2017 Kia Sorento

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2017 Kia Sorento
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2017: 799 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	305
2004	220
2005	307
2006	242
2007	154
2008	217
2009	55
2010	3
2011	1517
2012	876
2013	980
2014	983
2015	747
2016	1245
2017	799
2018	251
2019	421
2020	132
2021	241
2022	185
2023	117
2024	37
2025	72
2026	4

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 48%

48% of complaints: engine — 382 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

We bought this vehicle new and have been the only owners.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240108

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, 20170705

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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, 20260729

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 16%

16% of complaints: exterior lighting — 125 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and switch.

CRASH

STEERING 12%

12% of complaints: steering — 97 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 94 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender and integrated trailer brake control.

FIRE

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, 20260731

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 39 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2017 — complaint volume: 799

R 20170119 — electrical system, trailer hitches

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.

Campaign 16V862000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20171106 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 17V586000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20211112 — DP (closed 20230626)

Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20230727 — trailer hitches

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.

Campaign 22V703000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231113 — PE (closed 20240723)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Kia Sorento — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (382 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (125 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (97 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 16V862000 (electrical system, trailer hitches) has been completed.
Verify recall 17V586000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2009 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2016 ■ 2014

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.