NHTSA vehicle safety data

2017 Kia Sorento Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2017 Kia Sorento has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 808 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Kia dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2017 Kia Sorento, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2017 Kia Sorento owner complaints

Owners have filed 808 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sorento, describing incidents dated January 12, 2016 to October 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 404 complaints
Exterior Lighting 125 complaints
Unknown or Other 104 complaints
Electrical System 97 complaints
Steering 97 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 49 complaints

Of the 808 complaints on file, 13 report a crash and 32 a fire; across all 808 complaints, owners report 17 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11772844 · Filed October 21, 2026
Only 13,245 miles on vehicle warning dash light EBS came on, after Hilltop Ford/ KIA dealer inspection $279.00 recommended fix is replacing “Distance Sensor/Cruise Control Unit” cost for part $4,808.59.
ODI #11772270 · Filed October 19, 2026
Faulty cameras to allow the AEB and LDWS to work accordingly. Warning lights are on due to faulty system
ODI #11770441 · Filed October 11, 2026
Check engine light flashing going into limp mode

Read all 808 complaints

Owner-reported

2017 Kia Sorento mileage at failure

268 of the 808 complaints on file for the 2017 Kia Sorento give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Engine	Median 80,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–110,000 miles	Based on 123 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2017 Kia Sorento in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE23-019: Loss of Motive Power
Closed July 23, 2024
Defect Petition DP22-003: Loss of Motive Power
Closed December 12, 2023
Defect Petition DP21-002: Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Closed June 26, 2023

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving

NHTSA #22V703000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported September 19, 2022 · Kia America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 70,887 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.55% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC249 · Owners notified July 27, 2023

Park outside only — fire risk while parked indoors or near structures.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

High Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak

NHTSA #18V907000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported December 19, 2018 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 71,653 vehicles

Repair completion: 65.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC172 · Owners notified January 17, 2019 · Vehicles built April 19, 2011 – November 23, 2016 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Improperly Heat Treated Crankshaft May Cause Stall

NHTSA #17V586000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine · NHTSA notice

Reported September 21, 2017 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 62 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.1% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC153 · Owners notified November 6, 2017 · Vehicles built March 27, 2017 – March 30, 2017 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Trailer Brakes May Stay Illuminated/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #16V862000 · Trailer Hitches · NHTSA notice

Reported November 30, 2016 · Kia Motors America

Potentially affected: 10,212 vehicles

Repair completion: 64.91% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Kia campaign SC142 · Owners notified January 19, 2017 · Vehicles built October 27, 2014 – August 25, 2016 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2017 Kia Sorento SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

3 investigations

2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

15% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

3 investigations

808 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Sorento.

Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11772844

Incident: October 7, 2026 · Filed: October 21, 2026

Only 13,245 miles on vehicle warning dash light EBS came on, after Hilltop Ford/ KIA dealer inspection $279.00 recommended fix is replacing “Distance Sensor/Cruise Control Unit” cost for part $4,808.59.

Electrical System; Lane Departure; Forward Collision Avoidance

ODI #11772270

Incident: July 11, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

Faulty cameras to allow the AEB and LDWS to work accordingly. Warning lights are on due to faulty system

Engine

ODI #11770441

Incident: October 10, 2026 · Filed: October 11, 2026

Check engine light flashing going into limp mode

Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System

ODI #11769341

Incident: October 1, 2026 · Filed: October 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and the Apple CarPlay, radio, and HVAC system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil pressure switch was replaced under warranty. The dealer determined that the electrical system had failed due to the oil pressure switch leaking oil onto the wiring harness, and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Engine

ODI #11766758

Incident: September 23, 2026 · Filed: September 24, 2026

Yesterday our car was making a knocking noise. It lost power temporarily. Upon pressing the gas pedal to the floor we were able to get up to 30 mph. We made it to a repair shop. They looked at it today. The Dip stick showed no oil. The did an oil change and it was down 3 quarts of oil. We just had the oil changed 3 months ago on June 20. No check engine light came on. No warning at all . We were driving on a road with no shoulder, so this was dangerous if the engine were to fail before we got to repair shop. They said we need a new engine and it will cost just under $10,000. It seems that many people are having this exact same problem.

