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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-KIA-SORENTO
2017 · kia

kia Sorento problems

2 safety recalls. 773 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
300 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
94 reports · avg $700
moderate
lighting
92 reports · avg $250
moderate
electrical
80 reports · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
31 reports · avg $2,500
severe
cruise control
14 reports · avg $600
severe
body
12 reports · avg $1,500
severe
brakes
12 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2017 Sorento · other
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. REAR LIFT GATE WAS ACTIVATED BY OWNER WITH KEY FOB. GRANDCHILD RAN UNDER THE LIFT GATE. OWNER PULLED CHILD FROM REAR LIFT. GATE BRUSHED CHILD'S BACK AND CONTINUED TO CLOSE . OWNER THEN PLACED SEVERAL INAMINATE OBJECTS UNDER REAR OF…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385764.0
2017 Sorento · engine Fire
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE LOUD NOISE AND STALLED COASTED TO A PARKING LOT. NOTICED SMOKE GOT OUT TO FIND THE ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385812.0
2017 Sorento · other
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP DEC 09 2019 (MILEAGE 56176) AS INSTRUCTED BY SERVICE TECH IN ORDER FOR THEM TO CHECK REASON THIS VEHICLE IS USING A LOT OF OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. SERVICE TECH CHECKED OIL AND FOUND OIL WAS DOWN 1.25 QTS. SERVICE TECH OPENED TECH LINE…
12/30/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11292186.0
2017 Sorento · steering
continuous issues with "sticky" or "notchy" steering. Steering is not smooth and almost caused several accidents.
12/29/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562582.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 16V862000 30/11/2016

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

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. 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.
severe NHTSA 17V586000 21/09/2017

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3

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. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.

Common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Sorento reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 773 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Kia Sorento has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Kia Sorento?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 300 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Sorento has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Kia Sorento?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 773 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 14 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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