2017 Kia Sorento · symptom sheet
Engine seized
- 36owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
36 of the 193 reports of engine failure on the 2017 Sorento describe engine seized.
Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (193 reports) · also: engine knock
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Engine seized 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: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 3,500 and 125,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Engine seized Kia denied warranty extension b/c of maintenance records changed oil myself had 3 years of receipts for oil and filters”
Filed Aug 19, 2025
“Engine seized while driving on the highway. No engine warning light came on bu t vehicle was completely out of oil. Routine oil change had been completed 2-3 weeks prior to this incident.”
Filed Dec 10, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 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 stalls or loses power while driving 142 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