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.
Engine, May 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while stopped in an intersection at a traffic signal, the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound, coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then stalled. The contact stated that the battery and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
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, May 1, 2023
Engine burns an astronomically ludicrous amount of oil. Yes available for inspection. There have been no personal or other safety risks as I’ve kept up on maintenance by monitoring the oil level on a weekly basis. In time, however the oil consumption may exceed typical volume consumed and the engine may seize up. The problem has been addressed, confirmed with the dealer, to which I was told this is common and the top half of the motor would need speciality disassembly and cleaning for the unreasonable amount of close to $4,000. No other inspections have happened. No, no oil light notice. On 5/1/23 I had to add 2.5 quarts of oil, no oil appeared on the dipstick. This car burns more oil than my 1995 Saturn sl2 used to burn at 180,000 miles. I’m terribly disappointed with the manufacturing of this engine. How can something be efficient and better if it consumes oil? I’m only contributing to the environmental concerns that are already out of hand.
Power train, Engine, Apr 30, 2023
High consumption of oil (5 qrts in a week and a half). It failed the recommended test set forth by manufacturer and no one will fix it until it stalls or seizes. Major safety risk since they know of the problem and will not fix until it is too late.
Engine, Apr 29, 2023
We bought our 2017 Kia Sorento new from the Kirby dealership in, CA. The first 100k miles we took it faithfully to the dealer for all suggested service. For years it has had oil leak, oil where it should not be in the engine, and serious oil consumption issues. They did not solve the issues despite bringing it in many times. 9/2022 the engine completely shut down on the freeway in a very dangerous area. At 115k miles it happened again 3/23 in the exact same place, with the same symptoms. This time they say it is not covered and quoted us over $7k for an engine replacement. We escalated to management and corporate, they have all denied responsibility, given us many reasons why, all that we do not agree with. Each person we have talked to has given a different reason. I joined the Engine Failure- Kia/Hyundai group on Facebook. Now I am aware of the extent of the catastrophic Theta ll engine failure problem. Kia is doing everything they can to deny claims even with class action suits and pending suits and litigation. Anecdotally, I have read hundreds of stories like ours. In 4 weeks 4k more have joined, almost 500 daily, with engine failures. Now that I know that this is a pervasive and wide spread issue with thousands of faulty engines, I realize that this is not a company who cares about the wellbeing of their customers. Their engine design flaws, actions and inaction are causing their customers stress and heartache, financial ruin, terrifying accidents, house fires, and death and yet they are doing everything they can to skirt financial responsibility for their issues. They are lying to their customers, finding every loop hole they can and not honoring the mandated settlements to make their customers whole and provide them with a safe and reliable vehicle. It is a tragedy that should be getting more press and legal attention to hold Kia responsible for the pain they are causing their customers, who put their faith and safety in the hands of the company.
Steering, Apr 29, 2023
Kia Sorento are being stolen like crazy. I took my Sorento to Russ Darrow Wauwatosa to get the anti-theft software updated. When I got there, the supervisor told me that 80% of cars on which the update was applied ended up having the steering wheel have all buttons on it not working. This scared me and I ended up not getting the software for my Sorento. Why would Kia fix one problem and create 10 other ones? Or did the car dealer's supervisor lie to me? Thanks, Ahmed.
Trailer hitches, Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, 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. The contact stated that the rear taillights failed to operate as designed. The failure mileage was 117,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023, fire
A broken connecting rod punctured the engine block which resulted in engine oil escaping. The leaking oil caught fire while it was being driven down a highway. My son was driving at the time. He could have been killed had he not noticed the fire and stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps\lights on until after the fire occurred. Because Kia stated that the engine in my car was not part of the previous recall, and my insurance company did not consider it a total loss, I chose to put ~$10,000 into the car to have a used engine installed. (A used engine that most likely has the same safety issue) See this article about other Kia owners being told that this issue not covered under the previous recall since it didn't cover their year\make. I fall into this category as well. Kia has refused to acknowledge there being a problem and provided NO assistance with getting me car repaired. My vehicle is still not drivable, due to other electrical issues most likely caused by the fire: https://www.wsmv.com/2023/04/12/despite-not-being-subject-recall-second-kia-catches-fire-while-driver-is-behind-wheel/ Kia Case Number:[XXX] Kia has stated that they feel there is no issue with the engine in my vehicle and that it is safe to drive. This is most likely not true and I feel they are engaged in gross negligence by not taking this issue more seriously. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2023
Headlights shout off at night while vehicle is in motion. I have reported this issue to the manufacturer/dealership and was advised that vehicle needed to be brought in when issue is happening. Dealership is closed at night when issue occurs. No warning messages when lights shut off and first occurred 8/2021.
