VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 105) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Sportage electrical problems
severe 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
5fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 52 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Kia Sportage we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 52.
Owners have filed 52 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.
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 ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Sportage's electrical systems and engine are problem areas. Engine seizure and knock failures happen across the mileage range—at 41,000 miles, 100,000+ miles, and everywhere in between—often without warning lights, leaving drivers stranded on highways with no power steering or brakes. Multiple owners report fires: one caught fire at a complete stop with no warning; another after an aftermarket starter with loose wiring caught fire four months after purchase; others cite tow-hitch wiring harness fire risk that Kia issued only an "interim recall" for (park away from vehicles and people, no permanent fix).
Power windows fail constantly, with some owners replacing all four regulators and having them fail again within months. Owners hear the motors running but windows won't move, or windows slide down on their own when parked. Door locks and latches stick—drivers can't unlock from outside and have to climb through the passenger side. Brake systems fail with excessive pedal pressure needed and melted brake-light wiring. One owner had the ABS, Hill Descent Control, and Traction Control lights all on at under 23,000 miles; dealer ignored the report.
Dealership responses range from unhelpful to dismissive. Recalls exist (engine, tow-hitch fire, window regulators), but owner VIN numbers often don't match the recall database despite having the exact model and year. Repairs that should be covered get denied for mileage or second-owner status. Diagnostic delays stretch into weeks, and out-of-pocket repair costs exceed $1,000 for window work alone.
Same Kia Sportage electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Knock/Bearing Seizure)
Engine failure involving rod knock, bearing failure, or complete seizure, causing total loss of motive power while driving. Often occurs without warning and requires engine replacement. Owners cite GDI defect concerns and cite this happening at various mileages.
When: 103,000 miles; 83,611 miles; 118,101 miles; 127,000 miles; 41,000 miles; 112,000 miles; varies
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking/knocking and ticking sound under hood; Engine stalls or seizes while driving; Loss of power while on highway or interstate; Vehicle shakes or vibrates abnormally; Rough idle; Check engine light illuminated; Oil consumption very high; Misfire symptoms; Sudden thunk under hood followed by complete shutdown
Codes mentioned: P0300 (cylinder misfire), P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire), P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement (short block or full engine); one owner cited repair cost exceeding $2,600; most vehicles denied warranty coverage due to mileage or second-owner status; dealership repair at variable cost; one owner needed engine replacement 3,000 miles past warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V137000 (Engine); some owners denied extended warranty coverage; manufacturer awareness reported but assistance rarely provided; parts availability issues delayed recalls for months
Electrical Fire (Wiring/Tow Hitch Harness)
Vehicle caught fire without warning while parked or during normal operation. Root causes cited include aftermarket starter with loose wiring, tow hitch wiring harness fire risk (interim recall issued), and general electrical fires under hood. Multiple complaints of fire occurring with no prior warning lights or symptoms.
When: 4 months of ownership; unpredictable; one case June 26; one case while parked; one case at complete stop
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood or engine bay; Fire erupts from engine compartment; No warning lights before fire occurs; Complete vehicle fire after pulling off road
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket starter with loose wiring replaced; tow hitch wiring harness disconnected by independent shop as emergency measure (simple disconnect of ground wire); full engine/vehicle loss in multiple cases; one owner paid out of pocket after dealership refused warranty claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Interim recall notice for tow hitch wiring harness (SC206 HECU Fire Risk Recall); no permanent remedy available at time of complaints; Kia customer service unresponsive in multiple cases; dealers refused to repair or denied responsibility
Power Window Regulator Failure
Power windows fail to operate (will not go up or down) due to regulator malfunction, window guide deterioration, or motor failure. Multiple owners report all four windows failing in sequence or simultaneously. Windows hear motor running but do not move, or window slides down unexpectedly when parked.
When: 5 months; 8 months after initial repair; 6-week period; 41,000 miles; 34,000 miles; 55,000 miles; unpredictable timing
Symptoms owners cite: Power window will not go up; Power window will not go down; Motor running but window does not move; Window slides down slowly when parked; All four windows fail in sequence or simultaneously; Window falls and shatters
Repairs/costs cited: Window regulator replacement; rubber window channel lubrication (temporary fix); regulator gear panel replacement; window regulator drum replacement; rear window regulator replacement; latch assembly replacement; costs cited $1,044.63 for both rear regulators; multiple replacements on same vehicle over short timeframe
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SA-148 issued but VIN numbers not included in recall scope; some owners report VIN not appearing under recall database despite same model/year; dealers replaced regulators under warranty initially but failures recurred; service bulletins or TSBs may exist but not widely communicated
Door Lock/Latch Failure (Cannot Lock/Unlock or Open)
Driver-side or rear door locks fail electronically and mechanically; doors cannot be opened from outside or inside, requiring entry through alternate doors. Door latches fail completely, leaving passengers trapped or unable to exit safely.
