RoadVitals

2017 Kia Sportage Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
398
Latest Aug 2, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
41

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sportage, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

227
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 2, 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 · filed Jul 22, 2026
All 227 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

62
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11744476 · filed Jun 16, 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 · filed May 7, 2026
All 62 reports naming electrical

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 18, 2026

The vehicle has had recurring drivability problems since at least June 2024, including repeated check engine light illumination and severe loss of acceleration. On 06/19/2024, dealership service records document that the check engine light was on and the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 mph, and the check engine light was flashing. More recently, while driving on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and dropped speed, forcing me to pull over on the side of the road for safety. This created a dangerous situation and risk of collision. The problem continues despite multiple service visits. A dealership service visit on 06/05/2025 documents stored diagnostic trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), but the dealership stated no further repairs were recommended and no repair was performed. This issue is recurring and creates a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of power while driving. Vehicle: 2017 Kia Sportage VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11720092 · filed Feb 24, 2026
All 39 reports naming powertrain (other)

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 16, 2026

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 · filed Apr 10, 2026
All 26 reports naming brakes

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I need a recall on the paint for the 2017 Sportage Burnished Copper KIA. I've seen many others this color with the same paint fading issue. I contacted KIA and was basically told warranty expired.

NHTSA ID 11686062 · filed Sep 9, 2025

My 2017 Sportage is Burnish Copper. I've seen at least 2 other cars (same color) with discoloring paint. I've tried reporting this to Kia dealer to no avail. This is a defeat in paint which is now fading in certain areas of my car and I don't think I should have to pay to have it repainted. This should be a recall issue.

NHTSA ID 11680826 · filed Aug 15, 2025
All 24 reports naming body & structure

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 6, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11737888 · filed May 14, 2026
All 24 reports naming fuel system

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 8, 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 · filed Jun 16, 2026
All 19 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 8, 2026

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 · filed Apr 22, 2026
All 16 reports naming airbags

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Engine light came on flashing on the dash. Went to O’reily auto shop to get it checked and their scanner discovered P1326 code, “knocking sensor” and oil light came on and flashing as well. The motor oil was replaced about a month ago. Checked the oil dip stick and it was below the first dot.

NHTSA ID 11677970 · filed Aug 2, 2025

My KIA Sportage 2017 headlights malfunctioned by flickering on and off and the screen and dashboard lights went totally out while I was driving on THE FREEWAY at NIGHT. This happened five times in the span of 30 minutes and each incident lasted approximately five to ten seconds. My car is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk. I worried my lights might actually go out totally, plus drivers on the freeway would be confused and distracted; it might blind them, or possibly result in road rage. This issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer nor have the lights been inspected by anyone yet. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the repeated failure. This problem with 2017 KIA Sportage has been reported by others on the internet. KIA, the manufacturer, would not admit to me there is an issue with the lights flickering and the dashboard going black nor what might cause it. They said I could submit a claim for reimbursement AFTER my KIA dealer’s service department gives a diagnostic on the vehicle. I have been issued a KIA Case #. It would be a great benefit to know the cause and the remedy from other KIA vehicle owners that have been repaired. The earliest service appointment available with my KIA service dealer is October 25, 2023. I am not able to drive my car in the dark until this issue has been resolved. This is a great hardship on me because I am a widow and the sole driver in my household. Thank you for looking into this. I look forward to your response and information.

NHTSA ID 11546958 · filed Sep 27, 2023
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 24, 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 · filed Jun 16, 2026
All 12 reports naming other / unspecified

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the panoramic sunroof exploded without impact. The glass shattered into pieces onto the driver. The driver sustained some minor cuts to her head. The glass was picked out of her hair by her colleagues, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID 11626802 · filed Nov 22, 2024

The sunroof spontaneously exploded. Sunroof was closed at the time. AC on. Driving on the highway. Loud band and glass pieces rained down. Made it to the next exit to assess damage. No warning that this would happen. No debris hit the car. I have contacted my insurance about this, USAA. Kia said that they won’t cover this or repair for free. And in fact said that they haven’t heard of such a thing, though Kia models have one of the highest chances of this happening

NHTSA ID 11606599 · filed Aug 5, 2024
All 9 reports naming visibility

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 16, 2026

I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.

NHTSA ID 11581422 · filed Apr 5, 2024
All 9 reports naming steering

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle through the rear doors, the rear doors were inoperable. The contact was unable to open the rear doors from inside or outside the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA ID 11690994 · filed Oct 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to open as needed. While using the key fob, all the other doors were unlocked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like a limited extended warranty coverage. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11610949 · filed Aug 26, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED ANOTHER HALF QUART AT 74K IT WAS A QUART LOW AT 75K WHEN I GOT THE NEXT OIL CHANGE ALSO, I HAD TO ADD A QUART AT 77K, 78K AND 79K JUST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CORPORATE CASE # 14755737 I AM GOING INTO GUNTHER KIA NEXT WEEK TO GET MY 80K OIL CHANGE I LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE WITH SERVICE MANAGER ANTHONY DECARLO AS WELL ENGINE OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON COULD THIS ALSO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE FIRE ISSUES ?

NHTSA ID 11460734 · filed Apr 14, 2022

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP ON (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM) INDICATOR AND DBC ON (DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL) INDICATORS WHEN STUCK IN GEAR. SAFETY ISSUE AS UNABLE TO MOVE WITH NORMAL ACCELERATION, BUT SLOW CRAWL TO GET OUT OF ROADWAY. REAR SEATBELT WONT LATCH WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID 11231076 · filed Jul 11, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.

NHTSA ID 11581422 · filed Apr 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THOUGH SOLD AS "ALL SEASON" M+S RATED TIRES, THE MILESTAR MS932XP+ HAS DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION ON EVEN MINOR SNOW ACCUMULATIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT PAVED STATE ROAD THAT HAD 1/4 INCH OR LESS FRESH SNOW AND MINIMAL/NO TREATMENT, IN A LATE MODEL AWD CROSSOVER SUV WITH 245/45R-19 TIRES, THE MILESTAR TIRES HAD DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION. ANY ACCELERATION, NO MATTER HOW SLOW, RESULTED IN WHEELSPIN AND LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH TRACTION/STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGEMENT. EVEN MINIMAL BRAKING PRESSURE RESULTED IN FULL ABS ENGAGEMENT. BRAKING DISTANCES WERE EXTREMELY LONG. THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TIRES WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH ANY OTHER ALL-SEASON M+S RATED TIRE I'VE USED, AND WAS MORE CONSISTENT WITH A "SUMMER" TIRE. SELLING THESE TIRES AS "ALL SEASON M+S" IS MISLEADING AND DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID 11287098 · filed Dec 5, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under the warranty since the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,079.

NHTSA ID 11429510 · filed Aug 17, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .