KIA SORENTO · model year

2017 KIA SORENTO

976 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017KIASORENTO carries 976 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 17 crashes, 37 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 SORENTO is engine with 362 filings, followed by exterior lighting (116) and unknown or other (99). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 8 investigation files overlapping the 2017 SORENTO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

976
Complaints
17
Crashes
37
Fires
23
Injuries
0
Deaths
2017 KIA SORENTO — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2017 KIA SORENTO. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

976 filings

Crashes Reported

17 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE362
EXTERIOR LIGHTING116
UNKNOWN OR OTHER99
STEERING93
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM84
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM33
POWER TRAIN32
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING21
SERVICE BRAKES19
STRUCTURE:BODY17
AIR BAGS11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE9
SEAT BELTS7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS6

Recalls (4)

16V86200030/11/2016

TRAILER HITCHES

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 tha

17V58600021/09/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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.

18V90700019/12/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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 pi

22V70300019/09/2022

TRAILER HITCHES

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 a

Recent Complaints

20260212ENGINE

oil light in past week would come on for short time then go out, i brought to kia cape coral, fl. see video attached from kia. oil went up no oil on ground. then the oil went past switch for oil light up to next hose that had wires for injectors. $5,000.00 for this wire alone and 7 hours labor. Total quote $6,700.00. the 2017 sorento with a 3.3l engine has an extended warranty to 150,000 miles. my 2017 sorento not covered as it is a smaller engine. danger of engine failure known oil switch problem.

20260209FireENGINE

Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my Kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle, and immediately after, "Did your engine go? Kia has that problem." Me and my sister were left stranded on the side of the interstate in the extreme cold. Luckily, 2 gentleman stopped to see if we were okay because they had seen fire under the vehicle. Purchased the extended lifetime warranty and Kia will not honor it. No I have no vehicle and a car payment.

20260207ENGINE

To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2017 Kia Sorento and have recently experienced excessive oil consumption with the vehicle. The engine is losing approximately 4 quarts of oil per 1000 miles, with no visible external leaks or exhaust smoke. I am aware that many Kia vehicles equipped with the 2.4L GDI engine have been affected by issues related to piston ring defects, which can cause abnormal oil consumption and, in some cases, premature engine failure. I also understand that Kia has issued recalls, service campaigns, and extended warranties on similar models and engines. I am requesting the following: 1.) Confirmation of whether my vehicle is included in any recalls, service campaigns, or warranty extensions related to this issue. 2.) A dealer inspection and oil consumption test to formally document the problem. 3.) Information on any coverage, goodwill repairs, or warranty extensions available if my vehicle is determined to have this defect. I respectfully request your as

20260202ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. A dealer was contacted and informed to add oil as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as needed. The approximate failure mileage was 76,471.

Mileage: 76,471

20260201ENGINE

This uses oil. It takes 16 ounces or more every 400 miles.

20260130FireENGINE

Daughter was driving home from getting her kids from daycare and said she couldn’t see behind her from smoke and her boyfriend told her the car was on fire and she said the engine light came on and then all the lights came on and it started smoking more and a lady pulled over and told them get out because the car was on fire and 911 was called and she got out and got kids in the lady’s car and called me at work and I left and got there and the fire department was hosing down the car for about 45 minutes. They finally got the fire out which was contained under the car engine and Insurnace checked it out and gave me the estimate that was uploaded and told me that it was a mechanical failure from the engine so they won’t cover anything and I have to put a new engine in it because it has a big hole in it underneath. I am not even sure if they really looked at it because they told me they will give it back to me and I can’t afford to have it looked at. I had a warranty but was told

20260124ENGINE

Driving home from work car started making a slapping noise, no engine light on. I stopped and the motor shut off and spit out oil. Found out that a connecting rod had broke off and went through the oil pan. now the car needs a new engine with only 166,000 miles on a 2017 Kia Sorento. The car has had all maintenance done on it.

20260120ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while coasting to a stop light, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stopped driving as needed. During the failure, the vehicle had not shut off. After turning it off and restarting the vehicle, the failure failed to self-correct. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.

