2017 Kia Sorento Problems
What owners have reported about the 2017 Kia Sorento, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 806 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and steering.
806 complaints 4 recalls, 1 park outside 6th worst of 17 Sorento years
Top 2017 Kia Sorento problems
Engine problems
404 complaints (50%) name the engine, most often the oil cooler.
Lighting problems
125 complaints (16%) name the lights, most often the headlights and switch.
Steering problems
97 complaints (12%) name the steering.
Electrical problems
96 complaints (12%) name the electrical system, most often the integrated trailer brake control and key / sender.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (266 of 806). The amber line is the middle value, about 49,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2017 Kia Sorento recalls
Towing
Park outsideDebris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V703000 · Sep 2022Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk
Fire riskDuring an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018Engine
Fire risk3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail. If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge.
Recall 17V586000 · Sep 2017Towing, Electrical
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." If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge.
Recall 16V862000 · Nov 2016Get an email when your 2017 Kia Sorento gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Kia Sorento, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Sorento years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2017 Kia Sorento problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 806 complaints with NHTSA, the 6th most of 17 Sorento model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, lights and steering.
What are the most common 2017 Kia Sorento problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, lights, steering and electrical system. 404 complaints (50%) name the engine, most often the oil cooler.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Sorento engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 39,000–100,000 miles, with a middle value near 66,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Sorento have?
4. Towing (22V703000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V907000); Engine (17V586000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2017 Kia Sorento?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2009 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.