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
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 20, 2022
Excessive oil consumption with no low oil warning light. Driving with no oil can cause severe engine damage. I was informed by the Kia dealership after reporting an issue with oil consumption. Issue started in March 2022, diagnosed in april 2022 and 1 month of driving had no oil and no low oil warning light come on after oil change.
Engine and engine cooling, May 11, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH on the highway that suddenly there was smoke and flames coming from underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The fire department came to extinguish the fire. The police department was present and filed a report. There were no injuries. There were no other vehicles involved. The vehicle was towed and the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000
Engine, Apr 26, 2022
Kia can not describe what exactly is wrong with my vehicle. First they said it was the rod bearing then they took it back because if it was the rod bearing system then Kia would have to fix the engine then they said it’s my spark plugs now here we are 4 weeks later they’re saying it’s the compression system in relation to the spark plugs. And this was the same person i spoke to literally 4 weeks Ago. So at this point I’m like make up your mind which one is it? I told them I’m a single parent with a disabled child with no transportation and have been without for 4 weeks. I even had to come up with a rental out of pocket with no reimbursement or loaner from Kia when asked m, i spent $2,000 that Kia won’t reimburse me for. The incident occurred in march 27,2022 while driving on the highway at 70mph as i was accelerating my engine began to shake and engine light came on and vehicle began to shake violently and completely went out. I nearly got into a 3 pile car accident due to this incident. The dealer refuses to acknowledge any ownership and completely rests the blame on me. I have told them and called Kia consumer that i can not afford to pay $7,000 for a recalled engine and im highly upset. No prior warning lights came on prior to this event i submitted all prior maintenance paperwork to my insurance adjuster for proof that the vehicle was regularity was maintained i also did the KSDS update that they recommended that i get done back on 10/2021 and this still issue still happened to me. Now I’ve been sitting at my home with my disabled son and he’s been unable to attend school and i have been unable to provide because we have had no transportation for 4 weeks with no help from Kia. They finally introduced good will to me today finally after 4 weeks but i doubt kia will even cover whole or 50% of the costs of the engine because i can’t afford $7000.
Engine, Apr 26, 2022
I have a had issues with my check engine light flashing and when that occurs. The car begins to drive slow and does a jerking motion when pressing the gas pedal. I called Kia Galenea and informed them of the problem with my vehicle. They took the car and said it that the vehicle needed a updated on the knock sensor. So they did the updated not even a week later the engine check light comes back on again. I called Kia dealership and told them again what had happened. The same code P1326 appeared again and the check engine light is flashing. They took the car back and said it was a oil pressure switch that needed to be fixed. I paid them for that and they said we fixed it. I left the dealership with my vehicle and not even 20 minutes the check engine light came back on. This time my car began to stall like it could hardly go 50 on the interstate. I told the dealership and they said it’s nothing we can do, so I had told them it’s still showing the P1326 popping up and the car is even worse now. So I filed a complaint with Kia Consumer after that incident and I have yet to hear back from anyone yet. During this difficult time I have been struggling to get to work when they basically refuse to put me in a rental. I was put in a rental for less than 24 hours when they called me that morning saying they had fixed the problem when I’m certain they didn’t because the check engine light began to flash as soon as I got on the interstate. I had to pull over because I didn’t want anyone to rear end me. I just want Kia to fix the problem even though it’s not giving me the answers. I have filed a complaint I have been more than patient with Kia. I’m still without answers and a vechicle.
Engine, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer sent a diagnostic report to the manufacturer. The manufacturer declined to cover the repair of the vehicle as the contact had failed to complete a knock sensor software update under a product improvement campaign; however, the contact stated that she had not received a notification regarding the product improvement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Apr 18, 2022
4/18/22 While making a right turn in a residential neighborhood, the car abruptly stopped and engine shut down. The stop was so abrupt that it threw my body forward and now have shoulder and neck pains. No warning lights were illuminated prior to this incident, however, after the engine shut down, the airbag light was lit. I drove it home slowly, called the Kia dealership in Manteca, CA. Making arrangements to have the vehicle towed and have it examined. Two days prior, the ! light came on. I noticed that the passenger side headlight was out. That same evening when I started the vehicle up, the ! light was gone and the headlight worked. I addition, when having the light control kept on Auto, the headlights remain on all the time. If this had happened in traffic or on the freeway, it may have had a different outcome.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 8, 2022
The vehicle has stalled multiple times while in motion presenting a life safety concern, the vehicle is under warranty and has been at the dealer multiple times and they are unable to duplicate and refuse to do any further diagnoses beside scan for active codes which the vehicle does not have. Vehicle currently will not start and has left us stranded in an area where we are concerned for our safety.
