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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 11, 2025
Upper fuel pump module is defected and will malfunction. This leads to a fuel leak inside the vehicle. You will be able to see the leak if you remove the back seat and you will be able to smell the fumes of the fuel inside and outside the vehicle. This has occurred twice to our vehicle. First time, the vehicle had 72000 miles and the 2nd time is 130 000. The kia dealership repaired it the first time and has acknowledged the leak both times. This is dangerous as the vehicle can burst into flames by a spark or flame. We did not receive any warning lights regarding the fuel leak. The leak was determined by the smell and the reduced miles per gallon.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the gasoline odor had become stronger. The contact stated that upon removing the rear seats, the contact became aware there was gasoline continuously leaking into the vehicle while the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the upper fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: WTY033. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was out warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
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.
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2025
When I drive at night with the headlights on, sometimes the headlights will all go off until I click the button a couple of times then they will come back on, and this scares me because it can cause a wreck when I can’t see
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 8, 2025
Strong smell of gas while driving and under the hood of car with no visible leaks.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 4, 2025
The car is a 2017 Kia Sorento with approximately 73,000 miles. We have always had the oil changed at the Kia dealership. A month after the last time I had it changed (1/2025) we were going on a trip so my dad checked the oil. There was no oil in it. Since then we have been having to put oil in it about once a month or so because it runs out. It is not leaking anywhere and no oil light comes on when it does run out. The oil is disappearing. The oil is burning internally. I am having difficulties with the dealership in addressing the oil consumption issue, even when it's a known problem. This last time I spoke with Robert at Kia Ramada in Shelby NC. They want me to pay for them to look at it and then said they would write up a report to see if corporate would cover it. I feel like since this is a known issue I shouldn’t have to pay for them to look at or diagnose it. He said it would not be covered unless the engine locked up. Well if I keep driving it and don’t keep putting oil in it, it will lock up. I’d rather you fix the issue than have to put in a whole new motor. Please get in touch with me asap so I know what further actions that I will need to take to resolve this matter.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 19, 2025, fire
I am unsure what component system failed or malfunctioned. The car is in the toe place. It's a total loss burned from front to back my safety was put at risk by no indication of any lights coming on my dashboard. By the time I stopped the whole front into my car was on fire. It burned from from 2 back within 8 minutes. It has not been inspected by insurance. The police were there when the fire was put out along with the fire department. There were no warning lights or lamps of any indication of a problem. I was driving down the road and I seemed small but I had no lights on my dashboard. Indicating anything was wrong? So I drove as soon as I started to slow down at the stoplight. Flames started coming out of the driver's side of the hook. But I turned the corner and stopped the car and the whole front end.By the time I stopped was on fire.I contacted the fire department and within 8 minutes.The car was a total loss
Engine, May 12, 2025
In April 2025 the check engine light came on. The engine had been replaced in February 2025 so I immediately took the vehicle to Safford Kia Dealership in Fredericksburg, VA. (NOTE: The engine was replaced at Jacksonville Kia, Jacksonville, NC as the issue with the engine happened while I was away working at that location.) A few days after dropping the vehicle off I was notified by the service writer there that the catalytic converter had gone bad which was a common issue after problems with the engine. Specifically, I was told the engine dumps oil into the catalytic converter therefore ruining it. The new engine has been driven about a 1000 miles (give or take) as the vehicle was picked up from the dealership in Jacksonville, NC and driven to Fredericksburg, VA on 1 March 2025 with minimal normal driving before the check engine light came on.
Steering, May 3, 2025
Sticking steering wheel at speeds around 60 mph on slight turns been happening over a year took it to dealer said they couldn’t get it to do it.
Steering, Apr 21, 2025
The steering is sticky. When on the highway you have to keep correcting the steering because the wheel seems to be sticking then moving. As a result you can not just go straight down the road but have to keep putting in steering corrections!!!!! This needs to be addressed! This is an ongoing problem , not just on one date.
Structure, Apr 18, 2025
Above the windshield on the driver's side, paint is progressively peeling away with regular operation of my pearl-white 2017 Kia Sorento. What began as a very small and barely noticeable chip in the paint has progressed to a large paint-less spot. On the hood and surrounding areas, paint chips are appearing as well. According to the auto body repair shop I received an estimate from, this is referred to as "delamination" and is a result of poor quality paint or craftsmanship in the manufacturing process. The auto body shop said this is a recurring issue in WHITE Kia Sorentos specifically. Many other owners of white Kia Sorentos have reported this same issue.
