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, Aug 19, 2021
There is an oil consumption problem in Kia engines. AND Kia refuses to cover the problem. I was told the oil consumption issue will cause my engine to completely fail and yet they refuse to cover it under the warranty. My neighbor has the same make and model and her car nearly crashed because of the same failure. For a YEAR I was told Kia would cover the repairs when the engine eventually fails and TODAY August 19 2021, I was told they won’t cover the engine failure due to oil consumption issues. An issue they FINALLY have a test for but refuse to do because “it’s not covered by the warranty.” I have a 100,000 mile engine warranty. I have my oil changed every 3,000 miles and take very good car of a car they KNOW is going to break down. And still there is no recall. There are thousands of complaints about this exact problem. And people being forced to pay 5-7 grand out of pocket for an issue that MUST be covered. Kia KNOWS it’s a problem and they all say well if anything else goes wrong we will test your car then “maybe” it will be covered. Meanwhile, my car is literally a ticking time bomb. That apparently a Kia warranty won’t cover. Please, for the thousands of people like me, investigate and expose Kia for this serious issue. I don’t want my car to seize or explode because of a problem Kia knows of and refuses to repair or recall.
Engine, Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost all motive and electrical functionality. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Exterior lighting, Aug 16, 2021
daytime driving lights turn on after vehicle completely off, hours later and can drain the battery if not caught in time. also while driving at night, lights go completely off by themselves and have to manually try to turn on, very dangerous and someone is going to die if not recalled.
Structure, Aug 14, 2021
Can not open the liftgate either from the liftgate button or the emergency release lever in the liftgate. Emergency escape from rear is not possible. Broken at present. Problem started July 2021. Problem verbally confirmed with independent service manager. No prior indicator of issue.
Steering, Aug 13, 2021
This is an ongoing condition of the vehicle that my mechanics were unable to address. The steering wheel sticks in the straight ahead position and requires unexpected force to make small corrections to the car's direction. This mostly happens at highway speeds or at lower speeds on long straightaways. The mechanics informed me this was not an uncommon condition and suggested that I report it to Kia and to the NHTSA.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while his wife was approaching at slow speeding into a carport when she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the back wall of the carport. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated not one sustained any injuries or seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was still at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,322.
Tires, Aug 5, 2021
Rear tires are cupped 235/60 R 18
Engine, Aug 4, 2021
Engine failed at 94,000 miles while driving. Main bearings in engine ceased up due to lack of oil flow thru the ports. This was a known problem with kia engines but I never a recall notice.
Visibility, Jul 26, 2021
While driving home I heard an extremely loud pop. I was almost home so I didn't pull over to investigate. As I arrive at my house I received a text message. I parked my Sorento and checked my phone. As I sat there which was about 2-3 minutes I heard another extremely loud pop and that is when the glass of my sunroof started shattering. I immediately got out of my car and looked up and noticed my sunroof looked as if it exploded upwards. Luckily I had the sun shade closed or glass would have fallen in the car and on me. I googled sunroofs exploding and found several claims, a class action law suit (in progress) and a TV news investigation regarding Kia sunroof exploding while driving. My car is at the dealership currently and I haven't heard anything yet regarding the cause but from the conversation I had with the service advisor it doesn't seen to be an issue to KIA although there has been hundreds of reports filed. I believe it is a manufacturing defect. I have pictures and video of what appears to be the initial crack (the first loud pop) and the hole it caused (the second loud pop). There is no way an object caused the explosion and if so how can we explain the second pop while I was parked. It is ironic that others have reported the same incident occurring and the photos are very similar in all cases. Something has to be done before a child or adult is seriously injured. I guess the right person/people have yet to be affected by this. It is a serious safety concern. My video would not load but I'm happy to send it as an attachment via email.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2021
When set in AUTO, the headlights will flicker, or turn on and off without reasonable changes in light or conditions that would cause this to occur. This happens at night or dusk, making it difficult to see the road, obstacles and other hazards, as well as making the vehicle difficult to see for other traffic. Adjusting the lighting manually on the stick switch to an ON position appears to restore functionality. This puts the driver and passenger at risk as well as other vehicles. I have not been able to have this reproduced by a dealer or service center. No inspection of the stick switch or electrical components has occurred however the lights have been confirmed to work otherwise by a service center. No warning lights or other indicators occur.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2021
On multiple occasions, my headlights will change randomly. I keep my headlights on auto always. Last night (07/15) at 1130pm being the most recent incident, I was driving on a completely black road (no street lights for several miles) and my lights just shut off on me. Yesterday (07/15) this happened at least 6 times throughout the day, day and night. This has happened at least 20 times Since May 2021. I took my vehicle to the dealership but I was told they were unable to find the issue.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2021
Strong gasoline odor was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took it to the dealership where they replaced the gas cap assuming that was the problem. Gasoline odor progressively increased. Took the vehicle back to the dealership. Diagnostic tests were performed. Inspection found fuel pump leaking fuel. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure were ever displayed. This could have been extremely dangerous putting our family at risk. It also should have been covered due to being a safety risk.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 KIA Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer 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 approved a rental vehicle for the inconvenience. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Steering, Jul 5, 2021
Steering is sticky and has play during highway speeds. Driver must constantly adjust to keep vehicle aligned. Power steering after sticking point over corrects vehicle. This is very dangerous.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jun 29, 2021
While driving with the headlights in the "Auto" position, when a turn blinker is used the headlights will randomly turn off for about 10-15 seconds. Not much of an issue during the daytime but certainly a major safety concern at night. This problem can be replicated during the daytime by watch the dash lights switch from "Auto" to "Off" on the driver's dash. Moving the switch from the Auto to On has no effect on the lights. This problem occurs about 30% of the time when using the turn signal.
