2017 Kia Sorento: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Kia Sorento? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 773 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2017 Kia Sorento trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2017 Kia Sorento Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Kia Sorento has 773 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Sorento
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 773
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Kia Sorento Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Kia Sorento?
The 2017 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Kia Sorento
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and steering components.
- Test headlights and taillights for proper operation.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and steering components.
- Test headlights and taillights for proper operation.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Kia Sorento, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 773 NHTSA complaints for the 2017 Kia Sorento, the data suggests that engine problems are the most frequently reported issue, followed by headlight/taillight failures and steering defects. The vehicle has 4 recalls and 12 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (393 out of 773).
- Headlight/taillight failures are the second most common complaint (124).
- Steering defects are reported in 94 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Steering Defects
All 2017 Kia Sorento Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Sorento. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 393 | 2 | 19 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 124 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 101 | 1 | 11 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 94 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 90 | — | 4 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 37 | — | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 32 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 22 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 21 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 5 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Trailer Hitches | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Sorento. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
adaptive cruise control warning lites. In the beginning it started sending warnings after it was on for a while. Now the warning is when I start the car. this has been fixed once under warranty but it is no longer working again. the warning lites for the aeb system is also on.…
Upper fuel pump module, on top of fuel tank, is leaking fuel from a crack in fuel pump port where fuel hose connects. Fuel can be seen on top of upper fuel pump module and can be seen leaking from fuel pump port, and can be seen on exterior of gas tank. Also fuel odors were pres…
Timeline of Maintenance & Failure: • October [Year]: I purc Timeline of Maintenance & Failure: • October [Year]: I purchased this vehicle. • February 11, 2026: I performed a full oil service (documented receipt attached). • April 3, 2026: While transporting my two grandsons—one o…
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the con…
The car gets stuck and will not shift out of park. I've had to use the manual override. And when the ambulance came to my house, I could not move my car out of the way fast enough and this delayed emergency response team. I thought it was a one time fluke, but it started happe…
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening e…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it …
On 3-21-26 I noticed the smell of gasoline after driving the vehicle. Upon inspection a noticeable fuel leak from the top of the fuel tank was evident from underneath the vehicle. Further inspection found fuel leakage at the fuel pump outlet line. After online research it was fou…
My 2017 Kia Sorento with approximately 175,000 miles experienced engine failure involving the engine and engine cooling system. The vehicle began showing symptoms including engine shudder, reduced acceleration, and a check engine light. These symptoms worsened and were diagnosed …
I own a 2017 Kia Sorento SX 3.3L V6 FWD with 68,000 miles and full documented service history. The HECU (Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit) failed, disabling the ABS and electronic stability control system. This is a known defect covered under Kia's settlement for some Sorento ve…
Engine caught on fire while driving down the hhighway in SC. Vehicle was towed to Fred Anderson KIA of Greer & has since been sold by them after sitting in their lot for almost 3 years. I was driving down the highway not knowing my car was on fire. I only pulled off at the exit …
My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service infor…
Driving up a small hill when you hear this knocking noise.The car got to the top of the hill and shuts off no engine no turn over spent 198 to get it towed then comes to find out that it is because the car had no oil from what the mechanic told me. The car had oil but apparently …
On [XXX] at [XXX] my vehicle caught fire while it was driving on [XXX] in New Jersey. The vehicle had approximately 120,000 miles at the time. The fire appeared to start under the vehicle on the driver side. Prior to the fire, there was no issues or lights on the dash and nothing…
I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the Engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behin…
oil light in past week would come on for short time then go out, i brought to kia cape coral, fl. see video attached from kia. oil went up no oil on ground. then the oil went past switch for oil light up to next hose that had wires for injectors. $5,000.00 for this wire alone and…
Going down the interstate on 2/7/26, 56 miles from home and my Kia lost power, no lights or warning, loud bang from the engine, smoke rolling out of the back and engine is completely dead. 149,000 miles. Called several tow truck companies, and each asked make and year of vehicle,…
To Whom It May Concern, I am the owner of a 2017 Kia Sorento and have recently experienced excessive oil consumption with the vehicle. The engine is losing approximately 4 quarts of oil per 1000 miles, with no visible external leaks or exhaust smoke. I am aware that many Kia vehi…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. A dealer was contacted and informed to add oil as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
This uses oil. It takes 16 ounces or more every 400 miles.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Kia Sorento.
2017 Kia Sorento Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Sorento. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Kia Sorento Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 773 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento?▾
#1: Engine Problems (393 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (124 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (101 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Sorento?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Kia Sorento?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Kia Sorento, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 30 fire reports out of 773 total complaints. 16 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Kia Sorento. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Kia Sorento?▾
The 2017 Kia Sorento shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Sorento reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Kia Sorento based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.