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 and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot, at an unknown speed, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact was informed by her brother that there was no oil in the vehicle. The contact stated that oil was added to the vehicle. The oil and engine coolant system had been detected, and a full system check message was displayed on the navigation system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test was needed and to drive the vehicle for 1,000 miles, repeat the process, and then perform a leak-down test. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that there were too many fault codes, and the vehicle was not drivable. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 97,150.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an audible message indicated that there was engine failure, and the infotainment screen displayed the option to send an engine failure report. The vehicle then shuddered and made an abnormal sound. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the abnormal sound persisted. The vehicle was shaking, and the contact detected an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. Additionally, the headlights failed to illuminate while driving at night. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with multiple cylinders misfire. The dealer determined that the spark plugs and headlights needed to be replaced, as well as an induction cleaning and oil change. The dealer replaced the spark plugs and headlights but discovered that the fuel pump was leaking fuel into the engine. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact declined to have the induction cleaning, the oil changed, or the fuel pump replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and Technical Service Bulletin: 073 (Ball Joint Replacement); however, the VIN was not included in the recall and the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
Bought car from Bill bird kia in panama city Florida with 38k miles and at 41k miles we went for oil change the oil was extremely low and from that day we have kept record of every oil change 1k miles into every oil change the oil is gone and was told kia won't reach engine until the engine blows up so with 115k miles on it kia diagnosed our engine with cylinder #1 low compression due to lack of oil and it was not time for a oil change.. kia has refused to replace the engine. So I have had to spend 4950.00 on a remanufactured engine plus paying 2000.00 for labor
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
My Kia has been burning oil for about a year. My local Kia dealership was unable to verify if I had a warranty since I didn’t purchase it from them. I had to start going to Jiffy Lube for my oil changes since they offer free top off service because I was spending $15 every week to add oil to my engine. Currently, my engine light is constantly illuminating even with oil, change, maintenance and top offs.
Engine, Jun 27, 2024
The component That failed. Was the engine the engine blew at 120ish thousand miles. The problem has been taken to a dealer as well as an independent service station. Both confirmed that the engine blew because one of the Pistons exploded. Both confirmed that there is no reason for this. Other than it seems the oil thing did not ever tell anyone that the oil was running. There was no warning. No systems that came up nothing. We were driving and it lost power. I have spoken to Kia. I have spoken to the dealership I bought it from. Both have confirmed that Kia is known to have these issues with their engine but they are not doing a recall because it would be too expensive. When I spoke to Kia they told me that because my Kia specifically wasn't in the engine recall, I was out of luck. I still have it and they are welcome to inspect it. I have been holding out Hope that there is a recall because I spent my livelihood on this to give my kids a car. I had it for 2 years. It was maintained like a baby but because it's over 120,000 MI they will not do anything. I do have some paperwork I can send later if you'd like? It will take a bit to pull it out
Engine, Jun 19, 2024
Engine seized
Engine, Jun 7, 2024
No oil with no idication and no warning light. Extremely rough idling stalling possible complete engine failure.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was adding oil after driving two hundred miles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who performed two engine flushes and an oil change. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about an engine replacement after the engine had seized; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer Edwards Kia (3134 S 9th St., Council Bluffs, IA 51501), but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Engine, Jun 2, 2024
I have owned this KIA for 2 years and put 7000 miles on it. It has excessive oil consumption, currently using 1.5qt of oil every 200 miles. I have had 2 engine flushes and switched to Mobil 1 synthetic oil. KIA dealerships as well as KIA CORP have told me they will do nothing until the engine seizes and then it may or may not be repaired. I am the parent of 5 adopted special needs medically fragile children who should this vehicle seize and catch fire would perish in a burning vehicle. The dealership has told me to "drive it like I stole it and let it blow" I tried to trade out of vehicle and the dealerships call it a "COVID CAR" when the could charge excessive prices for used cars. I owe $21k on the vehicle. Owned 2 years and put 7000 miles on it and they will give me $8k for a trade. NOBODY wants it. I rely on transportation to get my medically fragile children safely to doctors and hospitals. I have all service records since I have had the car but no records from previous owner. Please tell me if there is a way you can help me. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 31, 2024
Engine Knocking, all spark plugs cracked, burning excessive oil. Very dangerous for myself, passengers, and all on the road. In Feb 2023 was on NY interstate when vehicle shacked violently and I started losing control. Luckly, I was able to bring the vehicle safely to the side of the road and wait for it to be towed to Kia dealership. This problem was confirmed and reproduced by the Kia Kingston NY dealership. They just said it was the spark plugs and everything was ok. It was inspected by dealership. They said no major engine issues, but the car keeps getting worse. Now it's having an engine failure code of values misfiring. It's nowhere to be safe to drive now. No warning lights when engine knocking happend and lost control of vehicle in Feb 2023. Oil light turned on due to excessive burn just a few days after an oil change. Check engine light turned on for values misfiring.