Engine, Apr 19, 2023
This 2017 Kia Sorento burns oil so excessively that it has stalled at times creating unsafe driving conditions. More so, it seems that Kia is aware of this issue but not moving to fix it. The date is for the most recent stalling.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2023, fire
My Kia caught fire when it was parked in my driveway not running.
Engine, Apr 13, 2023
My car is excessively burning oil. I have Had oil consumption tests done and it has come back excessive. I got the recommended engine cleaning done. They said this fixed the problem. Here I am Less than 3000 miles later and my oil is dry again. I only drive to and from work (5ish miles a day) and longer spouts on the weekends. Kia does not want to honor this and fix it. They know it’s a problem and everyone at the service will tell me they know but corporate won’t make it right.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, a clicking noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 10, 2023
First issue: Computer fails to throw codes for issues like low oil or engine overheating because of a cracked radiator that was bone dry when the mechanic looked at it. At the time of the incident with the cracked radiator, mechanic checked fuses and system but could not find any issues. However, they agreed that check engine light should have come on. But it did not. Second issue: Oil some how magically disappears out of the engine, and because of this, I'm now stuck, with a worthless car that I'm going to have to abandon about 900 miles from my home because it'll cost too much to replace an engine. Even the mechanic that looked at it said it wasn't worth spending the money on replacing the engine. Think about the level of absurdity because that's a big amount of labor for them and they recommended against spending money on the Sorento.. I'm now car less and fucked because of Kia's shitty defects.. I'm sorry for the profanity but I'm lost.. I'm lost.
Trailer hitches, Mar 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Engine, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. While shifting from first to second gear, the transmission was shifting hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer five times however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. While driving, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the oil. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Fredy Kia 11711 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77034 where it was diagnosed there was no oil in the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the engine was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. There was a leak coming from the engine and it was diagnosed that the transmission and engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but there was no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Engine, Mar 22, 2023
Driving on interstate when vehicle began to lose power, going slower and slower. Exited highway and suddenly the entire dashboard lit up and the car shut off. There had been NO INDICATION of a problem prior to this point. I was 500 miles away from needing an oil change. Had car towed to dealership where they told me there was no oil in the car. How is that even possible, when there had been no oil leakage. (I park in the same two places every day.) 1) How does a car burn through all the oil like that with no indication of a problem? 2) Why wouldn't the low oil sensor come on in the car if this were the case? I had to replace the engine at at cost of over $6000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle was stalling. The contact's daughter was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle then lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 79,210.
Exterior lighting, Mar 20, 2023
When traveling when it is dark, the head lights will suddenly turn off. The indicator on the dash shows that the switch has been changed to parking lights. If you turn the switch on and off the lights will come back on. This has happened on approx 10 occasions. I documented the time and date of one of the incidents below.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Mar 13, 2023
After owning this car for four years and performing regular oil changes, it suddenly started knocking and stalling. I immediately checked the oil, which was not even registering on the dipstick (despite an oil change not due for another 2,800 miles). I added almost 4 Qt of oil. We were able to make it home and have a mechanic confirm that it needs a new engine. It has only 82,000 miles. I'm glad that we stalled just BEFORE getting on the snowy highway, otherwise, who knows what would have happened to my entire family.
Steering, Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown steering part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2023
Tonight (3/4/23) while driving in the dark my headlights turned off while driving 45 mph. This is the 2nd time this has happened. It happened last October as well. I turn on my brights, turn them off again and the headlights are working normally again. Both times that this happened, I was driving with the lights in auto mode.
Engine, Feb 26, 2023
My husband was driving and said he heard a knocking noise. We pulled over and had no oil. We put 5 quarts in and drove to the Kia dealership in Huntsville AL. We kept losing power and stalling while we drove. They said we needed a new engine. It was a known issue but not under warranty or recall. They quoted us over 14k to fix it. We trailered it home and have been praying for a recall since it is a known issue. I saw people on a facebook group say to report the problem to you. They have had luck getting help from your department. I originally leased the vehicle and the bought it after lease was up. I still owe on the vehicle and have kept up on maintenance. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.