2017 Kia Sorento Safety Report
2017 Kia Sorento: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine failures and fire risks reported.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Sorento
Reliability Score
The 2017 Kia Sorento receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
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 Failure/Stalling Numerous complaints of engine seizing, stalling, knocking noises, and complete failure, often due to rod bearing failure or crankshaft issues. This is linked to recall 17V-224 for 3.3L engines. |
High | Common | 120000-175000 miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Many owners report needing to add several quarts of oil between changes, with no visible leaks, indicating internal engine issues. |
Medium | Common | 60000-150000 miles |
| Vehicle Fires 29 fire complaints, some while driving or parked, linked to engine issues, fuel leaks, or trailer hitch harnesses. Multiple recalls address fire risks (23V-652, 20V-519, 17V-224). |
High | Occasional | 120000-150000 miles |
| Exterior Lighting Failure Headlights going out intermittently or not working on certain settings, posing a significant safety hazard at night. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Leaks Reports of gasoline smell and visible leaks from the fuel tank or pump outlet line, increasing fire risk. Linked to recall 20V-519. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Hecu (Abs/Esc) Failure Failure of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, disabling ABS and electronic stability control, a known defect for some Sorento vehicles. |
High | Rare | 68000 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 failure, stalling, knocking, excessive oil consumption, and engine fires are the most frequently reported issues, accounting for 265 out of 766 complaints.
Problems with headlights failing or not working correctly, posing visibility and safety concerns, with 85 complaints.
Issues related to steering, including HECU failure affecting ABS and stability control, with 82 complaints.
A significant number of complaints fall into general or unspecified categories, indicating various other issues, with 57 complaints.
Combined electrical and exterior lighting issues, with 22 complaints.
General electrical system malfunctions, with 20 complaints.
Problems related to the vehicle's power train, including loss of power or transmission issues, with 14 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Sorento
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Kia Sorento received excellent 5-star crash test ratings. However, it has a concerning number of complaints (766 total), including 29 fires and 16 injuries, primarily due to widespread engine failures and related fire risks, which significantly compromise its overall safety in real-world driving.
What are common problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
The most reported issues for the 2017 Kia Sorento are engine-related, accounting for 265 complaints. These include engine stalling, failure, knocking noises, and excessive oil consumption. Other common problems involve exterior lighting failures (85 complaints) and steering issues (82 complaints), including HECU failure.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Kia Sorento?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Sorento has 4 recalls. These include recalls for trailer hitch harnesses (23V-652) and fuel system leaks (20V-519), both posing fire risks. There's also a critical recall for 3.3L engines (17V-224) due to crankshaft failure, and another for trailer brake lights (16V-629).
Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have fire issues?
Yes, the 2017 Kia Sorento has a significant number of fire-related complaints, with 29 reported fires. This is supported by multiple recalls addressing fire risks, specifically related to trailer hitch harnesses (23V-652), fuel system leaks (20V-519), and engine crankshaft failures (17V-224).
What is the reliability of the 2017 Kia Sorento?
The reliability of the 2017 Kia Sorento is a major concern, primarily due to the high volume of engine-related complaints (265) and multiple recalls addressing critical component failures and fire risks. While crash test ratings are high, the frequent and severe mechanical issues, particularly with the engine, indicate poor long-term reliability.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the high incidence of engine failures, excessive oil consumption, and fire risks, exercise extreme caution. Thoroughly investigate service history, ensure all recalls have been addressed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic focusing on the engine and fuel system.
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.