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 and engine cooling
26 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a hole in a valve and a piston was fractured. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact notified the manufacturer via telephone and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 5, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to safely pull into a driveway, and the contact noticed flames coming out of the hood. The contact stated that the fire caused property damage to the driveway, including debris and burn marks. The entire vehicle was engulfed in fire and deemed destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department incident report was filed. The police arrived at the scene, assisted in directing traffic, but did not file a report. The contact further stated that while attempting to exit the vehicle, the contact's mother fell on the ground. No medical treatment was sought, and no injuries directly related to the vehicle fire were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Firerelated, Apr 6, 2026, fire
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, and police and firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware whether a police or fire department report had been filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and the insurance company was made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. An oil consumption test and combustion cleaning were performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the failure. The contact was advised to park the vehicle outside. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. A dealer was contacted and informed to add oil as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as needed. The approximate failure mileage was 76,471.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while coasting to a stop light, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stopped driving as needed. During the failure, the vehicle had not shut off. After turning it off and restarting the vehicle, the failure failed to self-correct. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic every 3,000 miles for an oil change, and there was no oil in the engine. Additionally, the contact stated that he was adding a gallon of engine oil every month in between oil changes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that later, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where the contact retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P1326; for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 63,666.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that three days after purchasing the vehicle, the contact checked the oil level and noticed that the oil level was two quarts low. The contact checked the oil constantly after one thousand miles and noticed that the oil level was low. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Most recently, while the contact was driving at slow speeds, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was attempting to overtake a US Postal Service truck when the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with knock sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 25-29 MPH uphill and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle began sputtering and struggling to accelerate. While at the stop sign, the vehicle started idling roughly with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the cylinders were filling with oil due to a gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure caused the catalytic converter to be corrupted and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was a Class Action Lawsuit for the issue, and there was an Extended Warranty coverage for the failure; however, because a specific fault code was not retrieved, the vehicle would not qualify for the repair, unless the engine seized. The contact was advised not to add oil to the engine to prevent the engine from seizing and to get the repair covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions, while checking the engine oil level, after driving 600 miles, the dipstick indicated that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed to monitor the oil level to determine if the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine was flushed twice. The contact stated that the symptoms of oil consumption were mild, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion that caused the engine to fail. The contact was told that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact was informed that documents of past maintenance records were incomplete, and the warranty had expired. The contact stated that in the past, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the engine had been replaced one time before. The contact related the failure NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the AG Office. The manufacturer denied the claim and refused to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 243,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the nearest dealer for an unknown recall repair, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the maintenance records needed to be reviewed to repair the vehicle under recall. The contact provided the maintenance records that the dealer sent to the manufacturer. The manufacturer later informed the dealer that the vehicle was not eligible for an engine replacement based on the maintenance records. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the engineers had determined that the vehicle was not eligible for engine replacement and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic replaced the air filter, brake fluid, serpentine belt, accessory belt, performed tire rotation, replaced the power steering fluid, and performed an oil change. The check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who replaced the ignition coil and spark plugs. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket, fuel pump gasket, and coolant, performed a 3-point GGI induction service, refilled the brake fluid, and replaced a carbon air filter. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that piston #3 had failed, and a spark plug was burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began to shake aggressively, and the engine had seized. There was no warning light during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The driver had coasted to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed home with open fuel injectors and piston failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced again. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights shut off unexpectedly. The contact turned off the light switch and then back on and the failure was fixed. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption, and engine oil was added shortly after having an oil change performed. The vehicle also experienced harsh driving due to the oil consumption failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
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.
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 and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while having an alignment performed at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was checking the oil level daily. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that her husband checked the oil and added approximately one quart of oil per week. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was losing oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about a loyalty program. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and the check oil warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact placed the vehicle in park (P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle to a local dealer who added oil and changed the spark plugs. The contact had a recent oil change performed less than two weeks prior to the engine failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that over the next several years the vehicle stalled intermittently. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and had the vehicle diagnosed and was advised that the catalytic converter had been damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while exiting the highway at 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and parked the vehicle in a parking lot. The next day, the contact's father towed the vehicle to her residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to a dealer. After a week at the dealer, the contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 138,492.
Engine and engine cooling, May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost forward momentum. The contact stated his daughter had not noticed any warning lights. The vehicle was pulled safely off the road however, the vehicle stalled and had to be towed to a dealer. The vehicle had been diagnosed and it was determined that there was a hole in the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 114,800.
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.
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 and engine cooling, Engine, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed on Oct 29th and approximately a month later, the engine had consumed 2 1/2 quarts of oil. There was no oil on the dipstick when checked and the vehicle had not yet been driven 1,000 miles. The vehicle began sputtering with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was referred to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was informed that the failure could be related to the pistons. The vehicle was not officially diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that a quart of oil needed to be added occasionally. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,008.
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