Engine, Mar 26, 2022
Upon driving in the highway at the speed limit of of 75mph my Kia Sorento began to lose control and lose speed when i tried to gain more speed . It was very frightening and i ultimately feared for my life especially when the whole car began to shake violently. Based on the diagnostic report it is the engine control system and yes i agree to have my vehicle inspected because this is highly unacceptable from Kia! I literally just gave Kia my car back in 10/2021 for them to update the engine software and now this! And when i call to make an appointment to get the problem fixed I’m being told i can’t get a loaner car i would be paying a rental car out of pocket for 6 month! I am a single parent of a disable child and Kia thinks that’s ok? My safety was highly put at risk! I could’ve swerved and panicked and hit other cars had i not had gained complete control over my car. There has been no other prior engine light system failures but prior notices in the mail about a prior recall in my car then also i had to pay $252 to get my car towed because i was beyond my insurances mileage
Engine, Mar 23, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento.. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called and put out the fire. A fire report was made. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Mar 13, 2022
Engine ceased in Dec ..was repaired and today engine ceased again. I believe they repaired it with a bad engine. Im currently stuck on side of road with my children. I pulled over off the highway in enough time. My engine was just replaced by Kia in Dec 21. There is no way this should be happening I purchased through Greenway Kia in Franklin, TN in I took the car back for the bumper/ SC201 recall and since then have had nothing but issues. I have established the below timeline as the basis of my complaint and frustration. Last year I tried to get a manager to call me back for months and no one called. 5/18/21- Returned car for the SC201 Aux Canister Installation recall 6/11/21-Less than a month later my engine light came on and I noticed issue with my oil having to be topped off often. After a week or so in the shop and denied claims. I was told at this point that there was a canister issue unrelated to the recall. This made no sense to me since the engine light did not come on until after the recall work was done 11/16/2021- Car engine ceased and stop as I was heading to work. I had not yet reached 65 busy hwy. If I had I might have been in an accident. The car remained in the shop for almost a month. During this time, I had to catch rides to work and continue to pay a 549.00 per month car payment. I eventually rec’d a 10 day rental through the warranty. I received the car back in Dec 2020. Jan 2021- now- Notice a burning engine smell and call Kia who stated that it was the newest of the engine. I also notice the engine was louder. Was told this was a new engine. I contacted KIA 2 weeks to schedule appt because I’m back topping oil, engine light never came off and burning smell so
Engine, Feb 21, 2022
I purchased my vehicle from Carvana in 2020. It was registered and I received my tag promptly. Last week I was turning and gaining speed and I lost all engine power. Battery light came on and steering locked up as well as brakes almost causing an accident. I noticed Kia and I paid to tow it to the location. They then notified me that because I had active recalls the vehicle was no longer under warranty and I would be responsible for the cost of the engine replacement. I have no car to get back and forth to work with and am about to lose my job. I bought a Kia FOR the warranty and have received ZERO notifications of recalls and was not told when Carvana sold me the car. I have no idea what to do but it was made clear that the recalls not behind fixed is what has destroyed my ENTIRE ENGINE. I need my car added to the recall list. I need a new engine on my NEW car before I lose everything
Engine, Feb 15, 2022
Recently the oil pressure sensor indicator light has been coming dure to excessive oil consumption. Oil light also comes on when idling, even though engine oil level is full. Slight increase of RPM causes light to go out, but may come back on occasionally when idling again. PVC valve has been replaced with a new one, problem continues. Seen many more of the same complaints on this and other websites. Appears to be a manufacturing defect or faulty oil pressure sender based on reported information. A Kia Sorento oil pressure switch recall is allegedly necessary based on a petition sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The agency says the petition seeks a Kia Sorento oil pressure switch recall because 2015-2017 Sorentos are at risk of complete engine failures.
Engine, Feb 5, 2022
I purchased this vehicle 6 months ago(07/2021). I have kept up with my regular service oil changes, but it burns oil way too quick, and the exhaust spits out smoke. I have been adding oil every 3-4 days because it runs dry just that fast. I was driving on the highway, and the vehicle abruptly slowed down. The engine light blinked off and on, and then stayed on. I barely made it off the exit safely, because the vehicle would no longer accelerate. I could no longer drive it, and the sounds from the engine became increasingly louder. I had to have the vehicle towed to my mechanic, where it sits today, not able to drive, and according to him, in need of a new engine. This is very frustrating, especially since I have only had the vehicle for barely 6 months. I have all my invoices of regular oil changes, so I know this is not a problem I caused. Kia has got to do better. It's absolutely dangerous to have consumers on the road, driving in such hazardous conditions.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
Excessive Oil Consumption, internally burning oil. No Smell, just oil gone very quickly even after an oil change. Others have complained about the same issue with the 2017 sorento, Kia is doing nothing about it.
Engine, Jan 25, 2022
We had an oil change done, and right after there was a knocking sound on top of the engine. Then, it stalled while we were driving it. They told us to have it checked. My wife was on her way to a near Kia dealership and the engine blew. She Called the number for Kia today, and they told her it wasn't under recall, but according to recall #SC153 the make and model was under a recall for the exact issue that we ran into.
Engine, Jan 13, 2022
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STALLED SCARING EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THERE IS A MISFIRE AND MOST LIKELY THE PISTON RING IS BAD AND ENGINE NEEDS TO REPLACED . THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING ALOT OF OIL PRIOR TO ENGINE FAILURE .
