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, Apr 23, 2022
The steering wheel sticks, which causes over correction.
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.
Steering, Apr 9, 2022
While driving the steering wheel gets stuck in the direction you turned it. This is especially true when steering in a curve. I have to constantly make minor adjustments while negotiating a curve. I have to constantly pull cw and ccw because it sticks after each adjustment. I ask the dealer to look at it during an oil change and the attendant told me they didn't have enough service people because of COVID. I called several months later and the service person said it has motorized steering assist and that is the way it is. If you are going around a curve close to the center line it would be very easy for the power assist steering to make you cross into oncoming traffic I noticed it after buying the car and kept putting off having it looked at. I've had heart surgery and covid came along with lock-downs and I've just neglected to have the problem resolved. I've searched for similar reports and problems and there are many more owners with the exact same problem. KIA should have a recall to remedy the situation before someone is killed.
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2022
Rear left passenger window drum defective. Window has been used maybe 20 times in 5 years. Window will not raise or lower and fails to stay closed. Appears to be window Drum Pulley. From internet chatter, this is happening often. This vehicle has low mileage we purchased it new and we are in our 70’s. Took it to my dealer for repair. My dealer service rep. say’s they get about two vehicles a week with this issue.
Steering, Apr 3, 2022
I purchased a new 2017 Kia Sorento LX AWD and have been having an issue with the steering for a few years. When attempting to keep the car traveling straight at highway speeds, there is a need to force the wheel. This results in overcompensation in steering and can be dangerous. I have seen this issue described as Notchy and Sticky steering. Initially in an effort to correct the problem I had the tires rotated and an alignment done however this did not make a difference. The issue seems to only occur if driving 50 MPH or higher and traveling in a straight direction.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 30, 2022
High pressure fuel pump leaking gas into oil. University Kia of Durham NC says it will cost me $1250.00 to repair this issue. My car has 60,905 miles on it. I see recalls on this issue? I have not had the repair done yet.
Electrical system, Mar 29, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that the exterior of the driver's side mirror housing had melted. The contact stated that shortly after she could no longer lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle using the driver's side power door lock switch and the key fob. The contact was also unable to roll down the windows using the window switches. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had also failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that an electrical fire had occurred in the driver's side mirror housing. The independent mechanic disconnected the electrical wiring system of the driver's side mirror housing. The contact stated that she could no longer adjust the driver's side mirror as needed and it could no longer turn in when the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that she was still experiencing electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
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.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact stated that the failure did not occur while turning the steering wheel but rather while driving straight. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions and was recently informed that the failure was normal vehicle operation. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000. The VIN was not available.
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
Steering, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering assist intermittently. The vehicle was still drivable during the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist and seized without warning. The contact was able to safely guide the vehicle off the roadway. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a mechanical defect in the steering assembly and had to be addressed by a dealer. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the battery and a faulty ball joint replaced. The dealer stated that the failure was not due to the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
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
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2022
While driving the car slows down without me slowing down on the breaks. Car wants to shut down & is vibrating. Car doesn't want to drive past 2000 rpm. I take it to mechanic, he can't find the code. I take to mechanic a 2nd time. I get codes p1326 & p2600. No recalls are found for Sorento but other models there is plenty.
Steering, Feb 19, 2022
The electronic steering "sticks" and makes it necessary to force the steering wheel to make driving corrections. This in turns causes an oversteer situation and a safety issue. The vehicle is difficult to keep lane control. New tires, alignment, and a TSB software upgrade by Kia service did nothing to correct the problem. Kia determined (15 Feb 2022) the vehicle needed the electronic steering column replaced. The Kia service rep stated my factory and extented warranty will not cover the cost of repairs. The problem has been intermittent for over 2 years and getting worse. My research indicates many owners having the same issue with this vehicle.
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.
Steering, Feb 12, 2022
While driving at highway speeds steering is sticky or notching when trying to direct car in a curve, lane change in a right or left direction. Takes excessive pressure to get steering to move in any direction. Brought to dealer while under warranty, dealer said they could not replicate problem. safety issue causes you to over correct to get steering wheel to move.
Steering, Feb 7, 2022
The steering seems to stick or click at various speeds.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
Driving on the highway at 65mph uphill, engine started making horrible noise and started to fail. Pulled over on shoulder and had to have it towed. Kia is denying warranty because I cannot provide service records. Whether or not they will right this wrong it is a major safety issue when you have complete engine failure with no warning. The engine in my vehicle (3.3 v6 Lambda)completely failed without tripping any warning devices that are equipped on the vehicle. There is a Defect that causes the engine to burn too much oil and there is a defect where the vehicle fails to warn of potential safety issues. There was total engine failure with no warnings. No Service Message No Check Engine Light No Low Oil Pressure Light No Knock Sensor Code No Limp Mode activation. In the service technician's report it even says "no codes set in the ecm" This could have caused a fatal accident and I don't see how this is acceptable.