2017 Kia Sportage Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 234 Engine complaints for the 2017 Kia Sportage, 59% of its 399 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 70,000. Owners reported 20 fires, 7 crashes, and 6 injuries, and a related recall (18V907000) covers fuel pipe issues tied to prior engine work.
- Engine complaints
- 234
- 59% of 399
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 20
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration while parking or driving at low speed, leading to collisions with walls or garage doors.
- Multiple reports describe smoke or white smoke coming from under the hood while driving, followed in some cases by visible flames.
- Some owners report the engine catching fire while the vehicle was parked and running, with fire spreading quickly within minutes.
- Several complaints describe loss of engine power on the highway accompanied by loss of power steering and braking assistance.
- Owners report smoke from the engine compartment paired with check engine and battery warning lights before the vehicle stalled.
When 2017 Kia Sportage engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 5, 2016, latest Aug 2, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2017 Kia Sportage
- 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.
Engine complaints by Sportage 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 Sportage?
- NHTSA lists 234 Engine complaints for the 2017 Sportage, which is 59% of the 399 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for engine problems on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
- Yes. Recall 18V907000, reported December 19, 2018, covers Kia vehicles including the 2017 Sportage that previously received engine work under an earlier recall or warranty, and involves inspection and possible replacement of the fuel pipe.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles for Engine complaints on the 2017 Sportage.
- Do the engine complaints involve fires?
- Yes. NHTSA records 20 fires and 7 crashes among the reports tied to the Engine problem area on the 2017 Sportage, along with 6 injuries.