2017 Kia Sorento brakes problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Kia Sorento has serious, recurring brake system issues including Electronic Parking Brake lockups that strand owners, AEB triggering without cause and locking wheels, ABS failures causing skidding, and recurring hydraulic failures—several owners report multiple dealer visits with no permanent fixes. Multiple systems (EPB, AEB, ABS, speed sensors, HECU) are affected across this model year.
Owners of 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles report multiple distinct brake system failures. The most frequent complaint involves the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) locking up unexpectedly and refusing to disengage, sometimes stranding occupants for hours. Several owners describe a grinding or saw-like noise accompanying EPB lockup. One owner reported the EPB engaging after using AutoBrake without disabling it before shutting the engine off.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system malfunctions are also common. Owners report the system engaging without obstacles present, locking all four wheels on wet roads at highway speeds or low speeds on driveways, and in one case failing to stop the vehicle when needed. One owner's AEB activation at 40 mph on wet pavement led to a rear-end collision when the brakes would not release. A Kia engineer retrieved event data but allegedly found nothing wrong; a TSB was deemed not applicable.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failure disabled ABS and electronic stability control on at least one vehicle, with replacement costing $2,645. Speed sensor failures affecting traction control and ABS have occurred as early as 22,000 miles. One owner reported simultaneous brake and gas pedal engagement during hard braking, and another experienced ABS lockup causing a collision despite adequate stopping distance. Brake hose failures have recurred multiple times on at least one vehicle despite repeated dealership visits.
Same Kia Sorento brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Unintended Lockup
EPB engages without driver command and will not disengage, immobilizing the vehicle. Owners report a grinding or saw-like noise during engagement. Issue often occurs on inclines or after parking.
When: Various mileages; one at 63,000 miles (near warranty end), repeated occurrences over 6 months on another vehicle under 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: EPB light illuminates; Grinding or saw-like noise from brake system; Vehicle completely immobilized; Button press does not disengage brake; Requires engine restart or extended troubleshooting to release
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealers recommend replacing entire EPB system (cables and electronic components); cost not specified in narratives. One vehicle towed three times in six months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged issues exist with no fix or recall available at time of complaint. One owner used workarounds (checking seatbelt status, trying 'tricks') before permanent failure.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Unintended Activation
AEB system triggers braking with no obstacle present or inappropriate conditions. System locks all four wheels, sometimes on wet roads at highway speeds.
When: May 2018; March 2024 at 25 mph on private driveway with no obstructions present
Symptoms owners cite: AEB alarm sounds without warning; All four wheels lock simultaneously; Vehicle comes to complete stop on wet roads at 40 mph without driver braking; Driver unable to release brakes by accelerating or tapping pedal; Wheels only release after vehicle is struck from behind or engine restarted
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed to dealership. AEB activation resulted in rear-end collision when brakes would not release. Owner paid rental car costs out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia sent engineer to retrieve EDR data but allegedly found no information recorded. Two TSBs were cited as not applicable. Owner requested EDR findings but did not receive them. Kia communication broke down with multiple hang-ups when owner called for follow-up.
Brake Pedal and Accelerator Pedal Interference
When applying hard brake pressure during emergency stops, brake and gas pedals engage simultaneously, preventing vehicle from stopping.
When: During highway traffic incident while slowing due to being rear-ended
Symptoms owners cite: Both brake and gas pedals depress together under hard braking; Vehicle cannot stop despite pedal pressure; Owner confirmed pedal location cannot be adjusted to prevent interference
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer confirmed pedal spacing cannot be adjusted to prevent simultaneous engagement. Manufacturer advised owner to file complaint with NHTSA.
Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) Failure
HECU failed, disabling both ABS and electronic stability control systems. Owner reports this defect is covered under a Kia settlement for some Sorento vehicles but was excluded without justification.
When: At 68,000 miles on 2017 Sorento SX
Symptoms owners cite: ABS system disabled; Electronic stability control disabled
Repairs/costs cited: HECU replacement cost $2,645 paid out of pocket. Owner states identical defect is covered under settlement for other 2017 Sorento models with same components.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was excluded from Kia settlement despite identical HECU component defect. No recall issued for this vehicle.
Speed Sensor Failure Affecting ABS and Traction Control
Speed sensor used by traction control, stability control, and ABS malfunctions repeatedly, causing warning lights and system degradation.
When: First failure at 22,000 miles; failed twice on same vehicle at separate occasions
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and traction control lights illuminate; Systems do not operate properly; Multiple replacements required
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement is expensive per owner. Owner suspects early failure at 22,000 miles indicates defective part.
ABS Lockup Causing Loss of Braking Control
ABS system locks wheels during braking on dry pavement, causing vehicle to skid and collide despite adequate stopping distance available.
When: While traveling approximately 30 mph when lead vehicle stopped
Symptoms owners cite: ABS engages and locks wheels; Vehicle skids despite normal brake application; Skid marks visible; vehicle does not stop; Collision occurs despite adequate space
Brake Hose Failure with Recurring Issues
Hydraulic brake hose failure occurs repeatedly despite repair attempts. Vehicle taken to dealership multiple times with no permanent remedy.
When: At 418 miles; recurred several times afterward
Symptoms owners cite: All warning indicators on instrument panel illuminate; Brake system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Hydraulic brake hose was replaced. Failure recurred multiple times. Vehicle taken to dealer five times with no permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of recurring failure.
AEB Failure to Stop Vehicle
AEB system malfunctions and does not stop vehicle when needed, requiring manual emergency stop.
When: At 1,000 miles while driving 35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to stop when brake pedal depressed; Autonomous emergency braking system malfunctioned
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was manually stopped. Not diagnosed or repaired by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of this failure.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2017 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 21,125 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.