2017 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 142owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $1,530median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
501 of the 804 complaints on this car are about the engine. 142 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 142 reports
Stalling on other Sorento years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2020, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (23 reports), the battery (8 reports), the ignition coil or plugs (5 reports) and the fuel pump (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Kia Sorento, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Sorento
Loss of motive power. Closed jul 23, 2024.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Engine oil pressure switch leak. Closed jun 26, 2023.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
Front axle shaft failure. Closed sep 20, 2013, led to recall 13V-355.
Transmission intermediate driveshaft. Closed may 10, 2011, led to recall 11V-258.
Fuel spill during refueling. Closed dec 21, 2011.
What owners paid
21 of the 142 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $500 to $10,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 38,294 and 110,000 miles, from the 86 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“While I was driving my 2017 Kia Sorento, the R.P.M suddenly maxed out and then it rapidly went down to zero. My car lost power completely and stopped. There was a burning smell. Now it is dead. There is no clicking sound. Repair place tells me I need a new engine now.”
Filed May 25, 2026
“Lost power on the freeway, flashing check engine light. Dealership said my fuel injectors failed causing my engine to fail. At 133k miles the car needs its second new motor. It is currently at Phil Long Kia in Colorado Springs waiting a voluntary repossession as I cannot see paying 10k for repairs on a vehicle that has such obvious defects”
Filed Jan 21, 2024 · 133,000 miles
“Kia lost power on the interstate. I was able to pull to the side of the road and then the car completely shut off and is now Unable to drive and requiring a motor replacement. I have an estimated 121,000 miles in the engine”
Filed Jan 12, 2024 · 121,000 miles
“2017 Kia Sorrento with 38k mikes on it. Oil pan began leaking at oil plug after approximately 28k miles. A new oil plug has been installed and still same issue. Dealership will not honor power train warranty saying its normal wear and tear. Have read numerous other people having issue with Kia oil pans being defective.”
Filed Nov 26, 2023 · 28,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 142 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 193 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 120 reports
- Headlights too dim or fail 101 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 99 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 60 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 43 reports
- Vehicle fire 31 reports
- Engine leaks oil 25 reports