Engine, May 28, 2024
Driving down interstate with cruise control at 75 mph. Car suddenly started decelerating, causing a hazard attempting to get to the shoulder.
Engine, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his son was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, lost motive power, and failed to exceed 40 MPH. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Apr 28, 2024
Vehicle has excessive oil usage which made a carbon build up and the engine blew. I was told by my Kia dealer when I first started burning oil that this is a known problem and my engine would eventually blow a piston and not work. Unfortunately this happened. Knowing this was a problem Kia is aware of and not fixing is wrong.
Engine, Apr 27, 2024
Car has had zero problems. Started hearing a strange noise when accelerating, took to dealership they said engine was burning oil and oil was low (no indicator lights). They determineed the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. They told me this was a common occurrence with the 3.3L v6 associated with my model year. They agreed to replace the engine at their cost after a lengthy back and forth. I serviced the car regularly at Kia. They determined it was no fault of my own. Drove the car home and a few additional times. The engine blew up, smoking with no indicator lights. I had to pull over off the side of the road. It could have been a dangerous situation. It has been over a month and the engine has not been replaced yet due to limited inventory and difficulty obtaining a replacement engine by the dealership. The car was towed to the dealership after the engine blew up and it is still sitting at the dealership.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2024
Vehicle drastic stalling problem. It would often stall and dramatically reduce speed. Experienced 3 times driving on highway reduced fro 60mph to 20mph without breaking and engine light come on while vehicle has heavy shaking and consistent stalling. First time I was told it was knock sensor and got it replaced. Second time I was told it was coil and spark plug and had it replaced. Third time same thing as second time I was told coil/oil consumption burning issue and to get it checked at dealer. Dealer said cylinder failed compression test and need new engine. Vehicle only 94550 miles. I have always felt the vehicle stalling and I thought it was normal since I have mentioned to dealer service on occasion if it is normal to require oil change before the recommended oil change date/millage on the dash. The answer I got was it's just an estimate and it's normal. Recently I have been searching online and there are forums with complaint from other 2017 kia Sorento owners of similar issues. There seem to have been class action settlement on 3.5 Lt engine Sorento about consumption issue. My concern is if this is a difect, I dont want to risk driving on a highway and I have sudden reduction in speed without breaking indication for other drivers to react. Fortunately I work at night and it was not much vehicles on the road. Vehicle is currently at the dealer debating warranty coverage and testing for cause. I will upload the repairs and findings when complete. God forbids I get new engine and I deal with the same issue on the wrong time of the day. Dates of occurense June2, Sept. 23 of 2023, and march 29, 2024. In kia dealer shop since 04/05/2024.
Engine, Apr 12, 2024
While driving my 2017 Kia Sorento, my car suddenly started making very loud clanging noises out of nowhere. The car then completely shut down in the middle of the highway. Thankfully, I was able to coast off to the side of the road. I tried to restart the car, but it would not start. After having the car towed to my mechanic, he informed me that there was absolutely NO OIL in the car. It was completely empty. No warning lights ever came on to tell me there was an issue. I maintain my car with oil changes regularly. I have all documentation to prove it. There is absolutely no reason for there to have been no oil in the car. As a result, my engine is now destroyed. My mechanic told me it needed a new engine, and after having it towed again at my own expense to a KIA dealer, they told me the same thing. They informed me that my car doesn't fall under any warranties and I would need to pay for a new engine. My car only has 119,000 miles on it, and it isn't even paid off yet! I am the only owner of this car and take good care of it. When I contacted KIA customer service, they were of absolutely no help and they also told me I was financially responsible for a new engine. After doing research, I have found that 2017 Kia Sorento owners have reported the same exact issue of no oil being in the car, with no warning lights coming on, to the NHTSA. And their engines were also destroyed as a result. There is an extended warranty on the Oil safety switch for my vehicle. I brought that up to Kia, and they told me they could replace the switch, but not the engine. I told them that the engine is destroyed because the car lost all of its oil with no warning. Being that this is a known problem with Kia engines, and many complaints have been filed, the NHTSA needs to investigate this and hold KIA responsible for replacing people's engines!