When: Timing not specified in most reports; 2-3 week diagnostic delays
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not unlock with key fob; Door will not unlock with key inserted in lock cylinder; Door cannot be opened from inside with handle; Door cannot be opened from outside; Door locks and will not unlock again after closing; Door randomly locks/unlocks
Repairs/costs cited: OEM latch assembly replacement; one dealer wanted 2-3 weeks diagnosis time only; one quoted $900 for latch assembly repair; independent shops completed repair; second-hand dealer refused to service vehicle not purchased from them
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by owners; Kia dealer service unresponsive or slow; owners sought independent repair; dealer diagnostic fees discouraging
Sudden Engine Shutdown While Driving (Loss of Power)
Engine suddenly loses power while driving, often on highway or interstate, causing loss of power steering and brakes and requiring vehicle to coast to shoulder. Engine typically restarts after shutoff. Occurs intermittently and unpredictably, creating significant safety hazard during traffic.
When: At 79-80 mph cruise control; 35 mph; 55 mph; interstate driving; unpredictable; at least 5 times for one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops abruptly without warning; Electrical system shuts down (dashboard, audio, headlights); Power steering becomes inactive; Power brakes become inactive; Rapid deceleration without brake application; Vehicle enters limp mode; Engine restarts after brief wait; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Limp mode indication
Repairs/costs cited: Crank Shaft Position Sensor replacement attempted; dealership unable to reproduce issue or resolve; vehicle remains unsafe to drive per owner; no permanent repair identified in complaints
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostic testing unable to identify root cause; service bulletin or technical service document not mentioned; no recall or TSB identified
Brake System Failure (Hard Pedal, Inadequate Stopping)
Brake pedal requires excessive force to depress, brake response is delayed or insufficient to slow vehicle, and brake light wiring melts causing repeated bulb burnout. Failure is recurring after dealer repairs.
When: At 120,000 miles; recurring after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive pressure required to depress brake pedal; Brake pedal feels hard and does not move easily; Vehicle does not slow when brake pedal depressed at normal force; Abnormal sound from front brakes (loose metal bouncing); Brake light bulbs burn out frequently; Brake light wiring melted; Brake pedal higher than normal by couple inches (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear taillight wiring replacement; brake pad replacement; brake caliper replacement; failure recurred after repair; independent mechanic diagnosis and repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned in complaints; dealer did not identify root cause
ABS/Stability Control Warning Lights and System Malfunction
Multiple ABS and stability control warning lights illuminate on dashboard (ABS, Hill Descent, Traction/Stability Control, Emergency Brake) along with Check TPMS warning. Lights remain on and system may not function. Weird smell emanates from dashboard. Less than 23,000 miles at time of failure.
When: Under 23,000 miles; early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on; Hill Descent Control warning light on; Traction/Stability Control warning light on; Emergency Brake Light on; Check TPMS warning light on and pops on repeatedly; Weird smell from dashboard; No actual braking or handling abnormalities noted by owner
Codes mentioned: ABS system warning, TPMS warning
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer would not respond per complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unresponsive; no recall identified; owner's husband (Honda mechanic) believes safety recall warranted but Kia dealer did not engage
High Oil Consumption and Engine Bearing/Oil Pressure Issues
Engine consumes oil very quickly despite regular maintenance and oil changes. Oil pressure switch fails, causing oil intrusion into wiring harness and computer. Oil leaks onto ground during normal operation.
When: Approximately 71,000 miles; occurs throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine consumes oil very quickly; Oil leaks onto ground; Rough idle; Burnt oil smell
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure switch replacement needed; wiring harness replacement needed; computer replacement needed; vehicle not repaired per complaint; oil change and maintenance not preventing issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no assistance provided
Uncontrolled Engine Revving (Throttle Control Malfunction)
Engine revs up without driver depressing gas pedal, occurring randomly during city or interstate driving. Owner reports having to brake to avoid colliding with other vehicles. Seatbelt light flashes sporadically when no occupant present.
When: Couple months after purchase; random and unpredictable during operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs up without gas pedal input; Happens at any speed; Requires brake input to prevent collision hazard; Seatbelt warning light flashes intermittently when seat unoccupied
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership attributed to alternator issue but did not provide clear diagnosis or repair plan
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership speculation only; no TSB or recall identified
Starter Failure
Starter solenoid or starter motor fails, preventing engine start. Occurs sporadically and can strand owner at remote location like gas station.
When: After 80,000 miles; sporadically over 4-month period
Symptoms owners cite: Start button does not engage engine; Multiple attempts needed to start; Solenoid issue (clicking but no cranking); Dashboard lights and radio function but engine will not turn over; Brake pedal extremely hard to depress and up higher than normal
Repairs/costs cited: Full starter replacement (solenoid repair/replacement not detailed); owner stranded at gas station; repair cost not mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned
Miscellaneous Electrical Failures (Door Locks, Seat Belt, Blind Spot, Turn Signal)
Various electrical components fail including seat belt chime reminder, blind spot warning system, turn signal audio, and door lock mechanisms.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles for audio systems
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt chime reminder inoperable; Blind spot warning system inoperable; Turn signal sound inoperable; Door lock mechanisms fail
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to diagnose without diagnostic fee; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia sportage. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine consumed oil very quickly. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. The contact also stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle stalled with the…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated there was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Kia Sportage?
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 Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 52 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/Sportage.
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.