2017 Kia Sportage Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 22, 2026 · Filed: October 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and needed to be towed. The vehicle was towed to a service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,343.

Incident: October 14, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Kia Sportage. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 131,600. The Carfax report listed the mileage as 140,000 in 2024. The contact stated that the vehicle was insured but not yet registered. The contact reported the odometer fraud to the Attorney General of Massachusetts. The contact emailed the dealer about the mileage discrepancy, and the dealer informed her that they were no longer leasing the vehicle. The current actual mileage was 174,000.

Incident: October 17, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

Driving home noticed smoke from under the hood, pulled over noticed smoke coming through the vents inside the car. Shut it off and got out called 911, they're were no warning lights or messages, the car was a total loss as I only carried liability, when fire trucks arrived, the whole front of the car was engaged

Incident: April 1, 2026 · Filed: September 30, 2026

I own a 2017 Kia Sportage EX with the factory Snow White Pearl paint finish. The vehicle has been well maintained and has not been involved in an accident or collision. The factory paint on the trunk is peeling and delaminating from the vehicle. The white paint is separating completely from the surface, exposing the silver/gray layer underneath. The condition appears to be a failure of the factory paint/coating system rather than damage caused by an accident, collision, or external impact. I contacted Kia Customer Care to report the issue. I was initially told that this was the first time they had heard of this type of problem. Kia required me to open a case and have the vehicle inspected. However, I was subsequently advised that Kia was unlikely to cover the repair costs and that pursuing the matter further might not be worthwhile. I am reporting this issue to NHTSA because I believe the peeling paint may represent a manufacturing or factory paint defect. I understand that Hyundai, which is affiliated with Kia through Hyundai Motor Group, has acknowledged excessive paint peeling on certain vehicles and has provided warranty coverage or extensions for affected vehicles. I am concerned that similar factory paint issues may be affecting Kia vehicles as well. I am concerned because the affected Hyundai vehicles included have the same paint name as my Kia Sportage "White Pearl" finish. The paint on my vehicle continues to peel, and I am concerned that continued deterioration could expose and damage the underlying surface and potentially lead to corrosion or other problems - devaluing my cars worth. I request that NHTSA document this complaint and determine whether similar complaints have been filed regarding peeling or delaminating factory paint on 2017 Kia Sportage vehicles, and consider whether the number and nature of these complaints warrant further investigation into a potential manufacturing or factory paint defect.

Incident: August 10, 2026 · Filed: September 25, 2026

While traveling at highway speeds on the freeway, the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure, causing the vehicle to lose power and violently force itself into an emergency low-speed "limp mode." This created an immediate, severe collision hazard with surrounding high-speed traffic. The vehicle is a 2017 Kia Sportage with a 2.4L Theta II engine, which had previously received the mandated KSDS safety software flash. The authorized dealership (Southwest Kia) refused to honor the safety recall and lifetime warranty parameters for this engine failure, instead classifying the issue as a "burnt valve" to deny coverage and forcing an out-of-pocket retail customer charge of $6,864.49 for a full engine assembly replacement.

Incident: May 11, 2026 · Filed: August 25, 2026

I have a 2017 Kia Sportage with a recurring door latch problem. Several years ago, the driver’s door developed a problem where it would not open properly from the outside. Kia repaired the driver’s door latch under warranty extension WTY020. The passenger door has now developed the exact same problem. It will not open from the outside, although it can still be opened from inside. A Kia dealership diagnosed the problem as a failed door latch. Kia’s WTY020 warranty extension was created for this known latch problem and provided 10 years/unlimited mileage coverage based on the vehicle’s original in-service date. Kia says my coverage expired approximately one month before this passenger-side latch failed. I requested goodwill assistance from Kia because this is the same known defect that was previously repaired on my vehicle. Kia denied the request, reconsidered it after I challenged the decision, and ultimately denied it again as a final decision. Kia also refused partial assistance. I paid $224 for the diagnostic. The dealership’s repair estimate is $761.17, including the diagnostic fee. I am reporting this because the same latch defect has now occurred on both sides of my vehicle. A passenger door that cannot be opened from the outside may present a safety concern. I am asking NHTSA to document this complaint and consider whether this recurring door-latch problem warrants further investigation.

Incident: April 26, 2026 · Filed: August 2, 2026

Engine caught fire , insurance denied the claim . Kia has a class action lawsuit Theta 2 . It was towed into the dealership for approximately 3 mts . During the diagnostic they discovered a crack in the number 3 cylinder wall . They rejected the claim due to what they said was a leaky valve cover gasket even though it had been replaced within the last year . The car has 66,000 miles and has been well maintained. There’s copious examples of similar of engine failures and Kia gives the same reason for not fixing the problem.

Incident: January 1, 2024 · Filed: July 22, 2026

Engine burns excess oil, I am forced to add oil every other day as it consumes an excessive amount. When I spoke with the Kia Dealership they told me I have an unlimited warranty on the engine but it need to blow before they will replace it. I’m spending a fortune on oil.

Incident: August 29, 2021 · Filed: July 17, 2026

The engine consumes a massive amount of oil to where I have to check my oil constantly and refill as often as weekly. This can pose a risk to myself and others due to the engine failing while I am driving. I am sure other issues can come from an engine running out of soil that I’m not aware of.

Incident: February 7, 2026 · Filed: July 17, 2026

My car went into limp mode on the high way due to a faulty knock sensor. my car decelerated rapidly, which could have put me and others around me at risk. I had to repair this problem on my own even though other cars similar to my make and model have had the same issue.