TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Sorento electrical problems
moderate 81 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 81 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SC340_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER (SC340) - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign SC340.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles report electrical faults across multiple interconnected systems. Headlight failures dominate complaints: lights in "auto" mode turn off without warning while driving at highway speeds, sometimes staying dark for 5–15 seconds, leaving drivers without visibility. The problem occurs intermittently and randomly—sometimes triggered by turn signal use, sometimes not. Many report the lights turn on while the vehicle is parked and off, draining the battery within days. Mechanics cannot reproduce the issue on demand; dealers report no stored fault codes.
Beyond lighting, owners describe a cascade of secondary electrical failures: power window regulators fail without warning, door locks stop responding to key fobs, instrument cluster displays malfunction or go dark, and ABS/traction control warning lights illuminate erratically. Several owners report an electrical fire in the driver's-side mirror housing; one owner's center console caught fire while parked.
Oil pressure switches leak excessively, damaging wiring harnesses and control modules. Some owners report mysterious oil loss without visible leaks, coupled with complete failure of the low-oil warning light to illuminate. Owners also document engine stalls and loss of power during highway driving with no warning lights appearing beforehand. The multi-function switch assembly has failed on multiple vehicles, affecting headlight and turn signal operation.
Dealers consistently report inability to duplicate faults, cite no diagnostic codes, and decline warranty repairs. Owners note the pattern of failures across multiple complaint narratives and online forums.
Same Kia Sorento electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Headlight auto-mode dropout
Headlights in 'auto' position turn off intermittently during day and night driving without warning. Lights may stay off for 5–15 seconds before resuming. Problem is random and cannot be reliably reproduced. Occurs both while driving and while vehicle is parked and off. Often triggered by turn signal use but not consistently.
When: Intermittent; occurs throughout vehicle ownership; reported between 38,000 and 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights and running lights turn off without warning while driving; Lights turn on while vehicle is parked and locked; Taillights and brake lights also go dark simultaneously; Dashboard indicator shows lights switched to 'off' or 'parking lights' when they go out; Switching light control manually to 'on' position stops the problem temporarily; Battery drains over days when lights stay on while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report inability to duplicate fault or retrieve diagnostic codes. Multi-function switch assembly replacement recommended in some cases but parts unavailable. Manual toggle of light switch restores lights temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multi-function switch assembly identified as defective in some cases; however, parts on backorder nationwide with no availability date. NHTSA Campaign 16V862000 referenced for trailer hitch electrical system, but most headlight complaints do not fall under existing recalls. Kia dealers state no warranty coverage for intermittent faults that cannot be reproduced.
Oil pressure switch leakage
Oil pressure switch fails and leaks excessively, damaging wiring harnesses and engine control modules. Problem recurs even after dealer warranty repair. Independent service centers confirm excessive leakage from the switch.
When: Recurring failures reported; initial failure followed by repeat issue shortly after repair; reported between 22,000 and 38,000 miles on second-owner vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently or continuously; Poor acceleration and unusual engine noise appear before leak is diagnosed; Oil leak visible; oil damages wiring and electrical control module; Steering wheel becomes sticky; traction control light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Both dealer and independent service center confirmed oil pressure switch as source of leak. Oil levels normal despite leak symptoms. Repair requires replacement of switch and associated wiring/module damaged by oil.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial repair covered under dealer warranty; issue recurred after repair. Dealership declined further warranty coverage; independent repair required at owner expense.
Rear window regulator failure
Both rear window regulators fail simultaneously without warning, rendering windows inoperable. No prior symptoms. Grinding or plastic-breaking sound heard when owner attempts to operate windows. Pattern mirrors failures on 2017 Kia Optima and Sportage models.
When: 4 years of ownership; reported at approximately 80,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Both rear windows will not roll up or down; Grinding sound or sound of plastic breaking when button pressed; Failure occurs without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear window regulators require replacement. Owner paid out-of-pocket repair cost; estimated as significant expense. Installation completed same day as diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2017 Sorento window regulator failures despite identical failures on 2017 Optima and Sportage models. Kia dealer states no recalls apply to Sorento. Warranty likely expired or denied due to time/mileage.
Electrical fire in driver-side mirror housing
Electrical fire initiates in driver-side mirror housing, melting mirror casing and destroying adjacent wiring. Fire cascades to disable door locks, window switches, and instrument cluster. No warning signs prior to fire.
