Owner-reported complaints naming the body or structure system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Body & structure reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
17
Latest Apr 18, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
2%
of 795 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4
What this page shows
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Kia Sorento submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 17 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming body or structure
Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed
Body & structure
Filed Apr 18, 2025
Above the windshield on the driver's side, paint is progressively peeling away with regular operation of my pearl-white 2017 Kia Sorento. What began as a very small and barely noticeable chip in the paint has progressed to a large paint-less spot. On the hood and surrounding areas, paint chips are appearing as well. According to the auto body repair shop I received an estimate from, this is referred to as "delamination" and is a result of poor quality paint or craftsmanship in the manufacturing process. The auto body shop said this is a recurring issue in WHITE Kia Sorentos specifically. Many other owners of white Kia Sorentos have reported this same issue.
NHTSA ID
11655450
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Apr 9, 2025
I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the instrument panel of the 2016-2020 Kia Sorento. My car - 2017 Kia Sorento. In approx. 2021, I noticed a small 2 cm crack resembling a razor blade cut on my instrument panel (Part Number: 84710-C5000WK, also 84710-C6000WK and 84710-C6001WK). At the time, I did not find this defect alarming as it was minor and located far from the airbag area. However, over time, the situation has deteriorated significantly. The small crack has now developed into three substantial cracks measuring between 6 to 8 inches, with some of them encroaching upon the airbag area. I am increasingly concerned that these cracks may impact the airbag deployment mechanism and potentially result in fragments from the panel flying out during a collision, an issue that has been documented in other vehicle brands in the past. After conducting some research, I found that this problem appears to be common among the Kia Sorento models manufactured between 2016 and 2020. Numerous sources online indicate that these dashboard cracks pose a safety hazard. I have made attempts to address this issue directly with Kia. However, I was informed that the initial inspection fee is $150, and the estimated cost for part replacement and installation is approximately $3,959. This amount is quite significant. I urge your organization to investigate this matter further and consider providing a remedy for affected customers. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
NHTSA ID
11653730
Incident
Apr 9, 2025
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jan 30, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported
I was t boned while driving aprox 25 30 non of my air bags deployed and to bolts holding the door had the head shear off while bolts were still stuck in door frame
NHTSA ID
11568787
Incident
Jan 20, 2024
Body & structure
Filed Dec 24, 2023
The vehicle is in immacutlate condition and when I went to wash it yesterday I noticed what appear to be a spot. When I sprayed with water the paint peeled off and I noted that it is dowing this on other spots on the bumper. I take excellent care of this car and to see paint peeling off when the car has not even done 100,000 miles is very disappointing. Only to find that Kia has had compaints and it is documented that many customers have had issues with the snow white pearl paint peeling. Why has Kia not offered to rectify the situation. the vehicle is available for inspection but it is my understanding that Kia only warranty's the paint for one year. I have sent photos to indicate how well the car has been mainatined as well as the peeling paint. The system will not allow me to upload files it skips to personal info. Photos available
NHTSA ID
11561716
Incident
Dec 23, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Jul 28, 2023
The paint on the hood of this vehicle rapidly flew off the hood while traveling on I95 creating a significant safety hazard in a moving vehicle.
NHTSA ID
11535137
Incident
Jul 28, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Oct 11, 2022
Paint delamination on hood.
NHTSA ID
11488763
Incident
Oct 8, 2022
Body & structure
Filed May 7, 2022
Paint is peeling on hood
NHTSA ID
11463729
Incident
May 7, 2022
Body & structure
Filed Sep 8, 2021
The rear door handle fell off as I went to open it. This is also the side that my 5-year-old daughter sits on. If there were an accident and the door handle just fell off, it could be devestating.
NHTSA ID
11432126
Incident
Aug 2, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Aug 14, 2021
Can not open the liftgate either from the liftgate button or the emergency release lever in the liftgate. Emergency escape from rear is not possible. Broken at present. Problem started July 2021. Problem verbally confirmed with independent service manager. No prior indicator of issue.
NHTSA ID
11429094
Incident
Jul 31, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Mar 16, 2021
1 injury reported
AUTOMATIC REAR LIFTGATE CLOSED ON MY HAND AND DID NOT RELEASE. SENSORS DID NOT ACTIVATE. CAR WAS PARKED ON A DESERTED RESIDENTIAL STREET, ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING.I COULD NOT REACH HATCH TO OPEN THE DOOR. FORTUNATELY, I HAD SOMEONE WITH ME. I HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL SERVICES AND PHYSICAL THERAPY. HAND INJURY WILL RESULT IN LIFELONG DISCOMFORT. KIA WAS NOTIFIED AS WAS MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS ADVISED TO GET A SAFETY CHECK AT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC I AM ISOLATING AND AVOIDING EXPOSURES.
NHTSA ID
11403353
Incident
Feb 21, 2020
Mileage
30,000 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Feb 25, 2021
WHITE SMOKE IN EXHAUST AND LOUD GRIND WHEN COLD START. PAINT IS PEELING IN THE BACK
NHTSA ID
11397934
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Mileage
40,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Nov 9, 2020
THE PASSENGER SIDE BACK DOOR HANDLE JUST FELL OFF.
NHTSA ID
11373832
Incident
Nov 9, 2020
Mileage
67,000 mi
Body & structureSteering
Filed Nov 8, 2020
STEERING IS STICKY, FORCING DRIVER TO ROTATE STEERING WHEEL IN AN EXAGGERATED WAY TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. DOOR HANDLE COVER ON PASSENGER REAR SIDE BROKE WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR.
NHTSA ID
11373726
Incident
Apr 1, 2020
Body & structure
Filed Jan 21, 2020
MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO IMPACT; I SAW NOTHING, WITNESSES BEHIND ME SAY NOTHING HIT ME, I WASN'T UNDER AN OVERPASS, I WASN'T FOLLOWING ANYONE CLOSELY. DRIVING STRAIGHT AT ABOUT 75MPH.
NHTSA ID
11300709
Incident
Jan 19, 2020
Mileage
44,000 mi
AirbagsBody & structureEngine
Filed Aug 12, 2019
Crash reported2 injuries reported
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON A CITY STREET AND STRUCK HEAD ON BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DAMAGE IS SHOWN BELOW IN THE UPLOADED IMAGE. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ID
11243358
Incident
Aug 11, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jan 20, 2019
I OWN A 2017 KIA SORENTO AND EXPERIENCED AN EXPLODING SUNROOF WHILE DRIVING NO MORE THAN 20 MPH ON 1/4/19. I WAS TURNING RIGHT FROM A SIDE ROAD ONTO A LARGER MAIN ROAD AND JUST STARTING TO ACCELERATE WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I THOUGH MY CAR BACKFIRED. AS I LOOKED TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE CAR, I SAW PIECES OF GLASS ON THE BACK SEAT AND REALIZED THAT MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED UPWARDS THERE ARE LARGE PIECES OF GLASS ANGLED UPWARD, WITH STRESS FRACTURES ALL ALONG THE EDGES.
NHTSA ID
11171045
Incident
Jan 4, 2019
Mileage
1 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 12, 2017
Fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF AN AUTO BODY SHOP OVER THE WEEKEND, THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MELTED CENTER CONSOLE AND BURNT DRIVER SIDE SEAT WERE DISCOVERED BY AN AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED WIRING FAILURES WITH WINDOW, TRUNK AND CONSOLE. UPDATED 8/22/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. *JS
NHTSA ID
11033119
Incident
Oct 9, 2017
Mileage
80,000 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own