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
804 reports, newest first.
Steering, Jun 18, 2023
I have a 2017 Kia Sorento in which the steering has been feeling sticky. It feels like the steering has been getting stuck and hard to turn at times. I’m scared that one day it will get stuck and I can’t undue the stickiness at all. It’s very scary and unsafe to drive. I had contacted a Kia dealership to get this problem looked at because I feel this vehicle is dangerous and I have a young child that I drive back and forth in this vehicle. I even contacted Kia consumer services on plenty of occasions and they were no help.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2023
First and foremost I am the 2 owner of this vehicle with only 38,000 miles, my 82 mother gave me the car with 22,000 miles on it b/c she barely drives anymore. The car is in excellent condition until I started noticing that the steering wheel was sticky and it is difficult to control the vehicle, the oil pressure and the traction control light would come on and off intermittently. In addition, while in park or driving the speedometer would display dashes and then display inaccurate speeds going up and down until reaching 95 miles on the display then, would go to dashes, and then everything would return to normal. I took the vehicle in the last months of 2022 to the dealership which they failed to acknowledge and display lights and any problems with the steering wheel. I took the vehicle home and the oil pressure light started displaying continuously along with all the other problems (I did not take it back to the dealership b/c they already had charged me a substantial amount of money for nothing). I took the vehicle to have the oil checked, oil levels were fine nothing could not figure out the leak location. Fast forward, the vehicle is sitting at an independent reputable mechanic who was able to find that the "Oil pressure sending unit" is responsible for the leak and the oil pressure light display. The Kia dealership neglects to honor any warranty, I am left paying thousands for this repair.
Steering, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 15, 2023
I was driving on a highway where maximum speed limit was 65miles. Suddenly my car stalled and restarted again and post that i had a warning for Check AEB, auto hold was disabled and Traction control was enabled. For a brief moment, i lost steering which may be a result of the stall but then i regained steering. This has happened 4 times in the last 6 months. I stopped the car by the road, turned off the engine and restarted the car. The dashboard still showed the same warnings. I again turned off the car, opened my drivers side door and closed it and then restarted the car. The warning signs went off and then there were no issues post that.
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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2023
i HAVE A 2017 KIA SORENTO i PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE SEPTEMBER 2021. SINCE PURCHASING THIS TRUCK i have had problems with oil consumption.the engine constantly burn oil. I have taken to king KIA in Gaithersburg md . where I'm now being told it keep failing the oil consumption test. and that a combustion cleaning need to perform. AS I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUED I WAS SHOCK TO SEE THAT THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM AND THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WITH KIA. kia need to be held responsible for these problems NOT THE CONSUMERS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL.
Engine, Jun 14, 2023
Engine stopped working while I was driving due to a rod bearing issue with no warning. No engine lights, low oil lights, etc came on to warn me. Luckily I was able to get to the side of the road and wait for a tow truck. Kia dealer said it was unrepairable due to "rod bearing" failure, and I needed a new engine. Kia has recalled/updated software for their 4 cylinder GDI engines for a "rod bearing" engine failure issues but not the V6. Kia has also settled a class action lawsuit due to this failure - but only in the 4 cyl engines. The V6 is also having this problem. Dealer quoted nearly $10,000 for a new engine, I chose to sell the vehicle at a loss instead.
Engine, Jun 13, 2023
This involves a 2017 Kia Sorento. 1.350 miles after a scheduled oil change I checked the oil and found it was 3 quarts of oil low. The color of the oil on dip stick was blackened. I have been topping off the oil every 400 miles with another quart of oil. I visited a local Kia dealership and talked to a maintenance person who told me to stop adding oil and it would eventually "freeze up" and they would replace the engine. They also told me that Kia had extended the warranty on this type of engine to 999,999 miles. This tells me that they expect to replace the engine eventually. Their advice above sounds stupid and extremely dangerous. If I hadn't checked the oil level after 1.350 miles it would have run out before the next scheduled oil change. This could have happened during rush hour traffic and would have possibly caused a very serious accident. If they plan on replacing it in the future I think they should do it now before any serious accidents happen. I hope you would agree. There has not been any warning lights to say it was low on oil. Again , the engine would have to freeze up before they would replace it. Thanks for your assistance.
Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2023
The vehicle turns the headlights on while the engine is off, parked, and no occupants in the car and no keys in the ignition. I have experienced this multiple times. There are many other reports of this on the Internet as well. The multi switch was in the Auto position. I started the car, then turned it off, removed the keys, locked the doors and the lights went off. I checked on it later and the headlights had come back on (with the tail lights) while parked in my driveway. I then searched on the Web for others having this issue and there are many with this same year and model. This could run down the battery repeatedly, and also it is unknown if it is an electrical/fire hazard because something is clearly still activated after the car has been turned off.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2023
The shift release has been replaced for 2017 kia sorento but now it is traffic light switch causing one of my car problems. In gas I spend 40 dollars a day for less than 110 miles of driving even with an full synthetic oil change just done is problem two. The speedometer is off by 3 to 5 I have had bmv and officers do their test on vehicle along with the head and tail lights being replaced every 6 to 8 weeks what am I to so with a vehicle that I am still paying on.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2023
When I am driving the lights will shut off even when they are on auto. I have to pull over and turn the knob back and forth till they come back on. Sometimes they turn off when I use my blinker. The lights will also stay turned on even when the car is turned off and doors are locked.
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2023
Headlights in auto mode will randomly go off while driving without any change in ambient light. Dangerous on unlit roads.
Engine, Jun 5, 2023
Burning a lot of oil
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2023
We had two issues develop. The first issue developed about 30k miles after purchasing it new. The car would accelerate unevenly and after long drives the car would lurch during acceleration after starting from a stop. The lurching would continue for a few days before disappearing. No tech could reproduce it. They tried multiple times to reset the software and found no other issues. After a normal fuel injection cleaning at 100k miles, the lurching eased, but still remained. The issue was never resolved. The second issue came up at 108k. We heard a strange noise from the front right of the car when accelerating, but no indicators. The next day the engine light starts flashing and the car is vibrating, so we take it to the dealer the next morning. The engine oil is extremely low and the engine needs to be replaced because 3 valves are miss firing!!!! We had an oil change at 100.8k. We were well within the time for another oil change...a change, not a complete refill!!! There was never an oil indicator light. The engine was clearly burning oil too quickly and the indicator was not warning correctly.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 31, 2023
There is an issue with the oil plug. Constantly leaking oil. I have spoken to several other individuals who have the same problem. The oil leaks can cause a completely empty oil compartment resulting in a blown motor. Walmart super center brought it to my attention. Also, the Kia dealership was notified that the oil was leaking at the time of service but did not seem concerned. The oil light will briefly come on when going down a hill. No flashing lights or visual indicators unless you see the brief oil light. There is also rattling in the engine area that gets worse as the oil gets lower. Very annoying but the biggest concern is the leaking oil.
Other or unspecified, May 30, 2023
Hi. While closing my trunk it appeared that the latch and trunk closed. As I took off to drive I realized my trunk door was opening and at the same time the warning light came on. I was driving maybe 30 mph. While pulling over to stop, I went over a pot hole which caused the car to jump up a little. During that time my trunk flew open and the things in my trunk fell out onto the street. There were cars behind me which had to swerve to stop from hitting/ running over my things. My husband had to put the items on the floor in my second row and sit in the trunk and hold it closed until we got home. A catastrophe and I'm glad no accidents happened because of this but there could have been one. Apparently there's a problem with the trunks latching system that's very common and should be recalled. This just happened 2 days ago and I haven't had my appointment yet. They're not available until July 2023. I may need to get rope and tie the trunk closed until my appointment. Thank you.
Electrical system, Engine, May 30, 2023
On several occasions while driving down the highway at night going approximately 60-65 mph headlights, tail lights go completely out. With my whole family in the car but Thank God we have never been in an accident as a result of this. No recall information has been received even though I see plenty of complaints. The last 2 times I’ve gotten an oil change within 1500 miles my oil light comes on and when I check, there is low oil or no oil.
