2017 Kia Sportage Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11754337

Incident

Apr 26, 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.

NHTSA ID

11752117

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11751196

Incident

Aug 29, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11751195

Incident

Feb 7, 2026

One day as I was turning at a green light the car completely stopped on me. I had to turn it off and then restart it and it worked fine. About a week later I had to drive to my cousin's house 45 minutes away and the car would not go, it acted like it was stalling and It didn't want to go over 2000RPMs and it was really sluggish like it didn't want to shift into the next gear. I finally got on the highway and it would not go past 60 miles an hour and then also if you try to drive it, it will slow down like its shutting off on you. I've had a new battery replaced, 4 new tires a windshield, and wipers replaced. I took the car to AutoZone and also to another guy and both of them used their computers and said that it's the engine and they called it rod knocking. I called customer service and they said yes their is a recall and that they would replace the engine. I tried to call kia in mesquite Texas because that is the closest one to me and I left a voicemail they did not call me back I am carless I'm a single disabled mother I need a working car.

NHTSA ID

11749087

Incident

Mar 18, 2026

After fueling, vehicle idled fine with no warning lights. Once pulling onto the highway and making highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, and was stranded in the highway. We required the assistance of law enforcement to direct traffic. It was 10pm and the temperatures were 35 degree below zero with the windchill. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed loss of compression in the pistons. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which has a long history of engine failures, oil consumption complaints, stalling, and class-action litigation involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. Kia denied coverage by claiming only rod-bearing failures qualify for warranty extension, even though excessive oil consumption and compression loss appear closely related to the same broader engine defect pattern. Other owners have also reported 2017 Sportage excessive oil consumption leading to compression loss and engine failure. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the engine can fail suddenly while driving at highway speed, drivers may have little warning before loss of power, oil consumption may not trigger adequate warning before catastrophic failure. This creates crash risk, roadside hazard exposure, and potential fire risk.

NHTSA ID

11748466

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

The contact's mother owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's brother parked the vehicle, rolled down the window, and became aware that there was smoke coming from under the hood before the vehicle caught on fire. The contact's brother exited the vehicle and ran away from the vehicle. The contact's brother called the contact and the police about the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and firefighters arrived at the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The Police, bomb squad, and fire department reports were filed. The contact's brother received medical treatment for a severe asthma attack. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, but the insurance company had not yet declared the vehicle a total loss because the vehicle only had liability coverage. Upon investigation, the contact's brother discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches); however, the contact's mother had not received a recall notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11746213

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

My 2017 Kia Sportage has experienced excessive oil consumption, cylinder #3 misfires, loss of power, and highway stalling events. The dealership initially documented engine damage and indicated findings consistent with internal engine failure, including concerns related to metal contamination and cylinder damage. These issues appear consistent with numerous complaints from other Kia owners involving the same engine family. Kia has since backtracked on prior findings, and both Kia and the dealership have stopped responding to my requests for clarification and documentation. The cylinder damage and related engine failures appear to be symptoms of a larger engine defect that poses a safety risk due to sudden loss of power and stalling while driving. I request that NHTSA investigate these recurring engine failures and Kia’s handling of these claims.

NHTSA ID

11744503

Incident

Mar 10, 2026

Window regulator failure - power window could not be rolled up. Had to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11744476

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

While driving on the interstate at highway speed with cruise control engaged, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic failure with absolutely no prior warning, warning lights, knocking, stalling, or other symptoms. The vehicle became inoperable immediately. The repair estimate is $6,500 for engine replacement. The vehicle is a 2017 Kia Sportage equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine, confirmed by service campaign SC340 on file with NHTSA. Two safety recalls remain incomplete on this vehicle: 21V137 and 22V703. The Knock Sensor Detection System software update campaign SC340 was never completed prior to my purchase of the vehicle in February 2024 from a used car dealer, despite being issued in July 2018. Kia Consumer Affairs indicated the claim would likely be denied due to the incomplete KSDS update, despite that update predating my ownership entirely. A dealer appointment had been scheduled for June 26, 2024 to address outstanding recalls prior to this failure occurring.

