2017 Kia Sorento Problems

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.

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.

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.

The car gets stuck and will not shift out of park. I've had to use the manual override. And when the ambulance came to my house, I could not move my car out of the way fast enough and this delayed emergency response team. I thought it was a one time fluke, but it started happening again this week (4/1/26) Every time I use the car. This cannot be safe.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

Following an engine replacement performed at Billion Auto Kia in Rapid City, SD, I began experiencing persistent electrical system failures in my 2017 Kia Sorento. The vehicle alarm would activate randomly without cause, including while I was inside the vehicle with the engine running. Additionally, the door locks would engage spontaneously, trapping me inside the vehicle and preventing me from exiting. The only way to exit was to forcibly pull the door handle, which triggered the alarm. I have video documentation of these incidents. I presented the vehicle to Billion Auto Kia in Rapid City, SD — an authorized Kia dealership with these exact symptoms. The service department was unable to identify a root cause and provided no repair path, returning the vehicle to me unrepaired. 7 months later, Courtesy Kia of Brandon in Brandon, FL, another authorized Kia dealership diagnosed the root cause as a failed Body Control Module (BCM). During the service visit, a Kia dealership technician personally witnessed the alarm activating spontaneously while operating the vehicle, further confirming the defect. The BCM failure was present and active at the time of the prior authorized dealer visit and was not detected. The failed BCM has also caused the gear shifter to become completely stuck, unable to shift out of Park, leaving the vehicle fully inoperable. This vehicle has had 6 recall actions performed since purchase — 4 completed after my purchase in August 2023, and two completed prior to my purchase. Despite this recall history, the vehicle has experienced an engine failure and a BCM failure within less than 3 years of my ownership. Being trapped inside a vehicle with a malfunctioning lock system represents a serious safety hazard, particularly in the event of an accident or emergency requiring rapid exit. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether a safety defect exists in the Body Control Module of 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles and whether additional recall action is warranted.

adaptive cruise control warning lites. In the beginning it started sending warnings after it was on for a while. Now the warning is when I start the car. this has been fixed once under warranty but it is no longer working again. the warning lites for the aeb system is also on. Also I have pearl white sorento and the paint is peeling off the hood.

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

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)

The car gets stuck and will not shift out of park. I've had to use the manual override. And when the ambulance came to my house, I could not move my car out of the way fast enough and this delayed emergency response team. I thought it was a one time fluke, but it started happening again this week (4/1/26) Every time I use the car. This cannot be safe.

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.

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.

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.

Steering wheel airbag failed to inflate

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the vehicle. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the front panel glass sunroof had shattered inward. The contact stated that there was no impact with the vehicle to cause the failure. The vehicle was later repaired at the local auto body repair shop. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was not available.

Panoramic sunroof sunshade has detached on one side and is hanging down, affecting visibility.

The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, and police and firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware whether a police or fire department report had been filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and the insurance company was made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

On 12/31/23 my vehicle caught on fire while in my driveway and ignition was off. The fire started in the rear/at the hatch. Fire Department was called and extinguished. Arson investigator was called to the scene and found no fowl play. I did receive multiple recall letters for the tow hitch, which could catch fire due to corossion/electrical issues, but was told by a local dealership that I brought the vehicle to, my vehicle was not involved. Based on events, I disagree.

Werner KIA sold pre-owned vehicle with driver side seatbelt defect, very loose. It was acknowledged by dealer, on paperwork, stated they repaired/replaced it, only to see it was NOT repaired/replaced due to cost. To date, seatbelt still loose, may not work in crash situation. Werner KIA 2755 W. Tennessee St. Tall, FL.

When someone is sitting in the front passenger seat and does NOT have their seat belt on there is no warning alerting the operator of the vehicle, no lights blinking or no bells dinging. I have done a little research and this appears to be common on at least some Kia vehicles. Pretty much every other vehicle I have checked gives some kind of warning if passenger is not buckled. The seatbelt system is part of the restraint system (as I'm sure you know) so I would think that would be a big safety issue.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, the air conditioner failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat was moldy, and the sunroof had seized. Additionally, the sunroof headliner fell while changing lanes. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The windshield washer, the sunroof assembly, the reservoir pump, and the front axle seal assembly were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the issue would be escalated to the corporate level and the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 61,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the interior lights and headlights turned off and turned back on without driver's input. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,082.

I purchased 2017 Kia Sorento in 2020. I have to put 2 quarts of oil in it once a week. I noticed it around 2022. I get the oil changed on the regular. The engine is starting to rattle, and my oil light does not indicate when the oil is low. So, I have to check it constantly. The under-carriage rattles excessively. I've taken the suv to dealership and they are telling me that they cannot find anything wrong with it. I am at a loss. Plus, I am still paying a note on the suv.

THIS KIA SORENTO MAKES A VERY HIGH OVER-REVVING NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP THE STREET. THE KIA OFTEN SEEMS TO TRY TO FIND THE GEAR IT NEEDS TO BE IN WHILE DRIVING AND MAKES A LOUD ENGINE NOISE WHEN GOING UP HILL OR DRIVING MORE THAN 20 MPH. THIS KIA ALSO MAKES A INTERNAL CLICKING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS, WHICH IS OFTEN WORSE WHEN TURNING ON AN INCLINE. THE ENGINE HAS A LOUD RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED AND THE CAR IS OFTEN HARD TO START, MEANING WHEN I TURN THE IGNITION KEY, THE CAR MAY START 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME ON THE FIRST START.

Rear tires are cupped 235/60 R 18