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, Feb 27, 2025
Urgent Assistance Needed: Engine Issue and Warranty Dispute Since September last year, the engine warning light has been consistently on. Whenever I took the car to the Kia dealership, they merely mentioned that the system was “too rich” and assured me it was not a concern. Instead of addressing the engine issue, they recommended replacing unrelated parts such as the air filter. When I took the vehicle to a local mechanic, I was informed that the engine was not in good condition, causing the oil to burn quickly, which indicated an engine problem. However, the Kia dealership did not acknowledge this issue. On February 7th, while driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and making unusual noises. I immediately brought it to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the #4 cylinder valve was burnt. The following day, on February 8th, I brought the car to the dealership. They mentioned that the engine might need to be replaced and promised to contact the warranty company for approval. They initially seemed optimistic, suggesting that the replacement could be covered under the warranty. However, two weeks later, I received a response stating that the warranty would not cover the repair. Despite multiple attempts to contact Kia headquarters via email, I have not received any response. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my vehicle is part of the Theta II engine recall. Kia had publicly announced a lifetime engine warranty for vehicles with this issue. However, now that my engine has failed and requires replacement, they are refusing to honor this promise. The estimated cost for the engine replacement is $8,000, and I have been told that I am responsible for the full amount. I kindly request your immediate assistance in resolving this issue. I believe Kia should honor its commitment to the lifetime engine warranty for the Theta II engine vehicles. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Steering, Feb 26, 2025
We Reported in February of 2022 To Kia of Port Charlotte in Florida that our steering wheel was sticking so bad we had to use extraordinary effort to keep the car going straight. They told us they were unable to replicate what we experienced. Starting in February of 2025 we started to experience the same thing. We brought it [XXX] to Kia of Sebring Florida. They diagnosed that there is a sticking of the steering wheel but it is not covered because the car is 7 years old and has 59000 miles under warranty. When I checked on line there are tons of customers complaining of this same problem. Please look into this issue as it could cause accidents eventually. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2025
Engine problem. I've had to replace spark plugs and have to add oil almost every week. This was done about 3 months ago. Today check engine light came back on and it's the same problem stalling and shaking as if it's going to dye in me .. I bought my car brand new I've been the only owner..it's only got 80,000 miles .. I know that you guys have life time warranty on your engines .what do I need to do to have it repaired under warranty?
Steering, Feb 13, 2025
Steering MDPS Unit malfunction causing loss of power assisted steering. Visible steering light on dash. Vehicle was inspected at a Kia dealer confirming issue with MDPS unit. Kia shop stated that this was an issue with the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento models and most fell under the recall umbrella but this specific 2017 Kia Sorento is not on the VIN checked list for a steering recall for the MDPS Unit failure. Kia stated that the repair would cost out of pocket at $3500 for the same issue others with the same problem Kia is replacing under recall warranty. The MDPS Unit failed while driving causing issues with being able to steer.
Engine and engine cooling, Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front and rear exterior lights shut off unexpectedly. The contact turned off the light switch and then back on and the failure was fixed. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption, and engine oil was added shortly after having an oil change performed. The vehicle also experienced harsh driving due to the oil consumption failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Steering, Feb 7, 2025
The steering seems to stick, hard to explain but when you are driving on the highway feels like the steering wheel is going to stop working.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2025
None of the above. The paint is continuously chipping on the hood and top of the car. When I’m driving, sometimes I see others with the same car as me and their paint is also chipping really bad. It’s only on the Kia Sorento from what I can tell. It makes the car look horrible and it’s very expensive to repaint a car. There has to be some kind of warranty they need to issue. I have a 2017 Kia Sorento. It started maybe a year or so ago, and it’s getting continuously worse at a very fast pace. It looks horrible. You can already see where the next chunks want to come off. Even when washing the car the paint comes off. When you pay $30,000 for a car, the last thing you want is for all the paint to come off and there is nothing you can do about it. THIS IS NOT NORMAL!
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
While on vacation the oil light came on (just had it in for maintenance, told them it was using oil but no sign of leak, they told me it was fine to go on vacation, that there was no problem) we put oil in but then engine light came on. It was Saturday night and warranty co. had no emergency phone number. Got to Hotel, Monday was towed to Repair Shop was told after they inspected the car that we had to replace the engine. Warranty Co. replaced the engine a MONTH later with a used engine. My car was not on the recall and should of been. KIA did not answer any calls or emails. Also I am still paying for it. I had a lo of problems with the warranty co, luckily I kept up with the maintenance on it, because if I did not they would never replaced the engine, but now I have to worry about it happening again. Also my car is in Arkansas and we live in Wisconsin.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure. The contact stated that engine oil was covering the engine compartment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
My vehicle started leaking oil from the engine from an unknown location. I took it to the dealership for them to diagnose the cause of the leak which is under warranty. The dealer refused and did not honor the warranty. Now my car is immobile
Engine, Jan 26, 2025
While driving the check engine light came on. I could feel the vehicle losing power despite giving it gas & seeing the rpm's rise. While looking at the dash board to see if there any other indicators the check engine light started flashing followed up by the oil light and another light (can't remember what it was). I pulled off the highway and the vehicle was shaking while running before cutting out. It would not restart and I had it towed to the dealership. The dealership attempted to diagnos however all they can tell me is cylinders 1 & 3 will not hold compression, the engine needs to be replaced & despite only having 82K miles it's not covered by Kia. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained at the dealership.
