2017 Kia Sportage Electrical Problems

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

NHTSA ID

11744476

Incident

Jun 11, 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 catastrophic engine failure (rod knock/bearing failure) in my 2017 Kia Sportage, consistent with the Theta II GDI defect. The failure caused a sudden loss of motive power while in traffic, creating a significant safety risk. Furthermore, I am reporting Bill Dodge Kia (Westbrook, ME) for safety negligence. On September 26, 2023 (at 83,611 miles), this vehicle was in their service bay for brake work. Despite the vehicle being under an active HECU Fire Risk Recall (SC206) and requiring the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign, the dealership failed to perform these safety updates or disclose them to me. When confronted, dealership management (Alex Pinto, Bob Colton, and Patrick Demers) explicitly stated it was 'not their responsibility' to inform customers of known defects or active recalls. This practice left me driving a vehicle with a known fire risk and a documented engine defect for over two years without my knowledge, ultimately leading to the current engine failure."

NHTSA ID

11714822

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH on the highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke inside the vehicle. It was unknown whether a warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that there were police officers 20 ft. away from the vehicle. The police officers advised the contact to get away from the vehicle. The contact noticed flames under the hood, by the engine compartment. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the entire vehicle was completely burned to the metal. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed, and it was reported that the fire originated from the engine. A police report was filed. A firefighter sustained an unknown injury and was taken to the nearest hospital. The contact did not sustain physical injuries but sustained mental injury, lack of sleep, anxiety, and was upset. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and was totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The manufacturer sent an investigator who inspected the vehicle and stated that the cause of the fire was undetermined. The manufacturer provided vehicle rental assistance as a settlement. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11709334

Incident

Sep 3, 2025

Mileage

115,000 mi

Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.

NHTSA ID

11700981

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

I was sold a Kia sportage 2017 in February. I was told this vehicle has no after market parts. After my vehicle catching fire and seizing on me June 26th of this year so 4 months after buying the vehicle. It was discovered that an after market starter is indeed in this vehicle with loose wiring. I could have lost my life on my way home. The dealership has been nothing but a pain since this experience I have encountered. My insurance was involved but was told I need to bring this issue to Kia. Contacted Demontround Kia multiple times was never helped once. Contacted Kia customer care. I have a claims agent who has been no help whatsoever. I was told to get my car towed to West side Kia, which they have been rude from the start and have been no help. They actually want me to come out out of pocket for engine related damages that was not my fault given that I’ve only had the car for four months before the engine seized on me and caught fire on my way home from work. When I told a server worker at Westside that I don’t believe that I should be paying out of pocket he had somebody else contact me. They emailed me that same day to call them as soon as I can. I called them immediately after I got the email and didn’t even receive an answer. Nora call back and I called multiple times for the next consecutive days and I finally get an email saying sorry they were moving buildings that is very unprofessional. There was no point to email me originally to tell me to contact you then.

NHTSA ID

11698411

Incident

Jun 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the seat belt chime reminder, the blind spot warning system, and the turn signal sound were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11698089

Incident

Nov 7, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

Blind spot warning,safety belt warning etc.

NHTSA ID

11698086

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

2017 Kia Sportage while driving on the highway, the vehical starting losing power and shaking, it lost power and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same diagnostic test information was provided. The Kia dealer said that the engine needed to be replaced, but since it was not the rod, but only the #4 cylinder it would not be under the extended warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and we were denied extended coverage. In addition to this, the electrical system has been failing and the windows would not roll up, this was fixed before the engine failure, but the drivers side door still does not unlock without the key. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ID

11695894

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

I recently paid out of pocket for replacement of Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and I see that it was a recall on my make model and year, but my Vin number was not included in the recall

NHTSA ID

11681759

Incident

Jul 9, 2025

Component/System Failure: Multiple issues have occurred with the vehicle, starting with the windows not functioning shortly after purchase. The most severe issue occurred when the engine failed completely, causing it to shut down in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. This left the car non-functional and posed significant safety risks. In addition, the fuel system consistently becomes contaminated, despite following proper fuel maintenance practices like using high-quality fuel and regularly using a system cleaner. Is the Component Available for Inspection Upon Request? It's important to confirm whether the damaged components (like the engine or fuel system parts) are available for inspection by a dealer, an independent service center, or the manufacturer. If you haven't already, request documentation or access to the faulty components so that experts can inspect them and provide insight into what went wrong. Safety Risk: The engine failure in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour was a major safety risk, not just to you but to other drivers as well. An unexpected engine failure at such a critical time could have led to accidents, making it clear that there’s a serious safety concern that needs addressing immediately. Even if the fuel system issue isn’t as immediately dangerous, it still affects the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center? Has a dealer or an independent service center been able to reproduce or confirm these problems? If not, it may help to schedule an appointment for a detailed inspection. If the dealer or service center has acknowledged the issues, ensure you have written confirmation or a detailed report. Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance? Kia dealership finally took it in broke down the engine and wasn't fully clear what is causing the problem, my extended warranty sent a inspection but is taking way more time then what should be allowed

NHTSA ID

11640197

Incident

Mar 7, 2023

Engine has slowed itself for years, even while pressing gas pedal, the mph and engine would sound like it revved up then go dark on me while coming to an uncontrolled stop.

