2017 Kia Sorento

804 complaints on file, page 1 of 41.

1. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Palestine, TXEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11766758
2. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2026Dowagiac, MIAir bags, Unknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11765189
3. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Sep 3, 2026149,000 milesSunman, INIgnition, Engine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11764746
4. Filed Sep 5, 2026Failure Jul 7, 2026Forney, TXEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11762293
5. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2025100,000 milesCrestview, FLEngine, Engine and engine cooling

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11761315
6. Filed Aug 29, 2026Failure Jul 7, 2026Saugerties, NYSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11760571
7. Filed Aug 24, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Newark, NJElectrical system, Steering

   I am writing to file a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding the mishandling of a warranty repair dispute for my 2017 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]). This complaint documents a pattern of misinformation, unreturned communications, and unprofessional conduct by Kia representatives that has left my vehicle sitting at the dealership for over two weeks without resolution or accommodation. My vehicle was brought to Kia of Nutley for a confirmed MDPS (power steering) motor failure. The dealership quoted approximately $3,400–$3,500 out of pocket to repair it, as the vehicle is outside its standard warranty. I opened Kia Consumer Affairs Case #[XXX] on August 10, 2026 & have since attempted repeatedly to reach a resolution or goodwill consideration, given the age and history of the vehicle. The car has been at the dealership since August 6, 2026 without a loaner or rental accommodation. On August 10, 2026, I spoke with representative Liz, who told me she would send my case number to a supervisor to determine next steps. I have since learned that Liz apparently logged my vehicle's issue as a head gasket problem, rather than the actual power steering failure that is documented & confirmed by the dealership. I also spoke with representatives Kiyah (Total Kia Specialist) & Ivory (Customer Service, California), neither of whom was able to provide consistent or accurate information about my case status. I emailed Michele Cameron, Kia's Executive Director of Consumer Affairs &Warranty Operations, on August 10, 2026. As of this letter, I have received no responseAfter repeated hang-ups & my request for escalation, I received a callback today, August 19, 2026, from a Kia supervisor named Stephanie. Stephanie confirmed that there are two open recalls on my vehicle: Recall SC330, for the multi-function switch, & Recall SC340 (THETA), for a software upgrade. Stephanie stated that someone from the escalation team will reach back out to me within 1–2 Business days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

   NHTSA complaint 11759172
8. Filed Aug 22, 2026Failure Aug 8, 2026Bedford, TXEngine

   My kids and I were driving when my engine started making a loud noise. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then I turned it back on. It worked for another mile or so then started making the noise again and died while I was driving at about 55-60 miles an hr. I was able to pull over, put it in park and turned the key off....it wouldn't turn back on and the check engine light came on. When I had someone check it out for me it was about 4 quarts low on oil (it never gave me a warning about the oil and the oil light never came on) and the check engine code was P0024. Oil was added and the camshaft position sensor has been replaced. It starts now but it won't stay on and when it is on it makes a loud screeching sound that isn't coming from the serpentine belt and a loud knocking sound.

   NHTSA complaint 11758822
9. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Aug 7, 2026Indianapolis, INAir bagsCrash1 injured

   Steering wheel airbag failed to inflate

   NHTSA complaint 11757873
10. Filed Aug 6, 2026Failure Jul 14, 2026Athens, GAUnknown or other

    I am writing to escalate an unresolved issue regarding a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign performed on my vehicle at Bulldog Kia on July 14, 2026. Shortly after leaving the dealership, my Check Engine Light illuminated. An independent mechanic scanned the vehicle and confirmed that the active fault code directly relates to the components/logic altered during the corporate emissions campaign. I have called the dealership multiple times over the last few weeks and left voicemails for two different service representatives, but my calls are being ignored. I also contacted Kia corporate customer service who responded saying that they could not do anything and that I needed to continue contacting the local dealership (Bulldog Kia). From what I understand this could be a safety issue because it prevents me from being alerted to other safety issues that would trigger the check engine light, and there are also ways in which this could potentially cause the vehicle to slow way down or stop running while driving. As noted above the dealer has been unresponsive to my repeated contact attempts and the check engine light remains illuminated.

    NHTSA complaint 11755257
11. Filed Aug 2, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Covington, LAExterior lighting

    My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly while driving. They are burning out weekly and having to be replaced. 1 of my tail lights is doing the same exact thing. I replace it. It works for a couple weeks and then goes out. When the headlights shut off my dash shows that i am trying to turn my headlights from auto to another setting, which is not the case. It has happened at night multiple times and that poses a danger because i cant see the road and people cant see my car. I have not had it looked at yet. I do see multiple complaints online for multiple different kia models and years. There is no recall and i do not see a TSB. Just curious with so many issues seen online why anything has not be accomplished or a recall available.