Engine, Jan 11, 2025
Vehicle up to date on oil changes. Driving down interstate and vehicle just stopped without warning. Message to contact a dealer popped up. When diagnostic put on vehicle shows camshaft and crankshaft bad. No oil on dipstick AT ALL. Oil light never came on showing low. Never seen oil in garage so no leaks. Sensors showing misfire were changed along with spark plugs and coil packs. Codes never cleared. Car is not drivable but has been well maintained and up to date on everything. After researching I have seen multiple pages and pages of the same exact complaint on same exact vehicle. There is a recall for certain 2017 kia Sorento 3.3L V6 engines but shows mine is not affected although my vehicle is the exact same as the recall and having exact same issue as the recall. I would like this looked into and a explanation for the engine issue with help on fixing it through Kia. This is a good vehicle never gave ANY issues at all, nor gave any warnings on the issue that caused it to stop running.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2025
like many other kia owners I have a Kia Sorrento and after 6700 miles started running into problems with oil consumption. I have Toyota extended warranty because I am second owner and wanted some type of coverage. Kia knows there are problems and giving customers run around plus higher insurance premiums. second time over 5 days my car is being evaluated I have done 3 oil changes since March 2024 I did get engine oil switch fixed did own oil consumption test which Toyota did not except because it was not Toyota or kia dealer that did it. I would sue them on my own or geta new car if i could afford it. I love the car for size and smoothness of ride but they are failing their customers.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2025
The inhibitor switch won’t let me take my car out of park
Steering, Dec 28, 2024
Steering is sticky while driving at highway speeds. Starts mild and increases stickiness over time. Has gotten worse over the years.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2024
Coolant system not functioning properly replace thermostat and worked a day then back to overheating. Engine overheating with new oil and filter also shakes badly Car does not shut of when ignition is pressed the first time have start the car then shut it off again
Engine, Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to return to normal operation. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V586000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,100.
Engine, Dec 18, 2024
Engine Oil Burning 2-4 quarts of oil in less 1000 miles.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2024
Shifter isn't releasing from park. They state the Body Control Module (BCM) I been reading on this and it goes out with higher mileage Kia Sorento SUV. This is a safety hazard.
Engine, Dec 8, 2024
I have noticed that there is some il leavking from the car. My independent mechanic was sevivign the vehicle and has informed me that the head gasket has a leak and that this is a common problem with Kia Sorento 3.3 from 2017. I have taken to a kia dealer and they onfromed that there was only a leak from the oil pan which is not possible as i have seen the leak coming from higher up the engine. I have informed Kia USA and they have deferred to the warranty that i purchased. The small print thati was not made aware of was such that buying the vehcile used the manufacturere was only liable for the first 65,000 miles. I purchase an extended warranty and power train and engine were not covered. As such I am lookign at some point to a failing engine or a bill for 3 to 4k. Kia know of this issue and have done nothing to put this right before the issue happens
Engine, Nov 29, 2024
I was driving down the road and my car shut off. It would not restart at all. I just had my state inspection and a new oil change on November 11. There was no light on the dash at all. They had to tow it to kia where it has been since the 25th.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2024
I have been having excessive oil burning for months. When I took it to the Kia dealer, this was a known issue. They told me I'd need to continue to regularly top off my oil (way over the recommended amount) or risk my engine blowing. Just over the warranty at 102,114 miles the car seized. The repair shop diagnosed it as a valve/cylinder head issue, but the engine has not been working as it should since long before before the 100,000 warranty mark. It is documented at my Kia service center. My car is useless, not even drivable now. This is a known issue (the burning of oil) and Kia isn't upfront about this issue. While there was a class action lawsuit for other engine issues in this model, there is no accountability for the issues we face. My car is worthless and at only 102k miles. I've taken great care of this vehicle, but it is poorly made. [XXX] lists 339 complaints about the 2017 Sorento's engine, with engine failure being the most significant issue. I feel I was taken advantage of by trusting Kia that this was a solid investment. The cost of repair is $5,000-10,000 depending on if the 5k does the job - it was suggested that the repair doesn't always work without a full engine rebuild. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Nov 13, 2024
When the headlights are on the "auto" setting they will sometimes turn off when driving. Speed or driving conditions do not seem to be a factor. There have also been 2 separate incidents where the headlights are on in the morning. This occurred when Noone had been in the car for hours and the keys were inside my home.
Power train, Nov 11, 2024
The engine failed at a little over 73,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the warranty company refused to cover the engine. The engine had burned through the oil and that was why the engine failed. There was carbon build up inside the engine, causing it to fail. The oil had just been changed 1000 miles before it failed. There were no warning lamps before the engine failed. Once the engine failed, the check engine light appeared. The oil in the vehicle had been changed routinely and can be verified by the Carfax report. This could've caused a wreck. The manufacturer and warranty company are not taking responsibility for the engine failure.
Engine, Nov 9, 2024
Driving down the interstate to pick my children up from school and all of a sudden the car made a weird bubbly grinding sound and stopped accelerating. I had to pull off and park as the car would not go any further. My vehicle has had regular maintenance and oil changes since I purchased it. I had in fact just put a full quart of oil in it. The first mechanic stated that there was metal shards in the oil. In between oil changes, I have to add several quarts of oil because it seems to just disappear. There’s no oil leak yet the oil would be almost completely gone not even a full month after a complete oil change. My car has currently been sitting at the Kia dealership for a lot now waiting for repair. I paid for the extended warranty yet. Kia is dragging their feet and won’t even offer me a rental car while I wait for my car to be repaired, no one returned my calls. No one updates me on what’s going on. I am fed up.