2017 Kia Sorento
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 802
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 802 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 305 |
| 2004 | 220 |
| 2005 | 307 |
| 2006 | 242 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 217 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1,518 |
| 2012 | 878 |
| 2013 | 981 |
| 2014 | 986 |
| 2015 | 750 |
| 2016 | 1,254 |
| 2017 | 802 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 426 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 251 |
| 2022 | 186 |
| 2023 | 122 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
48% · 384 reportsShow complaint excerpts
We bought this vehicle new and have been the only owners.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-08
After 650 miles: merging onto a highway: engine rattled. Engine died. We coasted to the shoulder. We stopped. I put the vehicle in park. Smoke was coming from under the hood. Looking underneath, we saw the car was on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-05
Also filed under Power train
My 2017 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic, sudden engine lockup on the roadway due to a known manufacturing defect involving rod bearing failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29
Exterior lighting
16% · 125 reportsMost commonly citing headlights and switch.
Steering
12% · 97 reportsElectrical system
12% · 94 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender and integrated trailer brake control.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle with three other occupants and the engine turned off, there was black smoke quickly coming from underneath the hood.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31
Fuel/propulsion system
5% · 39 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2017Complaint volume 802 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2017-01-19Electrical system, trailer hitches16V862000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
-
R
2017-11-06Engine and engine cooling17V586000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
-
R
2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
-
I
2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-26 Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
-
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
-
R
2023-07-27Trailer hitches22V703000 Kia America, Inc.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge.
-
I
2023-11-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-07-23 Loss of Motive Power
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 384 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 125 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 97 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V862000 · Electrical system, trailer hitches
- Recall 17V586000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2017 Kia Sorento reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Sorento is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Sorento have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.