Fourth generation (QL)
2017 Kia Sportage
The most reported problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage is engine failure, with 87 complaints, usually around 78,000 miles.
- 400owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 14involved a crash
- 56,994median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Sportage doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Sportage reliable?
The 2017 Kia Sportage has 400 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.3 times the median of 307 for 2017 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Sportage model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- The 2017 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 40 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2016 draws 12 and the 2018 18.
- Top problem
- Engine failure leads with 87 of the 400 complaints (22%), ahead of misfire at 67. A quarter of the 36 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure saw it by about 34,000 miles, and half by about 78,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 48 of the 400 complaints (12%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 14 reports mention a crash, 27 mention a fire and 19 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 6 of 14, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as engine failure, misfire and stalling. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 61 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 50. So far in 2026, 35 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 87 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
400 complaints is 1.5 times the median 2017 model on this site and 1.3 times the median 2017 SUV. Among the 8 Sportage model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Kia Sportage
Kia filed 191 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Kia Sportage. 36 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 3 bulletins · 87 complaints
PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. Some replacement long blocks may come with pre-installed fuel rail, injectors, and injector wiring ...
TSB_R7 ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802Y/Z.
1 more on this problem
VEHICLE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below returns to the dealer with Diagnostic Trouble Code (?DTC?), P1326..
Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 67 complaints
PITSTOP DTC P0449 VENT VALVE/SOLENOID CIRCUIT & P2422 VENT VALVE STUCK CLOSED - If a foreign object is found anywhere from the filler neck to the main charcoal canister, such as a spider nest (A), the object will need to be removed with a pipe cleaner.
PITSTOP DTC P0449 VENT VALVE/SOLENOID CIRCUIT - When addressing a concern related to P0449 (Evaporative Emission System - Vent Valve / Solenoid Circuit) on 2017-2018MY Sportage (QL) model vehicles, and the Canister Closed Valve (CCV) and corresponding circuit were ...
1 more on this problem
PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
Burns oil or oil level rises 4 bulletins · 46 complaints
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
2 more on this problem
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2019MY vehicles (refer to table below for applicable model and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2019MY vehicles (refer to table below for applicable model and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Engine knocking or ticking 13 bulletins · 21 complaints
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine.
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement" equipped w/THETA II engine.
11 more on this problem
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z_Rev3) - - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802 Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z_Rev2) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802 Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN : KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802_R11) This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802 Rev 10, 03/16/2020) titled Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement.
TSB - REV 10 KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive ...
TSB - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) Rev.9 - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from ...
ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in July 2018 (PI1802, Rev 6, 01/31/2019) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement".
TSB - Product Improvement Campaign: KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order ...
PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) in order to protect the engine from excessive ...
Plus 1 older ones not listed here.
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 16 complaints
OWNER NOTIFICATION This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning Light in 2017 MY Sportage vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited ...
DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the repairs related to the Airbag Warning Light ON for 2017 MY Sportage and 2017 MY Cadenza vehicles from 5 ...
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 12 complaints
PITSTOP: BLOCKED WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLES ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH WASHER HEATERS This Pitstop provides information regarding blocked windshield wiper nozzles on some 2016MY~ Sorento (UMa) and 2017MY~ Sportage (QL) vehicles equipped with windshield washer heaters (A).
Rod bearing failure 2 bulletins · 12 complaints
Q & A - This document is the Q & A for the new Product Improvement Campaign to provide information regarding a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
DEALER SERVICE MANAGER NOTICE This notice advised the dealer service manager of the new Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 8 bulletins · 9 complaints
TSBCLI046_R1: REDUCED PERFORMANCE OR INOPERATIVE AIR CONDITIONING This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect the Air Conditioner (A/C) and replace the A/C compressor, Evaporator Temperature Sensor (ETS), and/or External Control Valve (ECV), depending on the inspection results on some 2017-2019MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, ...
REDUCED PERFORMANCE OR INOPERATIVE AIR CONDITIONING This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect the Air Conditioner (A/C) and replace the A/C compressor, Evaporator Temperature Sensor (ETS), and/or External Control Valve (ECV), depending on the inspection results on some 2017-2019MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, ...
6 more on this problem
PITSTOP: IDENTIFYING A SEIZED COMPRESSOR This Pitstop provides information regarding the diagnosis of an A/C related concern on 2017-2019MY Sportage (QL) and 2015-2018MY K900 (KH) vehicles that may have a seized compressor.
TSB - SERVICE ACTION: EVAPORATOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND/OR ECV REPLACEMENT (SA309) This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Evaporator Temperature Sensor and /or ECV (External Control Valve) on 2017-2018MY Sportage (QL) vehicles produced from December 1, 2015 through July 18, 2017, which may exhibit intermittent poor air ...
A/C EVAPORATOR CORE REPLACEMENT This bulletin provides information about the A/C evaporator core replacement on certain 2017MY Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced between December 10, 2015 and December 12, 2016, which may exhibit poor A/C performance due to a refrigerant leak caused by a ...
PITSTOP: HVAC RECEIVER/DRYER DESICCANT REPLACEMENT - IN THE EVENT OF A HVAC SYSTEM CONCERN IN WHICH METAL PARTICLES OR SHARDS HAVE CONTAMINATED THE SYSTEM, THE DESICCANT OR THE ENTIRE A/C RECEIVER/DRYER ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED.
R1234YF OIL AND DYE INJECTORS USING FLUORESCENT LEAK DETECTION DYE IN VEHICLES A/C SYSTEM COULD AID IN LOCATING REFRIGERANT LEAKS. R1234YF A/C SYSTEMS OIL AND DYE INJECTOR KITS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH SNAP-ON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS.
R1234YF REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTOR THE LD-2 ARCTIC PRO LEAK DETECTOR, SUPPLIED WITH THE MAHLE ACX-1299 REFRIGERANT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT, CAN AID IN LOCATING R1234YF REFRIGERANT LEAKS.
Complaints filed by year
61 complaints came in 2023. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2017 Kia Sportage
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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 and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Kia Sportage, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
Engine failure, with 87 of the 400 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 78,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Sportage problems start?
Of the 210 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 16,000 miles and half by about 57,000.
Is the 2017 Kia Sportage better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has more complaints than both the 2016 and the 2018: 40 a year against 12 and 18.
How many 2017 Kia Sportage complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
48 of them (12%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
No recall on file for the 2017 Kia Sportage is on the same system as engine failure. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.