning oil. I have Had oil consumption tests done and it has come back excessive. I got the recommended engine cleaning done. They said this fixed the problem. Here I am Less than 3000 miles later and my oil is dry again. I only drive to and from work (5ish miles a day) and longer spouts on the weekends. Kia does not want to honor this and fix it. They know it’s a problem and everyone at the service will tell me they know but corporate won’t make it right.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 10, 2023
First issue: Computer fails to throw codes for issues like low oil or engine overheating because of a cracked radiator that was bone dry when the mechanic looked at it. At the time of the incident with the cracked radiator, mechanic checked fuses and system but could not find any issues. However, they agreed that check engine light should have come on. But it did not. Second issue: Oil some how magically disappears out of the engine, and because of this, I'm now stuck, with a worthless car that I'm going to have to abandon about 900 miles from my home because it'll cost too much to replace an engine. Even the mechanic that looked at it said it wasn't worth spending the money on replacing the engine. Think about the level of absurdity because that's a big amount of labor for them and they recommended against spending money on the Sorento.. I'm now car less and fucked because of Kia's shitty defects.. I'm sorry for the profanity but I'm lost.. I'm lost.
Power train, Engine, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. While shifting from first to second gear, the transmission was shifting hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer five times however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the oil. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Fredy Kia 11711 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77034 where it was diagnosed there was no oil in the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. There was a leak coming from the engine and it was diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but there was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Engine, Mar 22, 2023
Driving on interstate when vehicle began to lose power, going slower and slower. Exited highway and suddenly the entire dashboard lit up and the car shut off. There had been NO INDICATION of a problem prior to this point. I was 500 miles away from needing an oil change. Had car towed to dealership where they told me there was no oil in the car. How is that even possible, when there had been no oil leakage. (I park in the same two places every day.) 1) How does a car burn through all the oil like that with no indication of a problem? 2) Why wouldn't the low oil sensor come on in the car if this were the case? I had to replace the engine at at cost of over $6000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle was stalling. The contact's daughter was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle then lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 79,210.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Mar 13, 2023
After owning this car for four years and performing regular oil changes, it suddenly started knocking and stalling. I immediately checked the oil, which was not even registering on the dipstick (despite an oil change not due for another 2,800 miles). I added almost 4 Qt of oil. We were able to make it home and have a mechanic confirm that it needs a new engine. It has only 82,000 miles. I'm glad that we stalled just BEFORE getting on the snowy highway, otherwise, who knows what would have happened to my entire family.
Engine, Feb 26, 2023
My husband was driving and said he heard a knocking noise. We pulled over and had no oil. We put 5 quarts in and drove to the Kia dealership in Huntsville AL. We kept losing power and stalling while we drove. They said we needed a new engine. It was a known issue but not under warranty or recall. They quoted us over 14k to fix it. We trailered it home and have been praying for a recall since it is a known issue. I saw people on a facebook group say to report the problem to you. They have had luck getting help from your department. I originally leased the vehicle and the bought it after lease was up. I still owe on the vehicle and have kept up on maintenance. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 21, 2023
The vehicle is using excessive engine oil. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. I am currently adding about 5 quarts of oil between oil and filter changes. That's 10 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles. The vehicle has about 99,000 miles on it. It has been getting progressively worse the more miles it goes.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
It is an engine failure thru excessive oil usage. My oil light has never came on and Dealer nor KIA can tell what point does it suppose to come on. My vehicle has 90,000 miles and I put 6 quarts of oil between 4500 miles oil change. I just completed a oil consumption test in which it was down 2.5 quarts within 1000 miles. Then I had to pay $654 for a compression test. They say the test failed and the pistons are worn. Because they are worn, they say repair is not covered. I purchased a KIA Certified vehicle with an extended warranty and they say engine is not covered because the pistons are worn not broken. I say the pistons are worn because it may have been the lack of oil causing the extensive friction on the pistons. Is it mandatory for the car manufacturer to have an oil level warning or minimum standard that all of them should follow? They told me that my engine will die soon and a new engine is $12,000.00. I believe the public should be aware of their intentional engine failure caused by excessive oil usage by not giving a low oil notification. I have had my oil changed at the same dealership since I purchased it. I paid $2500 for an extended warranty in which they do not honor. I paid $2500 plus interest for a service that is not being honored. A warning light for low oil should be mandatory, manufacturer should be liable for not having a warning light in place. Service manager and service all played dumb stated nobody never asked about an oil warning light. Please Help!!! I still owe $15,000 on the vehicle.
