2017 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2017 KIA SORENTO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Kia Sorento
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Kia Sorento. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (766) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 41 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Kia Sorento with 21 complaints and 4 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Kia Sorento before buying across this generation. |
Kia Sorento Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Sorento years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 240 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | 1212 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Kia Sorento | 394 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Kia Sorento | 736 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Sorento | 121 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Sorento | 21 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Kia Sorento Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Kia Sorento, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
265 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting
85 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlySteering
82 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
57 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyElectrical System,Exterior Lighting
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlyElectrical System
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2017 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Kia Sorento
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Sorento
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Kia Sorento:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling System Engine and engine cooling system failures have been reported, leading to engine fires and loss of power. This issue is particularly severe and frequent in the 30k-60k mileage range. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System, Gasoline Delivery Fuel system, gasoline delivery, hose, line, and fitting issues have been reported, leading to fuel leaks. This issue is moderately frequent in the 30k-60k mileage range. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Trailer Hitches Trailer hitches have been recalled for certain models, indicating a low but common issue in the 30k-60k mileage range. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Electrical system issues, including exterior lighting, have been reported, leading to various safety concerns. This issue is moderately frequent in the 30k-60k mileage range. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Kia Sorento:
Engine and engine cooling system failures are a significant concern, affecting 23% of the vehicles.
Fuel system, gasoline delivery, hose, line, and fitting issues are a moderate concern, affecting 16% of the vehicles.
Trailer hitches are a minor concern, affecting 5% of the vehicles.
Electrical system issues, including exterior lighting, are a minor concern, affecting 5% of the vehicles.
Recall Details for the 2017 Kia Sorento
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Kia Sorento by NHTSA:
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Summary: 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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.
Summary: 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. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Veh...
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Kia Sorento
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Kia Sorento with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 involved fires.
On 3-21-26 I noticed the smell of gasoline after driving the vehicle. Upon inspection a noticeable fuel leak from the top of the fuel tank was evident from underneath the vehicle. Further inspection found fuel leakage at the fuel pump outlet line. After online research it was found that other vehicles of this type have hairline cracks on the fuel pump outlet causing fuel to spray out under pressur...
My 2017 Kia Sorento with approximately 175,000 miles experienced engine failure involving the engine and engine cooling system. The vehicle began showing symptoms including engine shudder, reduced acceleration, and a check engine light. These symptoms worsened and were diagnosed by a Kia dealership as internal engine damage, specifically a failure in cylinder 4. The dealership advised that the eng...
I own a 2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3L V6 FWD with 68,000 miles and full documented service history. The HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) failed, disabling the ABS and electronic stability control system. This is a known defect covered under Kia's settlement for some Sorento vehicles with identical HECU components. Despite the same defect occurring on my 2017 model, it was excluded from the sett...
Engine caught on fire while driving down the hhighway in SC. Vehicle was towed to Fred Anderson KIA of Greer & has since been sold by them after sitting in their lot for almost 3 years. I was driving down the highway not knowing my car was on fire. I only pulled off at the exit because my son, who was in the car behind me, had called to tell me he needed to use the facilities at the next exit. I...
Driving up a small hill when you hear this knocking noise.The car got to the top of the hill and shuts off no engine no turn over spent 198 to get it towed then comes to find out that it is because the car had no oil from what the mechanic told me. The car had oil but apparently only this model has issues with not having oil and you have to do an oil change every 4 months rather than 10,000 miles ...
My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to ...
On [XXX] at [XXX] my vehicle caught fire while it was driving on [XXX] in New Jersey. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles at the time. The fire appeared to start under the vehicle on the driver side. Prior to the fire, there was no issues or lights on the dash and nothing appeared while driving. The fire resulted in my whole car being totaled and towed away to a yard. I am concerned this f...
I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the Engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. it was like a nigthmare.
oil light in past week would come on for short time then go out, i brought to kia cape coral, fl. see video attached from kia. oil went up no oil on ground. then the oil went past switch for oil light up to next hose that had wires for injectors. $5,000.00 for this wire alone and 7 hours labor. Total quote $6,700.00. the 2017 sorento with a 3.3l engine has an extended warranty to 150,000 miles. my...
Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my Kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle, and immediately after, "Did your engine go? Kia has that problem." Me and my sister were left stranded on the side of t...