Mileage: 118,000

20260113UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the paint on my 2017 Kia, which has begun peeling and coming off prematurely. I have raised this issue multiple times with my local Kia dealership and inquired about possible warranty coverage or repair options, as paint deterioration of this nature should not be occurring. I have also become aware of numerous similar complaints from other Kia owners experiencing the same issue with white paint, which suggests this may be a broader quality concern. Unfortunately, despite repeated discussions, the dealership has consistently dismissed my concerns and advised that the paint warranty has expired, without offering any alternative solutions or escalation options. I specifically asked the dealership whether they could contact Kia directly to request an exception or goodwill repair due to the nature of the issue, but I was told this would not be done. I am reaching out to you directly in hopes that this matter can be reviewed at a highe

20260110STEERING

My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia centered in my lane. I took it to Lion County Kia, and complained about this issue, while my Kia was still under warranty. The Lion Country Kia Service Tech. claimed that they could not find the issue with my steering (Becasue there was no "Alert Light" in my Kia's computer. A few years later corporate Kia acknowledged there is an issue with the power steering assist motor and sent a document stating that this part will be warranty past the original warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. I let my grandson use my vehicle and the same continual steering failure happened to him. I then took my

20260106ENGINE

I am reaching out regarding a challenging situation with my vehicle. On October 24, 2025, my engine seized up while I was driving. After conducting research on my vehicle, I discovered that there was a recall related to a component of the engine which was issued in 2018. I purchased my vehicle from Carbone Honda in June 2021 and was not aware of this recall until recently. Unfortunately, this incident occurred during a particularly difficult time for me, as my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer (stage 4 glioblastoma) in the same week. In addition, I am currently a nursing student facing significant financial constraints. I waited two months for an appointment at Destination Kia to determine whether my vehicle would still be eligible for an engine replacement. During this period, a mechanic kindly allowed me to store my vehicle at his facility. My appointment took place on December 22nd, and the following day I was informed that I did not qualify for repairs because the recall tha

20260105ENGINE

1. The Snow White Paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto Braking System and Lane Departure turns off at random

20260105UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. The Snow White Paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto Braking System and Lane Departure turns off at random

20260105FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1. The Snow White Paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto Braking System and Lane Departure turns off at random

20251228ENGINE

I was driving and heard a loud noise. The car started to hesitate and was making a knocking noise. I pulled over and had it towed where I was told it was a rod bearing failure and I needed a new engine. It had 130,000 miles. I have been reading online and found a lot of vehicles with the same engine as mine where this has happened and there are no recalls. Engines size 3.3L V6. Right now the car is sitting. I still owe on it and can’t afford to have it fixed. The oil was changed regularly. It was changed four weeks before this happened. No warnings.

20251217ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from under the hood. In addition, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was due to the detached crankshaft bearings. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer disassembled the engine and the transmission. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released back to the contact, several parts were missing from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that several of the parts of the vehicle were missing. The vehicle was being repaired. In additio

Mileage: 125,000

20251211ENGINE

I was driving our 2017 Kia Sorento 2.4 liter, on I-94 in Detroit, MI when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 ..We towed the vehicle to the Auto Repair Shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the Auto Repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but Cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 Kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the Auto Repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the Service rep did not sound promising to

20251211STEERING

I was driving our 2017 Kia Sorento 2.4 liter, on I-94 in Detroit, MI when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 ..We towed the vehicle to the Auto Repair Shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the Auto Repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but Cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 Kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the Auto Repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the Service rep did not sound promising to

20251207POWER TRAIN

Car is losing power, won't go into gear, slipping

20251203EXTERIOR LIGHTING

At night when I am driving, the headlight goes off. The light switch does not work on some settings. I never know when or where this dangerous situation is going to happen. Therefore, I try to avoid driving at night, as much as possible. This problem was addressed to Kia more than a year ago. They keep saying that they don't see a problem.

Compare 2017KIASORENTO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 KIA SORENTO have?
The 2017 KIA SORENTO has 976 NHTSA complaints, 17 crashes, 37 fires, 23 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The 2017 KIA SORENTO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
Yes, the 2017 KIA SORENTO has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is TRAILER HITCHES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The most-complained component for the 2017 KIA SORENTO is ENGINE with 362 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include EXTERIOR LIGHTING and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2017 KIA SORENTO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2017 KIA SORENTO has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.