    NHTSA complaint 11754259
12. Filed Aug 1, 2026Failure Jul 15, 2026Augusta, GAFuel/propulsion system

    Fuel injectors become unseated randomly causing gas to be sprayed inside engine compartment. Issue can be seen upon request. This issue could cause a fire/explosion as fuel sprays out. The issue was repaired once by an Independent shop, then the issue reoccurred and has now reoccurred again. The issue fails randomly and fully with the symptom being the vehicle not wanting to start.

    NHTSA complaint 11754172
13. Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jun 12, 2026Avon, INEngine, Power train

    2017 Kia Sorento 2.4L GDI engine seized due to connecting rod bearing failure confirmed by P1326 diagnostic code multiple times. Vehicle entered limp mode limiting RPMs to 1800-2000 exactly as described in PI1802 campaign. Engine subsequently fully seized. Battery tested 98% healthy ruling out electrical cause. Vehicle towed to [XXX] Kia Avon Indiana. Kia Techline and Consumer Affairs denied PI1802 lifetime warranty claim citing used vehicle reconditioning despite PI1802 explicitly stating coverage applies to both new AND used vehicle owners per official Kia corporate document dated XXX. Consumer Affairs appeal case XXX opened but Kia states no further appeals possible. Kia is wrongfully denying lifetime warranty coverage guaranteed under PI1802 Product Improvement Campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11754083
14. Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jul 26, 2026138,000 milesLauder Hill, FLElectrical systemFire

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle with three other occupants and the engine turned off, there was black smoke quickly coming from underneath the hood. The contact and the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started in the engine bay on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and another vehicle was damaged in the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The contact believed that the vehicle was destroyed, but the insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle a total loss. There were no injuries sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11753979
15. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Jan 8, 2026Maynardville, TNSteering

    My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual need to correct the steering wheel to keep the car straight and causing the car to not be able to maintain perfectly straight travel. On large sweeping corners, this problem is even more pronounced and feels dangerous. The sticking issue can be felt while stationary and in motion.I am constantly correcting, left to right to keep it straight. I cannot hold the wheel in one position for any length of time. Went to a KIA dealership and they said it needed the steering rack replaced. Others have reported this issue since the Sorento released this series in 2016 for higher trims (SX, SXL). KIA closed my case without notice. Reopened today. A person on kia Forms had to have there rack replaced at 65k miles to correct issue. Asking for a class action against KIA if they refuse to fix this ongoing safety issue they constantly deny. Dealership said this is not the first time this has been replaced for others. KIA needs to own this RECALL!!!

    NHTSA complaint 11753754
16. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure Apr 30, 2026Plant City, FLEngine

    My 2017 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic, sudden engine lockup on the roadway due to a known manufacturing defect involving rod bearing failure. This defect caused complete loss of motive power and stalled the vehicle on the road, creating an extreme safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and surrounding motorists.Prior to the failure, the vehicle heavily consumed its own motor oil at a dangerous rate of nearly 5 quarts every 1,000 miles. I repeatedly attempted to address this with Kia, completing three separate official oil consumption and combustion tests. The vehicle failed all three tests. Despite documented failures of these critical safety components, Kia Corporate and the local dealership, court Kia, issued bad-faith warranty denials. As a direct result, I was forced to drive a dangerously unstable vehicle for 8,148 additional miles until the engine permanently and violently seized on the road.After being towed, the engine was confirmed to be completely locked up. My husband subsequently dropped the engine's oil pan and discovered a pieces of physical rod bearing debris and pieces of a snapped timing chain floating inside. The vehicle had full engine oil at the time of failure, as we were constantly topping it off to counteract the severe consumption defect.Manufacturer and Dealer Misconduct / Safety Cover-Up:The servicing dealer, Regal Kia, and Kia Corporate Case Manager Jennifer (who previously denied the vehicle after the consumption test failures) have actively colluded to falsify safety records to escape their lifetime warranty obligations under the federal engine class action settlement.The dealership deliberately withheld the vehicle's diagnostic trouble codes (specifically camshaft codes triggered when the timing chain snapped), falsely telling Kia Corporate that "no codes" existed. They fabricated a false history, claiming I stated the vehicle "stalled and the oil light flickered" prior to arrival, despite the vehicle being towed in with a p

    NHTSA complaint 11753403
17. Filed Jul 6, 2026Failure Jun 28, 2026Brooklyn, NYEngine, Service brakes

