2017 Kia Sportage

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2017 Kia Sportage
BUILT 2026-08-02

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: 394 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	56
1996	57
1997	181
1998	303
1999	284
2000	304
2001	228
2002	234
2003	4
2005	68
2006	111
2007	77
2008	98
2009	80
2010	20
2011	181
2012	392
2013	380
2014	122
2015	146
2016	130
2017	394
2018	158
2019	68
2020	153
2021	46
2022	42
2023	182
2024	64
2025	49
2026	19

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 55%

55% of complaints: engine — 215 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My daughter and I were driving home from my brother's house, when we stopped by McDonald's to grab food, we noticed our car smoking really bad. I had her pull away from the drive-thru and into the empty parking lot.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231102

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180709

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 59 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170109

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

STRUCTURE 6%

6% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA ODI report, 20231102

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180709

ON 8/30/17 I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY SUNROOOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES AND VERY FEW CARS AROUND ME SO NOTHING HIT THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE THE EXPLOSION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171015

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 21 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2017 — complaint volume: 394

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 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

R 20210430 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.

Campaign 21V137000 — check if this car was fixed

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 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (215 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (59 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (39 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 16V862000 (electrical system, trailer hitches) has been completed.
Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 21V137000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Verify recall 22V703000 (trailer hitches) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2021 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2012 ■ 2013 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2017 Kia Sportage reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Sportage is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sportage?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Sportage have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.