Engine, Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 65 mph when the vehicle began to decelerate independently until reaching 20 mph and went into limp mode. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she depressed the accelerator pedal but the vehicle failed to go over 20 mph. The contact was able to continue driving to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the O2 sensor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continues experiencing failure a total of 5 times. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,664.
Seat belts, Jun 20, 2021
Rear passenger left seat belt is locked will not release
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Jun 14, 2021
I have complained since 2020 about the noise in the rear area, this started when the right rear light was rewired. I can't pinpoint what triggers the noise to start, sometimes it happens when the SUV is off ,and idling and driving but not consistently. I left with an unresolved issue. I went to the dealership today( 05/14/2021) @ 11:00 @ Greenway Kia West 3407 West Colonial Drive Orlando Florida 32808, to complain that my oil is running completely out of the engine and I was told all the fees I will have to pay in order to check this problem, I didn't say I had a leak or noise but disappearing. This is a manufacturers issues , and the warranty should cover. I told them my windshield is bubbling at the top and maybe separating , and still again all I heard was fees , I purchased a Kia Sorrento based on the good warranty and the place I felt very safe. I am very very disappointed in the dealership and my safety is at risk and I hope nothing happens before something happens.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 1, 2021
When pressing on the brake pedal, the transmission will not shift out of park. The only way to shift out of park is to depress the transmission shift override. A new brake light switch did not correct the issue. To date, the vehicle has not been repaired, inspected by dealer, manufacturer, police or insurance representative. No warning lamps, message or other symptoms of the problem occurred prior to the failure.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2021
In July 2019 as I was driving, the engine splash shield became loose on the drivers side of my vehicle and started dragging along the road. When I took my car to the dealer I was told that it wasn't covered under the warranty and that I must have driven over something to make it loose. I had NOT driven over anything. I ended up purchasing bolts to replace the loose portion of the splash shield. Then, in January 2020, as the car was driven again, the splash shield came completely off the vehicle. Again, there wasn't any object run over, it just came off. In July 2020, we had the splash shield replaced, as the serpentine drive belt had snapped and gotten caught in the engine. In May 2021, the bolts in the splash shield again came out, and the shield was dragging on the ground. Again, didn't hit any objects or run over anything. Replaced the missing bolts. Our safety was compromised when the shield came off completely and flew into traffic as we were driving. This was also a risk for other people. Then, due to the shield not being in place, and something caused the drive belt to snap and wrap up into the engine was a major safety concern, as I could have lost control of the car. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, and also by another mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms other than what I described above.