NHTSA ID

11744422

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

Unexplainable issues with brake pedal. Makes noise inside cabin that sounds like a squeaky door. Happens when depressing brake pedal at 20mph or less and does not in reverse. Pedal feels odd, somewhat pulsating and when turning, I believe, the front passenger wheel pulls. Steering wheel is noticeably affected also, noting a jerking sensation. Several mechanics are unable to identify the issue. There are no dash lights on.

NHTSA ID

11744368

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine is malfunctioning, increase in oil consumption, MPG dropping, a ticking/knocking noise coming from the engine, and erratic engine behavior with random surges while driving to 6000+ RPM. Brought it into Kia 2x now for same issue and first time said nothing was wrong and second time I am now going through an oil consumption test. Vehicle is still unsafe to drive but they say this is the only option to do their test to move forward with my warranty with Kia. I am driving through mountain passes daily with this behavior and I worry if the engine blows I'll lose control of the vehicle and fall off the cliff. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am instructed to drive it still. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The engine oil consumption test is happening now, I have driven 500 miles and the engine oil is low, pending to hear back from Kia on when they can get it in for next steps. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, just a Kia dealership (if that is the manufacturer then yes) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. And there is no warning lights for low engine oil. I have driven many times without oil and no warning that the oil was even low. The vehicle burns up oil fast.

NHTSA ID

11739625

Incident

May 21, 2026

I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recalls & product improvements before certification.

NHTSA ID

11738633

Incident

Oct 31, 2024

My vehicle engine caught fire after getting gas. It started smoking then went up in flames.

NHTSA ID

11737888

Incident

May 12, 2026

My safety is put at risk. My car has stalled two different times on the highway. I was able to get it off the road after restarting the vehicle and coasting out. The engine was worked out by Kia of Mission Viejo. They stated it was not due to Rod bearing, although I was told on a separate occasion that there was metal in my oil in the same scenario then when they submitted the video to Kia, they said they only saw the burnt valve my check engine light has went on a total of three times I’ve had the same exact work done three additional times as well as the knock sensor having to be replaced because it went off and burned out due to what happened on the highway. My car is part of the theta engine issue with Kia

NHTSA ID

11736363

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

The car has had issues starting even with a brand new battery and will randomly not start. The driver side window does not go down, and the driver side door gets stuck and will not open from the outside. It’s been an ongoing issue for three years. The car will replace the batteries is dead, even though the battery we tested and fine and we randomly say a brake light is out even though the brake light will be fully operational.

NHTSA ID

11736308

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane due to the power loss, but then had to cross traffic at approximately 20 mph to reach a small emergency shoulder area on the left side of the highway, where the vehicle completely died. This created a serious highway safety hazard for me and other drivers. We were stranded in a highly dangerous location and required assistance from multiple Massachusetts State Troopers due to the unsafe roadside conditions. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed: spark plugs covered in oil, multiple cylinder misfires, compression loss in cylinder 3, burnt valve causing failure likely worn valve seals causing oil consumption. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which has a long history of engine failures, oil consumption complaints, stalling, and class-action litigation involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. Kia denied coverage by claiming only rod-bearing failures qualify for warranty extension, even though excessive oil consumption and compression loss appear closely related to the same broader engine defect pattern. Other owners have also reported 2017 Sportage excessive oil consumption leading to compression loss and engine failure. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the engine can fail suddenly while driving at highway speed, drivers may have little warning before loss of power, oil consumption may not trigger adequate warning before catastrophic failure. This creates crash risk, roadside hazard exposure, and potential fire risk.

NHTSA ID

11733898

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

The contact’s mother owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact's mother noticed an abnormal odor and an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Auto Zone and connected to a diagnostic machine, and DTC: P0128, P1326, and P0014 were retrieved. The contact's mother received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches). The contact was unsure if the failure was associated with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA ID

11733282

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

Mileage

141,000 mi

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and found metal shavings inside the oil filter. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,111.

