2017 Kia Sportage
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
- 401
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 401 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 | 381 |
| 2014 | 123 |
| 2015 | 146 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 401 |
| 2018 | 164 |
| 2019 | 70 |
| 2020 | 161 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2022 | 46 |
| 2023 | 192 |
| 2024 | 72 |
| 2025 | 51 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
55% · 220 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-02
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, 2023-11-02
Also filed under Structure
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, 2018-07-09
Also filed under Structure and air bags
Electrical system
15% · 62 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer and ignition.
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, 2017-01-09
Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline
Power train
10% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing retaining fasteners/hardware.
Service brakes
6% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Structure
6% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 2017-10-15
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017Complaint volume 401 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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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.
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2021-04-30Service brakes, hydraulic21V137000 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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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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.
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Kia Sportage — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 220 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 62 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 41 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V862000 · Electrical system, trailer hitches
- Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V137000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V703000 · Trailer hitches
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.