2017 Kia Sorento Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 Sorento years
The 2017 Kia Sorento has 804 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 67, and ranks 6th worst of 16 model years, earning a 'Caution' verdict. Engine problems dominate at 51% of complaints, with 4 recalls including a crankshaft defect.
- Complaints
- 804
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 13 / 32
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 25 hwy
Top 2017 Kia Sorento problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine414 (51%)
- Electrical System190 (24%)
- Other105 (13%)
- Steering97 (12%)
- Fuel System49 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain37 (5%)
- Brakes27 (3%)
- Structure & Body25 (3%)
- Airbags14 (2%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras10 (1%)
What owners report
- Engine rattles, dies, and can catch fire under the hood at low mileage during highway driving.
- Vehicle loses power at highway speed, with RPMs dropping sharply and the accelerator and transmission failing to respond.
- Engine makes over-revving or hunting noises and internal clicking when turning, especially on inclines.
- Fires start under the engine or in the center console, sometimes while the vehicle is parked and unattended.
- Headlights randomly turn off and on for several seconds while driving at night.
- Airbags fail to deploy in frontal or rollover crashes.
2017 Kia Sorento recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V703000Sep 19, 2022Structure & Body70,887 vehiclesPark Outside
Trailer hitches
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 17V586000Sep 21, 2017Engine62 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: 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.
2017 Kia Sorento fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Sorento years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Kia Sorento reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2017 Sorento has 804 complaints and a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years, so it carries a 'Caution' verdict relative to other Sorento years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- Engine problems are the top issue, making up 51% of complaints (414 of 804), with a median failure mileage of 64,000 miles and 20 reported fires.
- Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have engine recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 17V586000 for improperly heat-treated crankshafts on 3.3L engines, plus recall 18V907000 covering fuel pipe inspection tied to prior engine replacements.
- How does the 2017 Sorento compare to other years?
- The 2017 model's Complaint Index of 67 is lower than 2011 (100), 2016 (93), and 2012 (87), all rated 'Avoid,' but higher than 2018 (20) and 2020 (33), which rate 'Best' and 'Good.'
- Are there fire risks with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA complaints report 32 fires for the 2017 Sorento, many tied to the engine and electrical system, with a median engine-failure mileage of 64,000 miles.