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to 25-30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cylinders #1 and #4 were misfiring. Additionally, the dealer stated that oil residue was found on the spark plugs, indicating that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The dealer diagnosed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the long block, the engine, and the cylinders. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 75,114.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 6, 2023
Unknown. My vehicle has excessive oil consumption, major vibration an oil is shooting out of the top of my motor that may cause a fire.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 28, 2023
I was driving at approximately 35mph when my vehicle loss power and the steering wheel locked and gas pedal did not work almost causing me to be rear ended. I put my hazard lights on and started my vehicle back up and tried to continue driving but my vehicle delayed in acceleration and has now continued to delay ever since that incident. I have parked my vehicle and have not moved it due to the danger.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact continued to drive but the vehicle stalled again. The contact detected an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft and rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2023
I'm the (third and current) owner of 2017 Kia Sorento LX which was working absolutely fine, with no issues or any warning lights on. On 1/14/23 (Saturday) while travelling with family on highway I-95 (in florida), the engine suddenly failed with smoke and oil spurting out from underneath. The engine service lights and audio warning kicked in. Despite the confusion and nervousness, I was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder within seconds and escaped crash or fire. Immediately called my insurance and got the vehicle towed to the nearest Kia dealership. I had to drop the vehicle at the dealership (and drove home 700 miles to Virginia using one way rental). Few days later the dealership confirmed that the engine is not good anymore and it needs a replacement. They told me that since the recall (PI1802 ECU UPGRADE (KSDS)) was not performed on the vehicle, Kia will NOT pay for any expenses and I have to pay out of pocket more than $8500.00 for the replacement. It came as a big surprise and shock to me as I never heard or got any communication from either the dealer (3rd party) from whom I bought the vehicle or KIA regarding such recall or the fix needed, to prevent such a failure. I would appreciate it if your legal team can help me to have Kia replace the engine at no cost to me. As I'm searching, I'm hearing a lot of news about KIa's and Hyundai's having the same engine issue and many have resulted in fires and even death. Youtube and other online forums, have many of these horror stories, also few highlighted by the media. Now looking back, I feel lucky that we narrowly escaped!
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
Once I reached 70000 miles my car start to burn oil and I went to Kia north Brunswick because I used my service oil there they told me that was normal and we will do the test then I should change the oil once it was burning a lot before got empty and after I went kia bridge water New Jersey and we did same and this time after I change the oil and used 700 miles I found my oil is almost empty and my car still under warranty but they told me if I want to fix it I should change the engine from my pocket and as a note, I'm always doing my service in Kia dealer and I have been almost 10000 miles I change the oil like 8 times because this problem and no one knows what's the problem and no one help me, please I need help with my car Thanks in advance
Engine, Jan 16, 2023
MY KIA HAS AN ENGINE ISSUE THAT INVOLVES OIL CONSUPMTION. I GET THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 5,OOO MILES AND IN THE LAST 4 OIL CHANGES IT HAS BEEN BOTED THAT THERE WAS NO OIL OR ABOUT 1/2 A QUART IN THE OIL PAN WHEN DRAINING. THIS MEANS THAT MY KIA IN ESSENTIALY BURNING 5 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES, WHICH IN MY OPINION IS FAR MORE THAN JUST A WORN ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS NOT LEAKING ANY OIL, I CONFIRMED THIS BY PARKING IN BOTH MY GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY TO TEST FOR OIL LEAKS AND I HAVE LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND HAD THE PEOPLE DOING MY OIL CHANGE CHECK AND NONE OF US CAN FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF A LEAK. WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING THERE IN NO BLACK OR WHITE SMOKE SO I AM JUST NOT SURE WHERE THE OIL IS GOING. I HAVE CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD ME THAT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT I CAN PAY ALL THIS MONEY TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. I KNOW THAT MY KIA SORENTO IS NOT HE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER, KIA HAS STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ISSUE, SINCE IT HASN'T BECOME A RECALL INVOLVING MY PARTICULAR VIN IT IS NOT THIER PROBLEM. AND IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BECASUE ONE OF THESE DAYS THE ENGINE IS GOING TO SIEZE WHILE I AM ON THE FREEWAY, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, AND POTENTALY CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT THAT COULD RESULT IN DEATH. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME THANK YOU.
Engine, Jan 10, 2023
My 2017 Kia Sorento check engine turn on so I took it to the dealer. The dealer told me that it was the sensors and that the warranty would cover it. A few days later they told me they needed to change the engine. They also said that they needed the oil changes receipts. I send the receipts that I had in the moment, but the warranty needed more receipts. The lady from the dealer told me to call KIA to see what else they need it to approve the warranty to replace the engine. Another lady from KIA told me they need it 11 receipts in total to approve the warranty. I send the rest of the receipts which makes 11 receipts and they still don't want to replace the engine. I call the lemon law to see if they could help me and they told me because I never had any problems with the vehicle and it needs 2 or more problems with the engine, but they told me that KIA has a collective lawsuit for that are engines 2.0 and 2.4 and I have 2.4 on my Kia Sorento.
Engine, Jan 10, 2023
Excessive motor oil consumption leading to a cylinder 2 misfire resulting in a new motor needing to be purchased. The car is less than 5 years old. I purchased the car in 2018 with 13,000 miles and preformed all regularly scheduled auto maintenance and all of KIA’s recalls and advised KIA on multiple occasions that there was excessive oil consumption. Driving down the highway the car began to shake uncontrollably and the check engine light illuminated. The car was pulled over at an auto zone where it was advised of the cylinder 2 misfire. The car was then towed immediately into the Greensboro KIA dearlership for formal diagnosis of the issue. At which point the dealership called and advised all tests were performed and this repair would require a new motor for a total of $11000.
Engine, Jan 9, 2023
The 2.4 liter engine is using in excess of 4 quarts oil in less than 4000 miles. Kia corporation suggest to keep putting oil in engine until an internal failure. Then the engine will need replacing. The dealership willfully sold this under a Certified Pre-owned status. Which I think should be considered fraud. With Kia knowing they had the oil consumption issue prior to purchase. The vehicle was purchased Jan 23,2021 with 34,912 miles on it. It currently has 58921 miles on it. First began noticing the usage Dec 27 2022.
Engine, Jan 7, 2023
Engine seized after driving under 2000 miles after oil change from Kia dealership