Engine, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed with his family inside the vehicle, the battery light and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed as engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Apr 9, 2024
Smell of oil burning on exhaust manifold. Inspected by dealer service and found oil leaks at head gasket at rear cylinder bank. Dealer service instructed me not to drive vehicle any further and provided a loaner vehicle. Continued driving with oil leak could have resulted in engine fire. Vehicle is not drivable at present and is at dealer awaiting repairs. I am in possession of a letter from Kia to owners of these vehicles that the head gaskets are a known issue and Kia has extended the warranty on this engine.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 4, 2024
I purchased 2017 Kia Sorento in 2020. I have to put 2 quarts of oil in it once a week. I noticed it around 2022. I get the oil changed on the regular. The engine is starting to rattle, and my oil light does not indicate when the oil is low. So, I have to check it constantly. The under-carriage rattles excessively. I've taken the suv to dealership and they are telling me that they cannot find anything wrong with it. I am at a loss. Plus, I am still paying a note on the suv.
Engine, Apr 1, 2024
The knock sensor/glow circuit relay failed The car stopped accelerating on the freeway with me and my family in the car. The car was serviced at a Kia dealership and they confirmed that it was the knock sensor which is on recall just not for my cars year. There was no symptoms or warning signs or problems prior to the failure. It happened on the spot.
Engine, Mar 29, 2024
I purchased a 2017 kia sorento in 2017. Moved to mississippi in 2018. Never received a recall notice on the engine of my car. Engine blew last month for the exact reason of the recall. Mechanic had to inform me of the recall. Kia is not honoring the recall or the warranty. They are wanting to charge me for any work.
Engine, Mar 23, 2024, fire
While driving our 2017 Kia Sorento, it began exhibiting power struggles. Something was just wrong, but we didn't know what. There were no signs on the dashboard. No sensors, symbols, lights, no sounds, no leaks, nothing. Figuring it was just our imagination or whatever, because we continually have issues with this vehicle, we continued driving (looking back at it now, we know it wasn't as powerful as it should have been). One day we start it up and it begins knocking, and viciously. Checking the oil, we notice it's dry. Bone dry. We were terrified at that point because we know, that's not a good sign. We take it to diagnosed (700$) to be told the engine is seized, a rod in the engine is bent and put a hole in the engine. Oil and fluids everywhere. Like I previously stated, there were no signs. No symptoms. Nothing to question. The oil was seeping through the system and going out my exhaust. My car is still under a loan. It was only 6 years old when it experienced engine failure and completely died (won't even start). 146K miles. I now have to spend thousands if I want to continue owning this vehicle. It breaks my heart.
Engine, Mar 13, 2024
Me and my family were traveling on the interstate on a rainy December 10, 2024 and my engine started to lose power. I was driving approximately 75-77 mph when my car started losing power. No lights or warnings! I tried to give more gas but nothing happened. It then started to jerk as it was still losing power. I was able to safely exit the highway before the vehicle completely stopped. I tried to restart the car but it wouldn’t stay on. By then the engine light was on. I was 50 miles from home and had to call a tow truck to pick up the vehicle as well as a family member to pick us up from the side of the interstate. The vehicle was towed 50 miles to my local mechanic. On that Monday, he checked the Sorento and told me the motor was gone! He stated he could tell by the spark plugs that it had been burning oil. This was a total shock being that I had previously taken my vehicle to the Kia dealership in June of 2023 because the car was burning oil. I had checked my vehicle in between services to find out no oil was in it. The Kia dealership performed an oil consumption test. Their findings were there wasn’t anything wrong with the rate the vehicle was burning oil. Which now I find hard to believe once the engine failed. I had purchased the extended warranty which covered me until 100,000 miles. Of course my engine failed at 100,399. But I feel those extra 399 miles were from taking my vehicle back and forth to the Kia dealership for the consumption test which obviously they didn’t perform correctly or just didn’t want to admit it was something wrong because I live approximately 75 miles from the dealership. Kia is supposed to be the best but I definitely think otherwise after this. After calling Kia they were no help and this seems to be a common issue with 2017 Kia Sorentos.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
I lost power from the engine while going up a mountain in Georgia. Thought we were going to run off a cliff due to engine failure. We were at about a 45 degree incline going up a mountain. Car stopped due to loss of compression. Family of 3 were 6 feet from edge of cliff when this happened. If breaks failed we would have crashed for sure down the cliff. Total loss of power. It was misfiring per Service department at Halls Service Center in Knoxville , Tn said, Compression in 2 and 3 cylinders were at 60 and 90 PSI. 1 and 4 compression were at 115 and 150. Car is drinking oil like water. Regular maintenance was always completed. Car is available for inspection if needed. I did get a check engine lite on my dash but only after the incident. Other than what the auto service department mentioned above no one else has inspected the vehicle.
Engine, Mar 6, 2024
January 14, 2024. I was driving on the highway, up a mountain, when the engine abruptly failed. All dashboard lights came on, including the check engine light. My safety, and the safety of those driving near me, was put at risk because of the sudden decrease in speed. When the car was inspected by a Kia dealership, they confirmed it needed a new engine, but that the engine was not covered, even though there is a long history of these engines failing and needing replacement.