2017 Kia Sorento Engine Problems
Engine problems account for 414 of 804 complaints (51%) filed on the 2017 Kia Sorento, with a median failure mileage of 64,000. Two engine recalls exist: a crankshaft heat-treatment defect (17V586000) and a fuel pipe issue tied to prior engine replacements (18V907000).
- Engine complaints
- 414
- 51% of 804
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 20
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 64,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden engine fires, sometimes while parked or shortly after a long drive, with the vehicle fully engulfed within minutes.
- Some describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving at highway speed, followed by smoke or flames from under the hood.
- Several complaints mention loud rattling, over-revving, or clicking noises from the engine before failure, including louder noise when going uphill or turning.
- One owner reported a broken connecting rod that punctured the engine block, leaking oil that then caught fire on the highway.
- A separate report described a two-gallon fuel leak onto the engine cover that led to a fire.
- Some drivers noted the accelerator became unresponsive with RPMs dropping suddenly, causing loss of power at highway speed.
When 2017 Kia Sorento engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 19, 2016, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Kia Sorento
- 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.
Engine complaints by Sorento model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems in the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- NHTSA lists 414 engine-related complaints for the 2017 Sorento, which is 51% of all 804 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for engine fires in the 2017 Kia Sorento?
- Yes. Recall 17V586000 covers 3.3L engines with a crankshaft that may have been improperly heat treated and could fail. A related recall, 18V907000, addresses fuel pipe issues in vehicles that already had an engine replacement.
- At what mileage do engine problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 64,000 for engine-related complaints on the 2017 Sorento.
- Have engine problems caused fires or injuries?
- NHTSA records 20 fires, 3 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to complaints filed for the 2017 Sorento, many involving the engine.