Other or unspecified, May 31, 2021
The paint off of my Kia Sorento is starting to peel off. I have seen videos where this flies off while driving in large and smaller pieces that can obstruct the drivers view or distract them while driving. If it were raining, it could damage the windshield while the wiper blades are running and the paint chips fly up on them. The vehicle is now more susceptible to rust causing the vehicle to be unsafe.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 24, 2021, fire
On May 18,2021 my Kia Sorento SXL AWD V6 caught on fire for unknown reason. I was driving with windows open sunroof open and cruise set. Not a single warning light or any weird sounds at all. A car pulled up yelling at me that my car was on fire to pull over off the interstate. I saw nor smelled any smoke anywhere but then I saw a cop had someone pulled over so I figured it would be safe since I was an alone female and it was car of males yelling at me to pull over. As soon as I got out and walked to the front of the car there was still no smoke but flames and what I assumed was plastic dripping from the entire underneath. At this time flames shot out from all around the hood and up the windshield as it instantly shattered. As I ran for my life as stuff kept exploding the state trooper had already called for help so fire department arrived in less then 3 min but my car was gone in less than 45 seconds after I stepped out. I am mentally and physically hurt but luckily only a burn the size of a quarter on my wrist but due to shock while watching my car burn and explode my legs gave out and I sat down hard so 5 days after the fire my legs have recovered from running up an incline for my life but my back pain has only increased. But insurance only covers injuries from the car so running from exploding cars and getting injured is not their problem. Just like Kia allowing all of us Sorento owners to drive our family and loved ones around on a bomb waiting to blow at any moment isn’t their problem either. I have now seen at least 8 2017 Sorento sxl unexplained fire complaints all ending in total loss while only looking on this site and one other site. I have pictures and videos of the fire and how close I was to being in the car as u can see my hoodie laying in front of the car on fire too. Fire started on passenger side of motor just like the defect they supposedly fixed in 2014. If anyone else especially the grandchildren that can’t get themselves out of would have died
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, May 4, 2021
WHEN THE CAR'S HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS SET TO 'AUTO', THE HEAD AND TAILLIGHTS WILL TURN ON AND OFF AT RANDOM, REGARDLESS OF LIGHTING CONDITIONS. THE LIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN ON WHILE THE CAR IS OFF AND STATIONARY AND HAS RESULTED IN A DRAINED BATTERY ON THREE OCCASIONS. . THE LIGHTS TURN ON AND THEN BACK OFF WHILE IN MOTION DURING DAYTIME DRIVING (AS INDICATED BY THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR). WHEN ON AND WHILE IN MOTION AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS TURN OFF, RESULTING IN ZERO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
I HAD MY KIA FOR 32 DAYS WHEN I WAS LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP FROM PICKING UP THE TAG FROM SOUTHEASTERN AUTO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN. WE WERE GOING DOWN A VERY CURVY HIGHWAY RUNNING 45 TO 50 MPH. MIND YOU, NO PROBLEM UNTIL THEN. WE MADE 5 MILES WHEN IT LOST POWER. IT WOULDNT GO OVER 35MPH. WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO STOP AND TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON, AS IT MAY BE IN LIMP MODE. AFTER WE DID THAT WE WERE HEADED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER, THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE GRINDED UP METAL AND SPIT IT OUT. THEN IT SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT CRANK. WE WERE RIGHT ON THE ROAD, IN A CURVE THAT WAS UP HILL. WHERE TRAFFIC WAS VERY FLYING BOTH DIRECTIONS. IT WAS TERRIFYING WAITING FOR THE TOW TRUCK THE DEALERSHIP SENT. THEY SENT IT TO THEIR MECHANIC IN WILKESBORO, WHO DETERMINED IT THREW A ROD THREW THE MOTOR. NOW IT'S BEING TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO PUT A NEW MOTOR IN IT FOR $300BFROM
Steering, Engine, Apr 6, 2021
ON SOME OCCASIONS THE STEERING WAS NOT SMOOTH, AS IF IT STUCK JUST A LITTLE AND I WOULD HAVE TO LIGHTLY JERK IT. THIS WAS ALWAYS HIGHWAY. THEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY OIL LIGHT FLICKERED AND I MEAN ONLY A SECOND AND THEN AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME. WHEN I CHECKED MY OIL, THERE WASN'T A DROP ON THE DIPSTICK AND IT LOOKED TO HAVE A LITTLE BURNT OIL ON VERY TIP. IT WAS ALSO VERY HARD TO GET THE OIL CAP ON TO ADD OIL. I HAD TO ADD 3 QUARTS! WHY DID MY OIL LIGHT COME ON BEFORE THIS AND WHY DID IT NOT STAY ON? MY CAR IS A 2017 KIA SORENTO AND HAS ONLY HAD MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW THIS WAS AN ISSUE FOR YEARS. WHY ISNT SOMEONE MAKING KIA ACCOUNTABLE? I CANT AFFORD TO PAY UPFRONT FOR REPAIRS AND WHEN COURTS DECIDE YEARS LATER MAYBE WE'LL GET REIMBURSED, THEY DON'T WAIT ON THEIR PAYMENTS FOR THE VEHICLES.