NHTSA ID

11733117

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

Mileage

143,111 mi

have a 2017 Kia Sportage and there is something unusual in the airbag compartment on the console in front of the front passenger seat. Although there are no apparent signs of damage or impact, it seems that the airbag has been partially deployed. After seeking input from multiple individuals, they all agreed that this is probably a manufacturing defect. Unfortunately, when I contacted Kia, they let me know that they are unable to help me because the vehicle's warranty has expired. I have been a dedicated Kia customer for more than 15 years, having owned five different models throughout that period. I've never come across a manufacturing defect like this in any of my Kia vehicles before.

NHTSA ID

11733068

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

I own a 2017 Kia Sportage 2.4L (VIN: [XXX] ). In October of 2024 , the vehicle began making a loud engine knocking noise consistent with a known rod bearing failure. I immediately stopped driving and it has been in my garage to prevent further damage or safety risk. I contacted KIA America corporate twice 4/17/26 and was denied engine replacement twice. Kia stated I was not eligible for coverage under the engine defect settlement?KSDS update requirements. We are the second owner of the car having purchased it in 2020. I never received the letter about the knock sensor update. I did receive a recall in Dec 2026 a tow hitch harness and another in March 2026 for voluntary emissions campaign. I asked why I did not receive notification they said they most likely sent it to original owner they would not CK if received and then said the NHTSA sends those out and to contact you which is not the case they send them out. I have a 2.4L engine consistent with the defect causing sudden engine failure, fires and hazardous driving conditions. I was denied being able to file a report for not having the software update for the engine knocking (I never received) and for not services it with a KIA dealship I maintained my vehicle and have my documents. Thank you for your time in this frustrating matter. [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11732483

Incident

Oct 26, 2024

Component Failure: Independent inspection confirmed a broken brake master cylinder mounting bracket and a missing AC compressor mounting bolt. Safety Risk: The broken brake bracket compromises the structural integrity of the braking system, posing a risk of brake failure while driving. The missing AC bolt creates a risk of the compressor becoming unseated, which could damage the serpentine belt and cause a sudden loss of power steering or engine cooling. Dealer Interaction: The selling dealer (Orr Nissan West) advertised the vehicle as "vetted" but has since ignored multiple formal requests for the pre-sale inspection records after these defects were discovered.

NHTSA ID

11730491

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

Car has 84000 miles on it for last 15-20 thousand miles there is a smell of gas in the oil. I took to dealership they charged me to replace a catalytic converter. Not even a year later the cars engine blew up. Now needs a whole new motor there is loud knocking and car will not accelerate.

NHTSA ID

11728780

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Car started making noise, slowed down. I stopped the vehicle immediately and parked on shoulder. Towed it to a mechanic shop and they said the engine stopped. It needs an engine replacement.

NHTSA ID

11724424

Incident

Mar 13, 2026

My 2017 Kia Sportage with approximately 98,000 miles suddenly started using oil at times. It would go for several trips with everything fine and then it would be a quart low. I continued to drive it and check the oil before every trip. At approximately 106,000 miles, I suddenly lost engine power, a small puff of black smoke from the exhaust, and the check engine light came on. I crippled it home after checking all fluids - they were fine. I trailered the car to my mechanic and after diagnosing it, he stated the #1 cylinder had no compression. I brought it home and checked online to find out that this seemed to be a common occurrence with the Sportage. To double check, I took the car to a second mechanic to get the same results except he provided more detail. Compression on #1 Cylinder 0, #2 was 140, #3 145, #4 140. He stated the compression should be above 175. My safety issue was I could have been stranded on I49 and if this had happened at night, I may not have been able to get it home. I took the vehicle to Crain Kia, Fayetteville, AR. when the first Check Engine Light came on and they stated it was shown as low engine oil even though it had oil in the engine and that it showed low compression on Cylinder 4. I now have a vehicle with 106,048 miles that without major engine repairs is worthless to me.

NHTSA ID

11723985

Incident

Dec 13, 2025