This page covers 3 recalls, 776 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Kia Sorento.
19–24 mpg combined
9.8–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2017 Kia Sorento centers on the engine, which draws by far the most reports. Owners frequently describe excessive oil consumption, often noticing significant oil loss well before scheduled service intervals. A recurring escalation from that problem is engine knock followed by complete engine failure, with multiple owners reporting seized or blown engines, sometimes without any prior warning lights or dashboard indicators. Exterior lighting is the second most-reported system, with owners noting failures across various lights. Steering complaints round out the top three, with owners describing issues with feel and responsiveness. A smaller but notable thread involves the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems throwing persistent warning lights, sometimes returning after a dealer repair. Oil consumption leading to catastrophic engine failure is the pattern that appears most consistently across the complaint set.
776
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
30
Fire-Related
12
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Kia Sorento has 3 recalls, the most serious being two engine-related fire risks: a crankshaft that can fail on 3.3L-equipped models, stalling the engine and raising the risk of fire, and a potential fuel leak on vehicles that previously had an engine replacement, which can also lead to a fire.
The crankshaft defect applies specifically to Sorento models with the 3.3L engine, where failure can cause a sudden stall while driving. The fuel leak risk affects vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall, warranty work, or a knock sensor improvement campaign, meaning that prior service history determines whether this recall applies. There is also a trailer hitch concern: a wiring fault can cause the trailer's brake lights to stay lit continuously rather than flashing, which may confuse drivers behind the tow vehicle and raise the risk of a rear-end collision.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated during manufacturing and could fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine sub-assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The trailer hitch wiring harness may malfunction, causing the trailer brake lights to stay on continuously.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