    On XXX, the oil warning light was illuminated in our 2017 Kia Sorento SXL and that the vehicle was leaking oil. We brought the vehicle to an independent repair facility (Tire Kingdom, Cairo, NY) for diagnosis on XXX. The repair facility provided an oral assessment with photographs indicating a suspected rear main seal leak. The engine was dry on the top but excessively wet between the engine and transmission, consistent with a significant oil leak in that area. We were advised that the vehicle could be driven in short intervals of approximately 25 minutes, provided that oil levels were closely monitored and topped off as needed. On XXX, we began driving the vehicle to transport our daughter to a train station 25 minutes away. Halfway through the trip, the vehicle began producing a metallic noise from the engine compartment. We immediately pulled over safely and turned off the engine. After stopping, we discussed next steps and then attempted to restart the vehicle. The engine started but immediately produced a severe mechanical rattling noise. It was shut off within approximately one second of startup. The vehicle was not driven further. The vehicle was then towed to Romeo Kia in [XXX]. Kia performed a diagnostic assessment and determined that the engine required complete replacement, with an estimated repair cost of approximately $10,000. This vehicle previously had a remanufactured engine installed in 2023 following a prior catastrophic engine failure. Between installations, the vehicle was maintained in normal service and was not overdue for scheduled oil changes at the time of this incident (27 days to go). At no point prior to the failure event was there clear indication of immediate catastrophic engine failure beyond the initial oil warning and leak condition. The failure progressed from a diagnosed external oil leak to immediate mechanical failure upon restart, requiring towing and full engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11748442
18. Filed Jul 6, 2026Failure Feb 16, 2023Brooklyn, NYEngine

    On February 16, 2023, the engine in our 2017 Kia Sorento SXL developed a sudden, loud knocking noise while driving. No dashboard warning lights illuminated at any time, including no oil pressure warning, check engine light, or other engine-related alerts. The vehicle remained fully operable and did not lose power or seize. I continued driving approximately 20 minutes home, including highway speeds up to ~75 mph. The following day, with the knocking noise worsening but still no warning indicators present, I drove approximately 25 minutes to an independent repair facility. The vehicle was then diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure attributed to oil starvation and was towed. Because the vehicle had fewer than 100,000 miles and was within the expected powertrain warranty period, we pursued a warranty review through Kia. Kia requested maintenance records, which we provided in full after gathering documentation from all service providers over a two-week period. Despite this, the warranty claim was denied, first citing gaps in initial records and later questioning oil type based on older receipts that did not explicitly state “synthetic oil.” At Kia’s recommendation, we authorized an oil pan inspection at our expense. Kia concluded that the oil filter appeared to be more than two years old, which conflicted with our documented maintenance history showing multiple oil changes during that period. Kia denied warranty coverage and quoted approximately $10,500 for engine replacement. We were advised that the replacement engine would be a remanufactured unit and that it was on backorder with no estimated delivery timeline. After approximately ten weeks without resolution, we located a compatible replacement engine at another Kia dealership and arranged transport of the vehicle there. The engine was replaced within three days for approximately $9,000. The repair included installation of a replacement engine, new spark plugs, and a passed state inspection.

    NHTSA complaint 11748438
19. Filed Jun 29, 2026Failure Jun 12, 2026Gilbert, AZFuel/propulsion system

    To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute a repair charge and report unacceptable service at Courtesy Kia (Mesa, AZ) regarding my vehicle. Timeline of Events: June 12, 2026: I brought my vehicle to Courtesy Kia for a mandatory software recall. Prior to this appointment, my fuel gauge worked perfectly. Immediately upon picking up the vehicle, the fuel gauge ceased to function. After calling customer service, I brought the vehicle back for inspection. The dealership kept my car for three days. Despite the issue being caused during their previous service, I was denied a loaner vehicle, forcing to come to take the car and use it during the weekend or I can wait until Monday 29 until the service manager back but I asked them I can’t use the car with this error as it’s not safe for me and my kids and that should be fixed by them since that’s their mistake and unfortunately I’ve had paid out-of-pocket for my family's transportation. June 26, 2026 (Diagnostic): The service department initially claimed the issue was a broken fuel pump and quoted me $1,210. I informed them this was impossible, as the fuel pump was completely replaced just 3 months ago. I requested to speak to the service manager, but was told he was unavailable until Monday. And the gentleman Michael who was taking care of my car said let me speak with the technician and back to me again with different quote The diagnosis was suddenly changed to a "fuel sending unit and gasket," with a new quote of $546?? But if I want I can wait until Monday to check with service manager. June 29, 2026: After receiving no follow-up call, I contacted the dealership myself. I spoke with Service Manager Shane Hackelton, who refused to take responsibility for the damage caused during the recall service and insisting that not related to recall software and should be fixed by myself. I look forward to your prompt response and a resolution to this matter.

    NHTSA complaint 11747304
20. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Jun 25, 2026huntingtown, MDEngine

    bought car from carmax. engine knock sensor went bad and engine is knocking. kia states engine is not origional and was taken from a junk yard, both kia and carmax are refusing to fix eventhough I am doing payments and it is a known kia issue for this car. Kia charged me 350$ to run test and cleared the light but informed me my engine is going to blow. carmax is refusing to do anything but still wants us to pay the 9k we owe on the car eventhough its broke.

    NHTSA complaint 11746572