Power train, Engine, Jan 13, 2022
THIS IS A EARLY 2017 BOUGHT IN AUGUST 2016 ON DECEMBER 22 2021, MY DAUGHTER AND TWO YOUNG GRANDSONS WERE TRAVELING WEST BOUND ON I68 JUST PAST CUMBERLAND MD. HER CAR LOST POWER AND SHE CALLED ME IMMEDIATELY AND I HEARD THE ENGINE RATTLING. I TOLD HER IMMEDIATELY TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF, I ASK HER IF SHE HAD A LOW OIL PRESSURE OR LOW OIL LIGHT SHE DIDN'T UNTIL ALL THE OIL LEAKED OUT. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALER IN CUMBERLAND, MD WHERE HE TOOK A PICTURE OF A POP CAN SIZE HOLE IN THE BLOCK. SO YOU HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS IN SOME 2017s. SHE HAS 115000. MILES ON THE VEHICLE. IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHY SHE CALLED ME, SHE WAS ON THE WAY TO MY HOME AND I WORKED AT TMMWV TEST CELLS AND LISTENED TO MANY ENGINES.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 5, 2022, fire
I WAS LEAVING MY COUSINS APARTMENT COMPLEX WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER. ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE ON AND THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING SO IT DID NOT APPEAR TO BE THE BATTERY. I ATTEMPTED TO TRY AND START THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND NOTICED GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I THEN BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, SO I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND POPPED THE HOOD. I THEN NOTICED A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE BEHIND THE AIR FILTER COMPONET. ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER I HEARD A POP AND TOOK OFF RUNNING TO A SAFER LOCATION AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE THEN BEGAN TO GROW BIGGER AND THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT CAME ON. IF I HAD NOT EXITED THE VEHICLE WHEN I DID I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERLY BURNT AS THE WHOLE FRONT WINDSHIELD SHATTERED AND THE DASH WAS MELTED AND FRONT SEATS WERE BURNT.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 3, 2022
My car was fine, then all of a sudden (after an oil change) it started knocking really loudly. I pulled over and the noise stopped- so I got back in the car a drive home. When I pulled into the driveway, I heard the noise again- knocking. I popped the hood and had daughter press the gas, sure enough- knocking again. I told husband and we parked it, he towed it to the dealership the next day. They said that because my car did not get the "campaign" update- ROD KNOCKING SENSOR- that the extended warranty was null and void. I asked to place a complaint at how the whole situation was handled- they said they mailed us letters, but they must have been the most non-descriptive letters in history. It's not safe- they know about this problem and they are not doing anything about it- they are doing the bare minimum, that is how people get hurt. We owe more to repair this vehicle than it is worth, and there is no "Goodwill" assistance on a car that wasn't "kept". I kept my car within it's normal limits, it's not right how the company chose to notify. They have all my contact info- I am the original owner. Thank goodness my teen daughter wasn't driving.
Engine, Dec 20, 2021
The oil pressure switch sensor is going bad. Common problem with the 3.3 Lambda V6 engine. The oil light comes on when the vehicle is at idle. I now have an oil leak which is another symptom of the sensor going bad. Costly repair, sensor located deep in the engine between the two cylinder banks. This is a fire hazard with oil pooling on top of the engine if not repaired.
Power train, Engine, Oct 28, 2021
my car went from running perfectly fine to completely breaking down in less than 10 miles. Complete engine failure. I was lucky it did not catch fire. I am writing this because Kia needs to change the status of their "product improvement campaign" PI1802 to a full blow recall. This is a wide spread issue that affected thousands of Kia vehicles, but because they refuse to call it a recall, it does not show up on nhtsa or on Kia's website. Kia states that numerous notices were mailed, but I did not receive anything. They cannot prove that I received them any more than I can prove that I didn't. They are now refusing to cover or help cover the cost of a whole new engine.
Engine, Aug 19, 2021
There is an oil consumption problem in Kia engines. AND Kia refuses to cover the problem. I was told the oil consumption issue will cause my engine to completely fail and yet they refuse to cover it under the warranty. My neighbor has the same make and model and her car nearly crashed because of the same failure. For a YEAR I was told Kia would cover the repairs when the engine eventually fails and TODAY August 19 2021, I was told they won’t cover the engine failure due to oil consumption issues. An issue they FINALLY have a test for but refuse to do because “it’s not covered by the warranty.” I have a 100,000 mile engine warranty. I have my oil changed every 3,000 miles and take very good car of a car they KNOW is going to break down. And still there is no recall. There are thousands of complaints about this exact problem. And people being forced to pay 5-7 grand out of pocket for an issue that MUST be covered. Kia KNOWS it’s a problem and they all say well if anything else goes wrong we will test your car then “maybe” it will be covered. Meanwhile, my car is literally a ticking time bomb. That apparently a Kia warranty won’t cover. Please, for the thousands of people like me, investigate and expose Kia for this serious issue. I don’t want my car to seize or explode because of a problem Kia knows of and refuses to repair or recall.
Engine, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost all motive and electrical functionality. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Aug 4, 2021
Engine failed at 94,000 miles while driving. Main bearings in engine ceased up due to lack of oil flow thru the ports. This was a known problem with kia engines but I never a recall notice.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 KIA Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 approved a rental vehicle for the inconvenience. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure mileage was 70,000.