VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Sorento problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,021 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Sorento year — the 2017 model ranks #6 of 24 Sorento years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 402 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,021

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

43

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Sorento years?

Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted2,073 complaints2003: 421 complaints2004: 341 complaints2005: 457 complaints2006: 382 complaints2007: 224 complaints2008: 317 complaints2009: 79 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 2,073 complaints2012: 1,205 complaints2013: 1,293 complaints2014: 1,364 complaints2015: 955 complaints2016: 1,610 complaints2017: 1,021 complaints2018: 332 complaints2019: 616 complaints2020: 183 complaints2021: 335 complaints2022: 278 complaints2023: 179 complaints2024: 53 complaints2025: 112 complaints2026: 7 complaints
Sorento NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sorento years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Sorento problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine40239%
Lighting12512%
Other10410%
Electrical System969%
Steering949%
Fuel System485%
Transmission364%
Brakes222%
Speed Control212%
Body & Structure172%
Driver Assistance162%
Airbags121%
Visibility & Wipers91%
Seat Belts71%
Trailer Hitch50%
Seats30%
Suspension20%
Tires & Wheels20%

Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V703000Trailer HitchSeptember 19, 2022 · 70,887 units

Defect

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

17V586000EngineSeptember 21, 2017 · 62 units

Defect

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.

16V862000Trailer HitchNovember 30, 2016 · 10,212 units

Defect

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 Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento.. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked it suddenly caught on fire. The fire department was called and put out the fire. A fire report was made. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 22, 2022 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL TURN OFF AND ON USUALLY LAST 10 TO 15 SECONDS, DOES THIS AT ALL SPEEDS AND AND ALL ROADS. WILL CAUSE YOU TO LOOSE SIGHT OF ROAD ON NON LIT ROADS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 4, 2020 · crash

“JULY 20, 2019: CAR FIRE: DRIVING BACK FROM NEW JERSEY SHORE (65 MPH), 11:00 AM, 96 DEGREES, SORENTO ENGINE MADE A NOISE, AND I COULD SMELL SMOKE AND SAW WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I GRABBED MY DAUGHTERS AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WATCHING THE ENTIRE SUV, AND ALL THE CONTENTS FROM OUR TRIP GO UP IN FLAMES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 20, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE OF AN AUTO BODY SHOP OVER THE WEEKEND, THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MELTED CENTER CONSOLE AND BURNT DRIVER SIDE SEAT WERE DISCOVERED BY AN AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 9, 2017 · fire

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 15, 2022

2017 Kia Sorento — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Sorento reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,021 complaints put the 2017 model at #6 of 24 Sorento years. It is one of the Sorento years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Sorento problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (402 complaints), lighting (125 complaints), other (104 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Sorento. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Kia Sorento under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Sorento years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sorento years to avoid are 2011, 2016, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2017, 2015, 2019. The cleanest record among Sorento years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2017 Kia Sorento?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Kia Sorento earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.