NHTSA ID

11617409

Incident

Sep 1, 2018

All the windows in the car do not go up and down, I can hear the motor moving but no movement with the windows. Started with the rear passenger window, then front passenger, followed by rear driver and ultimately driver window.

NHTSA ID

11616630

Incident

Jun 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, when the vehicle was taken for an oil change, the mechanic saw that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that oil was added to the vehicle but was consumed after two thousand miles of diving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11608564

Incident

Jul 5, 2024

Mileage

81,000 mi

Car shuts off while driving on interstate, causing loss of power steering and requiring navigation to shoulder before restarting. Car will restart. This is an intermittent issue. Had car repair work replacing the Crank Shaft Position Sensor at KIA Dealership and after picking up, it happened twice in the same week. Dealership is not able to reproduce the issue and unable to resolve. Car is not safe to drive. This has occurred at least 5 times.

NHTSA ID

11589267

Incident

Mar 19, 2024

Window regulator drum or window regulator not responding saw open recall but my vin isn’t comming up under the recall SA-148 service from 2020

NHTSA ID

11585141

Incident

Jan 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while reversing in a parking lot, the contact became aware that there was a significant amount of engine oil had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that she added oil to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed, causing oil intrusion in the wiring harness and in the computer and components. The dealer determined that the wiring harness, the computer, and the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11577338

Incident

Nov 15, 2023

Mileage

71,000 mi

All the windows have just randomly failed down. The last one was my passenger back window on my way to work with it pouring down rain this morning. The first incident was about a year and a half ago, the driver's side window fell, and the window shattered. Took to glass shop and they said regulator needed to be replaced and they put in when they installed new glass. I went to Texarkana Kia dealer ship were bought car and bought a regulator and thought problem was solved. Several months later the window did not work so took back to glass shop that fixed they said regulator not working again. The Glass Shop took off and I got a replacement one at Kia and talked to several people of how my windows were acting but no one said a word about my certain model did had a problem with the regulators.

NHTSA ID

11575953

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

While driving on the highway, vehicle lost all electrical power. The engine stayed running, but I lost use of anything electrical including the power steering, headlights, and dashboard functions. Vehicle power resumed after about a minute and we made it home, but the vehicle would not start after this. After calling our KIA dealership they advised taking the vehicle in immediately via tow. After looking through the vehicle, it was found that a fuse inside of the battery harness had melted. This caused the battery cable to heat up to ~200 degrees. The cause is still unclear, but we worry about this happening in the future. We are still waiting for the cable to be replaced at this time.

NHTSA ID

11573248

Incident

Feb 3, 2024

I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire department was able to put it out. The vehicle was assessed by my insurance, but I think the extent of that was to determine whether it was a total loss (which it obviously was).

NHTSA ID

11562438

Incident

Dec 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while depressing the brake pedal to make an abrupt stop, the front brakes made an abnormal sound like loosened pieces of metal bouncing around in the front wheels. Additionally, the contact stated that her rear brake light bulbs were burning out frequently and the brake light wiring was melted. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear taillight wiring needed to be replaced. The taillight bulbs and the wires were replaced. The mechanic also determined that the brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11561396

Incident

Oct 21, 2021

Mileage

120,000 mi

Driving as usual and all of a sudden no acceleration. No warning lights at all. Started smoking. Towed to Flynn’s. They said there is a known oil consumption issue and the motor locked up. Communicated with KIA and they say to have it looked at - at a cost. Said it’s not under warranty. But is a likely know issue!

NHTSA ID

11556009

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

The vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the interstate but the dealership is telling me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are also telling me that there is no powertrain coverage on this vehicle since I am the second owner. With as many problems as Kia has had, I think it should be across the board for coverage on these so no one else suffers irreparable damage. I’ve had the car shut down on me many times but every single time I’ve taken it in for diagnostic testing I’ve been told there is nothing wrong with it. I call BS. If there was nothing wrong with it, it wouldn’t shut down on me while I’m driving it.

NHTSA ID

11552612

Incident

Oct 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. An anti-theft device was installed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to restart the vehicle with a pair of pliers. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 118,101.

NHTSA ID

11543182

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Mileage

118,101 mi

I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway — I luckily was able to get to the side of the road and immediately called 911. Fire department came within minutes, and dowsed the car, which was fully engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ID

11541888

Incident

Aug 30, 2023