Engine, Apr 17, 2025
Engine blew at 175000. It is not one of the vehicles that is covered under the class action lawsuit but the vehicle itself just blew an engine after an oil change. One of the Pistons let go.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the instrument panel of the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento. My car - 2017 Kia Sorento. In approx. 2021, I noticed a small 2 cm crack resembling a razor blade cut on my instrument panel (Part Number: 84710-C5000WK, also 84710-C6000WK and 84710-C6001WK). At the time, I did not find this defect alarming as it was minor and located far from the airbag area. However, over time, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The small crack has now developed into three substantial cracks measuring between 6 to 8 inches, with some of them encroaching upon the airbag area. I am increasingly concerned that these cracks may impact the airbag deployment mechanism and potentially result in fragments from the panel flying out during a collision, an issue that has been documented in other vehicle brands in the past. After conducting some research, I found that this problem appears to be common among the Kia Sorento models manufactured between 2016 and 2020. Numerous sources online indicate that these dashboard cracks pose a safety hazard. I have made attempts to address this issue directly with Kia. However, I was informed that the initial inspection fee is $150, and the estimated cost for part replacement and installation is approximately $3,959. This amount is quite significant. I urge your organization to investigate this matter further and consider providing a remedy for affected customers. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2025
When my head lights are on automatic, they will cut on and off on their own while driving at night! Completely off! My break lights also come and go. I have had the bulbs replaced and still have the same issue
Engine, Mar 27, 2025
Engine failed, leaving me stranded at a stop light. I was finally able to get it started, but it ran terribly and didn't have the power to go uphill, almost rolled back into the vehicles behind me. Had to have it towed. No warning whatsoever, engine stalled and engine light on. I got it fixed at dealership I purchased from, then it did the same thing a week later. I will NEVER purchase a KIA again. Almost every shop I inquire about service won't even service KIA engines anymore because of the problems. I'm left with a car payment and no vehicle.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 27, 2025
This is the third time I’m having to take my SUV to the Kia dealership because my check engine light begins flashing and then my car has a hard time accelerating when it gets to certain speeds. It shakes but will not go over 68 mph although it is covered under a warranty, it is very frustrating. Having to keep take my car to get fixed. There should be a more permanent solution.
Engine, Mar 25, 2025
Severe oil spill from engine and is spilling out into the car tires and the side doors and comes through the muffler and my back window and it’s stalling my car and I have been left stranded on the side of the road and I had it diagnosed at the dealership I bought it and I need my car fixed due to faulty issues of the vehicle not my fault please and thank you
Power train, Mar 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). The contact stated that once the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter remained stuck in park(P). The contact manually depressed the button under the gear shifter to move the gear shifter. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after the first failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown part in the gear shifter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 17, 2025
1.Component/System Failure: The issue involves a recurring failure of the oil pressure switch, which is part of the engine’s lubrication monitoring system. This malfunction has resulted in an oil leak that subsequently damaged a major wiring control harness and the associated control module. The affected components are available for inspection by an authorized service center. 2.Safety Risk: The oil leak poses a safety risk by potentially compromising the vehicle’s engine performance and electrical system integrity. While there has been no direct incident of injury, the malfunction increases the risk of unexpected vehicle failure, which could endanger the driver and others on the road. 3.Confirmation of the Problem: The recurring issue was initially diagnosed by an authorized dealer. After the first repair under warranty, the same problem reappeared, and an independent service center later confirmed that the oil pressure switch was leaking excessively. This repeated diagnosis supports the conclusion that the component is defective. 4.Inspections Conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by both the authorized dealer and an independent service center. Additionally, the previous repair under warranty was conducted with oversight from manufacturer representatives. There has been no involvement of the police or insurance representatives regarding this incident. 5.Warning Lamps or Symptoms: There were no specific warning lamps or error messages that appeared before the failure. The primary symptoms noted were poor acceleration and unusual engine noise, which first appeared shortly before the issue was identified as an oil leak.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 12, 2025
Car shut off and the radio kept going on and off red light on dash board and steering was hard
Steering, Mar 11, 2025
Steering sticks and makes it difficult to stay straight. Have to use extreme effort to keep it in the lane. Complained to Kia in 2022 and dealer saw problem with the rack mounted motor driven power assembly but that it was within their specs. They did a software update on the eps and said system now operating as designed. The miles were 35,774 at that time. Started having same issues in february of 2025. Dealer is saying it needs a new steering column, but now out of warranty. Miles were 59,436.
Engine, Mar 11, 2025
[XXX] the engine on my 2017 Kia Sorento seized up due to severe oil leak. There was a recall earlier in the year for oil pressure gauge which I had replaced. This seems to be a common problem in Kias as there is the class action law suit for this very problem however my car does not qualify but after reading many forums this is still a common problem in Kias that are not covered in this class action. I am now left with an inoperable car and nothing to show for it. I have been in touch with Kia Corporate with no help, lawyer, Office of Attorney General and MyCarVoice.com. Hoping you all can add some advice or answers. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Mar 10, 2025
Steering is sticky when making SLIGHT correction. Happens every time I drive. The speed does not matter. Happens at all speeds.
Engine, Mar 8, 2025
Car went into limp mode and check engine light began blinking. We do not have a Kia dealer in our town so we had it towed to local mechanic. He did not save the code but said it indicated one of two options: change the oil or replace engine. He changed the oil and cleared the code. The car had been using oil for some time so we called Kia to report it. We were told to let it run out of oil until it goes into limp mode again and then tow it to the dealer. We can’t do that! We live on a mountain. If the engine locked up, we could die. So, we add a quart to a quart and a half every couple of weeks. The car smells hot so we know the engine is bad. It is one of the GDI engines. There was a class action suit for this problem in CA. We believe Kia should be held responsible for the Over Consumption of Oil issue before more accidents occur. Our case number with Kia is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 7, 2025
Engine failure, loss of power on multilane highway, engine valves failed. unable to move to safe location Dealer checked valves failed No warning lamps, messages prior to failure