Air Bags; Unknown or Other

ODI #11765189

Incident: March 1, 2026 · Filed: September 18, 2026

Issue 1: The front passenger airbag sensor is faulty. The ODS light is staying on. I took my car to a Kia dealership and they informed me that the passenger airbag would most likely not deploy in the event of an accident due to the faulty sensor. Kia has had this exact issue with other models and they issued a recall for those other models. This is a huge safety issue. Kia said it would cost me $3000 to fix the issue. Issue 2: My car is painted with the Snow White Pearl color. The paint is peeling and delaminating. This is a widespread defect with this paint color. Kia has not yet issued an extended warranty over this issue even though Hyundai (their sister company)i did extend the warranty for vehicles with this exact issue.

Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11764746

Incident: September 3, 2026 · Filed: September 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle had started independently. While the vehicle was in the driveway, the contact became aware that the vehicle had been running for a while. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle shut off but restarted independently. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed by AAA to the local dealer, where it was determined that the ignition switch was melted. The vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The dealer stated that the failure was a fire hazard. The contact was informed that the wiring harness and the pigtail starter button needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the part. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.

Engine

ODI #11762293

Incident: July 7, 2026 · Filed: September 5, 2026

In early July, my vehicle's check engine light turned on. I took it to a reputable local mechanic in Sachse, Texas, who had the vehicle for approximately two weeks. He was unable to determine the cause of the issue but informed me that there was an existing recall and that the dealership should be able to address the problem at no cost to me. I then took the vehicle to the Kia dealership. The dealership informed me that there was an extended warranty for the engine and that if their diagnosis determined that the issue was covered under the warranty extension, they would repair it. This is what they texted me: Tech performed Compression test 1 .205psi, 2. 220psi, 3. 260psi, 4. 255psi all cylinders have excessive reading for dry compression test. Tech performed leak down test on all cylinders 1. 21% leak down coming from exhaust side, 2.61% leak down coming from exhaust side, 3. 10% normal, 4. 10% normal. Air leakage from exhaust system defective exhaust valves. Tech performed Cooling system pressure test for 20 minutes with no pressure loss. Ruling out head gasket. Tech evaluated Intake/Exhaust CVVT current and setpoints. Tech determined timing is jumping from back pressure of Clogged Catalyst Converter. Recommending replacing engine due to mileage and exhaust manifold. The dealership's recommended solution was to replace the entire engine. Currently, there is a recall concerning 2017 Kia Sorentos involving engine crankshaft issues. See NHTSA Recall No. 17V586000. I contacted the manufacturer, and they stated that they do not believe my vehicle is covered by the recall. However, I believe the issues identified with my vehicle may be related to the same underlying engine problems addressed by the recall, and I am concerned that the manufacturer is denying coverage rather than properly addressing the issue under the applicable recall or warranty. My engine is experiencing issues that appear similar to those described in the current NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Engine

ODI #11761315

Incident: March 1, 2025 · Filed: September 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a hole in a valve and a piston was fractured. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact notified the manufacturer via telephone and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Steering

ODI #11760571

Incident: July 7, 2026 · Filed: August 29, 2026

Vehicle steers with more resistance to the left but very loose and easy to the right. Dealership diagnosed that a new steering column is required. Kia also issued a new vehicle limited warranty extension on the motor driven power steering. I believe the warranty extension should apply; however, dealer says it does not apply. The warning light required for the extended warrant is not on in my vehicle but there is a clearly diagnosed issue with the electronic steering as indicated in the repair quote.

Other Kia Sorento model years

Check your 2017 Kia Sorento VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Kia Sorento at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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