Engine, May 27, 2023
Driving on Interstate Highway at speed limit 70 mph, car starts slowing down rapidly. Looked at dash engine light flashing, put the hazard lights on and pulled to left temporary emergency pullout lane coasting at 20 mph. Had to wait for big gap in traffick to get to right hand side of Interstate, hoping engine didn't seize up in middle of highway. Was able to find area wide enough to be clear of oncoming traffick. Called for roadside service. Car was pulled up on wrecker, taken to Kia dealership. I was told they would inspect car asap.The service advisor called the next day late. Told me they would be replacing the engine in car with a remanufactured engine.
Exterior lighting, May 26, 2023
While driving at night on dark road 50 mph with lights on auto. Lights went out completely. Had to make hard stop and turn lights to on position.
Engine, May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after a routine oil change was performed, a month later the oil warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the dipstick displayed that a quart of oil was needed. The contact stated that after adding oil, the oil light turned off. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was inspected, and the mechanic informed the contact that the oil was low, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 65,895.
Steering, May 18, 2023
My Kia I purchased had 39,000 miles and it has a steering problem which I wasn’t 100% aware of. Today it is at Kia where they stated they’re gonna have to replace the steering column did not give me a price but this is a safety issue, and I want to recall done on this issue For the steering column. How can you help me?
Service brakes, May 16, 2023
After using AutoBrake while driving I turned off the engine without turning off the Autobrake system. The Electronic Parking Braking System {EPB] engaged. When I turned the car on again I could not disengage the EPB. After trying everything recommended in the owners manual I called the Kia dealer and they had no suggestions. I called for a tow to the dealer. After they examined the car they informed me the system (cables & EPB system) needed to be replaced. I was lucky that the. failure accrued after I had parked and not while in motion. I have @41480 miles on the car & had only started using auto brake within the last year so I think there is a connection since the manual advises to turn auto brake off before turning off the car - not an intuitive action.
Engine, May 16, 2023
Sudden Engine Failure: My car died in the middle of a highway on-ramp lane, so I had to call 911 to ask a police officer to come help. Our car came to a complete stop with no warning signs prior. My car was driving totally fine up until that point and then suddenly this happened on the highway. This put ourselves at risk (myself and my 2 children in the car), and it put everyone behind me at risk of rear-ending me, as traffic was moving. During the incident, the engine would not turn over at all. I waited about 10 minutes for a state trooper to pull up, while cars and big trucks whizzed past my stopped car on both sides. When the state trooper arrived, he called the highway department, and someone from the highway department came and pushed my car to the shoulder so that we could be safer. We had it towed to our Kia Service Center: Jones Kia, 2001 Belair Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014. They completed a diagnostic review. They contacted us and explained that: The cylinder head bolt failed. It became "threaded" (this was the term used by the Kia Service center who examined the car), causing the engine to overheat and seize. It happened so quickly that there were no warning signs. The service adviser at Jones Kia told us that we would need a whole new engine replacement.
Engine, May 11, 2023
burning oil and oil light coming on getting oil changed within 3000 miles and it is getting worse
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 10, 2023
Lights will just turn off while driving and and the blinkers will not work. The horn will not work either. It happens all the time it doesn’t matter if it’s day time or night time.
Engine, May 9, 2023
I have an engine oil consumption issue. I am running out of oil before 1,000 miles. I have had this issue checked out at my local mechanic and at the Kia dealership in Hurst, Texas. They are recommending that I bring the unit back for a process of three visits paying out of pocket for an issue that is clearly visible. I do not have any lights on my dashboard and the oil is being burned for some reason. I purchased this car used and have not even had it for a year, and here lies a major problem. I feel this issue is placing my safety at risk. The car is starting to stutter when pulling off and when I take it for service, it keeps saying low oil. It's unethical to have to get oil changes every 30 days.