When: Approximately 97,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and unknown warning lights illuminate on dashboard; Driver-side mirror housing exterior melted/charred; Door locks inoperable; cannot lock/unlock via power switch or key fob; Window switches non-functional; Instrument cluster completely failed; Vehicle no longer adjusts or retracts driver-side mirror
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified electrical fire as cause. Electrical wiring to mirror housing disconnected to prevent further fire spread. Mirror adjustment and retraction functionality lost. Vehicle not fully repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; referred owner to manufacturer. Manufacturer notified; referred back to dealer. No repair attempt made by either party.
Center console fire while parked
Center console catches fire while vehicle is parked outside auto body shop over weekend. Melted console and burnt driver-side seat discovered by technician. No prior warning or indication of electrical fault.
When: Approximately 80,000 miles; fire occurred while vehicle unattended
Symptoms owners cite: Center console melted/charred; Driver-side seat burned; No warning lights or indicators prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss. No independent or dealer inspection conducted to identify root cause. Wiring failures noted with window, trunk, and console systems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not documented. Insurance company to contact manufacturer for inspection, but no repair records available.
Engine stall during highway driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power and shuts down while driving at highway speeds with no warning lights illuminated beforehand. Occurs multiple times across different driving sessions. Vehicle restarts successfully after stalling but issue recurs.
When: Reported across mileage range from 10,000 to 50+ mph highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly during highway driving without warning; No warning lights illuminate before stall; Airbag light may illuminate after stall; Vehicle restarts successfully after shutdown; Problem recurs unpredictably on subsequent drives
Codes mentioned: P1326 (reported in one case involving flashing check engine light and limp mode)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate issue; no fault codes retrieved in many cases. One dealer acknowledged P1326 as 'known Kia issue' but could not locate code when checked. Owner advised to continue driving 'until it happens again.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: P1326 identified as known Kia issue; however, vehicle VIN claimed not included in recall despite code appearing. Kia acknowledged issue could recur but offered no proactive repair or service. Dealer refused warranty coverage claiming inability to reproduce.
Multi-function switch failure affecting headlights and turn signals
Multi-function switch assembly fails, causing headlight malfunction in auto mode and turn signal issues. Turn signals remain activated after completing turn instead of self-canceling. Switch failure correlates with inability to operate headlights properly.
When: Reported around 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlamps fail to remain illuminated with headlamp switch in auto position; Turn signals inoperable or stuck in active position; Dashboard displays 'headlight suggested' warning message; Headlamps operate normally when manual 'on' position is used
Repairs/costs cited: Multi-function switch assembly replacement required. Parts on nationwide backorder with no known availability date. Vehicle not repaired due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened but no repair timeline provided. Parts remain unavailable at time of complaint.
Turn signal self-cancellation failure
Turn signal does not self-cancel after completing turn; remains activated in neutral position. Problem intermittent and occurs both city and highway driving. Owner unable to turn off signal manually.
When: Intermittent; began months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal activates and does not self-cancel after turn completed; Signal remains in neutral position but continues flashing; Occurs during left and right turns; Problem occurs both city and highway speeds; Owner must wait for signal to stop on its own
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Problem occurs intermittently without consistent trigger pattern.
Instrument panel and gauges malfunction
Instrument cluster displays incorrect or no information. Speedometer displays dashes instead of speed, then shows inaccurate speeds that fluctuate wildly, then resets to normal. Oil pressure light may illuminate erratically.
When: Reported around 38,000 miles; intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer displays dashes instead of speed reading; Speed display fluctuates up and down erratically, reaching 95+ mph false readings; Display returns to dashes, then normalizes; Oil pressure light illuminates intermittently during park and drive; Steering wheel becomes sticky/difficult to control; Traction control light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership failed to identify or acknowledge problem during service visit. Owner paid substantial service fee for unresolved issue. Independent mechanic identified oil pressure sending unit as source of leak causing electrical display malfunctions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership declined warranty coverage. Owner forced to pursue independent repair at full cost.
Door lock and key fob failure
Power door locks become inoperable; vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked via key fob or driver-side power lock switch. Manual unlock still functions.
When: Approximately 97,000 miles (in conjunction with electrical fire in mirror)
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side power door lock switch non-functional; Key fob no longer locks or unlocks doors; Manual door unlock still operable
Repairs/costs cited: Associated with electrical fire in driver-side mirror. No repair completed.
Synthesized from 81 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Coolant system not functioning properly replace thermostat and worked a day then back to overheating. Engine overheating with new oil and filter also shakes badly Car does not shut of when ignition is pressed the first time have start the car then shut it off again
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 81 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 35,600 and 68,100 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 35,600; a quarter make it past 68,100. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Kia/Sorento.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.