To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2017 Kia Sorento and have recently experienced excessive oil consumption with the vehicle. The engine is losing approximately 4 quarts of oil per 1000 miles, with no visible external leaks or exhaust smoke. I am aware that many Kia vehicles equipped with the 2.4L GDI engine have been affected by issues related to piston ring defects, which can cause abno...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. A dealer was contacted and informed to add oil as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair...
This uses oil. It takes 16 ounces or more every 400 miles.
Daughter was driving home from getting her kids from daycare and said she couldn’t see behind her from smoke and her boyfriend told her the car was on fire and she said the engine light came on and then all the lights came on and it started smoking more and a lady pulled over and told them get out because the car was on fire and 911 was called and she got out and got kids in the lady’s car and cal...
Driving home from work car started making a slapping noise, no engine light on. I stopped and the motor shut off and spit out oil. Found out that a connecting rod had broke off and went through the oil pan. now the car needs a new engine with only 166,000 miles on a 2017 Kia Sorento. The car has had all maintenance done on it.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while coasting to a stop light, the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stopped driving as needed. During the failure, the vehicle had not shut off. After turning it off and restarting the vehicle, the failure failed to self-correct. The vehicle was towed to the...
I am writing to formally express my concern regarding the paint on my 2017 Kia, which has begun peeling and coming off prematurely. I have raised this issue multiple times with my local Kia dealership and inquired about possible warranty coverage or repair options, as paint deterioration of this nature should not be occurring. I have also become aware of numerous similar complaints from other Kia...
My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia cente...
I am reaching out regarding a challenging situation with my vehicle. On October 24, 2025, my engine seized up while I was driving. After conducting research on my vehicle, I discovered that there was a recall related to a component of the engine which was issued in 2018. I purchased my vehicle from Carbone Honda in June 2021 and was not aware of this recall until recently. Unfortunately, this inc...
1. The Snow White Paint is lifting and peeling in all areas of the vehicle. 2. The engine, despite proper care and maintenance, is seizing occasionally upon starting the vehicle. 3. Auto Braking System and Lane Departure turns off at random
Showing 20 of 766 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Kia Sorento
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Seals/Gaskets
Opened 2023-11-13 · Closed 2024-07-23
On November 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-019) to investigate allegations of loss of motive power relating to head gasket and/or head bolt failure in Model Year (MY) 2016-2017 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the 3.3 L Lambda II engine. When the investigation was opened, ODI had received 13 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) related to reports of loss of motive power. In an information request letter dated November 30, 2023, ODI requ...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Pressure/Temperature Sensor
Opened 2021-11-12 · Closed 2023-06-26
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitio...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Sorento
Has the 2017 KIA SORENTO been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 KIA SORENTO has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 KIA SORENTO have?
The 2017 KIA SORENTO has 766 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 12 involved crashes. 16 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The 2017 KIA SORENTO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 KIA SORENTO involve engine (265 complaints), exterior lighting (85 complaints), steering (82 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system,exterior lighting, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 12 crash reports associated with the 2017 KIA SORENTO out of 766 total complaints (1.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 KIA SORENTO have?
There are 29 fire reports for the 2017 KIA SORENTO out of 766 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 KIA SORENTO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
16 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 KIA SORENTO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 KIA SORENTO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 KIA SORENTO is extreme caution advised. It has 766 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 KIA SORENTO are: 1. ENGINE (265 complaints), 2. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (85 complaints), 3. STEERING (82 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (57 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING (22 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 265 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 KIA SORENTO?
Be cautious of engine and engine cooling system failures, as they can lead to engine fires and loss of power. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent fuel system and electrical issues. The 2017 KIA SORENTO has 766 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
The 2017 KIA SORENTO receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 766 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 41 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling System and Fuel System, Gasoline Delivery.
What are the known issues with the 2017 KIA SORENTO?
Known issues with the 2017 KIA SORENTO include: Engine and Engine Cooling System, Fuel System, Gasoline Delivery, Trailer Hitches, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 766 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2017 KIA Sorento?
The most common safety issues are engine and engine cooling system failures, followed by fuel system, gasoline delivery, and electrical system issues.
Can you explain the engine and engine cooling system failures?
Engine and engine cooling system failures can lead to engine fires and loss of power, particularly in the 30k-60k mileage range.
What should I do if I notice a fuel leak in my 2017 KIA Sorento?
If you notice a fuel leak, stop driving immediately and seek professional assistance to address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and engine cooling system failures, as they can lead to engine fires and loss of power. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent fuel system and electrical issues.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Kia Sorento
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Kia Sorento. The data includes 766 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 12 reported crashes, 29 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Kia Sorento an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16