VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - 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 2016-2020MY Optima, 2016-2020MY Sorento, 2017-2022MY Sportage 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 co
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Sportage engine problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Sportage have filed 153 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 81,174 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
153
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Sportage | 278 |
| 2014 Sportage | 58 |
| 2015 Sportage | 58 |
| 2016 Sportage | 41 |
| 2017 Sportage (this page) | 153 |
| 2018 Sportage | 65 |
| 2019 Sportage | 22 |
| 2020 Sportage | 65 |
| 2021 Sportage | 19 |
11fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 153 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sportage, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Engine accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 153 engine 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 engine 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: 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 ↗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: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / QL) - 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 ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / QL) - 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Sportage with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine appears to have systemic problems. Owners consistently describe engine seizure at highway speeds with no warning—check engine light coming on seconds before total shutdown. Many report sudden loss of power forcing them to coast across traffic to the shoulder, a serious safety hazard.
Oil consumption is the recurring complaint. Owners burn 1–3.5 quarts per thousand miles and say Kia dealers dismiss this as "normal," then refuse warranty claims. Oil light often fails to warn until 4–5 quarts are gone. When Kia performs oil consumption tests, results are disputed or inconclusive, and coverage remains denied even when consumption far exceeds stated thresholds.
Cylinder misfires plague many units. Spark plugs in cylinder #3 burn out repeatedly, owners get them replaced, and the problem returns. Compression tests reveal failed cylinders at 0–60 PSI (normal is 140+). Burnt valves and piston holes show up on teardown. Multiple dealership visits produce no diagnosis—just repeat spark plug swaps until catastrophic failure forces engine replacement.
Fire is the worst-case scenario: five complaints describe engine compartment fires at highway speeds or after service. Fire departments extinguished them; vehicles were totaled. Manufacturer investigators found the cause "undetermined."
Warranty denials are widespread. Kia's settlement covers rod bearing failure with lifetime warranty only if the KSDS software update was completed on or before failure. Owners who didn't get the recall letter (due to address changes, branded title, prior ownership) are denied outright. Dealers demand complete service records or refuse to file claims. One owner encountered refusal after hurricane damaged his house and he missed the 2019 recall notice.
Same Kia Sportage engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Seizure / Sudden Loss of Power
Engine seizes or loses power without warning while driving at highway speeds, forcing drivers to coast to safety. Owners report complete engine shutdown requiring towing and replacement.
When: Varies; reported from 50,000 to 152,000 miles. Often occurs years after purchase (early to mid-lifespan).
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power at highway speed; Complete engine shutdown or seizure; Minimal to no warning before failure; Check engine light appearing moments before or during failure; Vehicle unable to restart after stalling
Codes mentioned: P0014, P1326, Misfire codes (P0300-P0308), Low oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Owners report $4,000–$6,000+ costs when warranty denied. Many report Kia initially refusing coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage if KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update not completed or if failure attributed to oil consumption rather than rod bearing. Some denials cite 'branded title' or missing maintenance records. Engine settlement TSB SST067 Rev 2 requires bearing clearance test but owners report incomplete diagnostics.
Excessive Oil Consumption (1–3+ quarts per 1,000 miles)
Engine burns oil far beyond acceptable limits. Owners report adding oil constantly and oil light failing to warn until dangerously low (4–5 quarts depleted). Oil consumption test results disputed or deemed inconclusive.
When: Begins as early as 50,000 miles; worsens over time. Some noted from new-car delivery onwards.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between changes (1–3.5 quarts per 1,000 miles); Oil sludge or soot in exhaust tailpipe; Oil light delayed or absent until critical depletion; Smoke or burning odor from engine; Low oil pressure warning when oil extremely low
Codes mentioned: P0016, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Kia performs 'oil consumption tests' over 1,000 miles; results often disputed. Owners report being told 1 quart per 1,000 miles is 'normal' and warranty denial. Some dealers refused further oil testing (one told owner to 'let it blow up'). Root cause not consistently identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies coverage citing 1 qt/1,000 miles as normal consumption threshold. Oil pan recall/service action mentioned but coverage unclear. Some dealers stopped performing oil consumption tests. No proactive replacement offered even when consumption rates exceed stated limits.
Cylinder Misfires and Burnt Spark Plugs / Valves
Engine misfires repeatedly, especially cylinder #3. Spark plugs burn out, oil fouls plugs, and valves burn or develop cracks. Check engine light cycles on and off; repairs do not resolve underlying issue.
When: From 9,000 miles onward. Recurring pattern after spark plug replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates repeatedly (every few weeks to months); Rough idle and vibration when starting; Cylinder #3 burnt spark plug (most common); Spark plugs covered in oil (combustion chamber oil leakage); Burnt valve in cylinder #2 or #4; Loss of compression in one or more cylinders; Limp mode: power loss to 30–45 mph when accelerating; Loud clicking or knocking under hood during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0304, Misfire codes on cylinder 3 (and others), Compression test failures (25–125 PSI in failing cylinder vs. 140+ PSI normal)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace spark plugs and coil packs multiple times (3–4+ visits) without resolving root cause. Some service advisors blamed 'too much oil' or poor gasoline. Eventually short block or full engine replacement ordered. One case involved cracked spark plug causing initial misfire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia blamed spark plug condition on driver maintenance or fuel quality. Multiple repeat services without diagnosis of underlying valve/piston/ring defect. Settlement eligibility disputed if engine not yet seized.
Engine Fire
Engine compartment catches fire while driving or shortly after repair. Fires originate from engine but cause often marked 'undetermined.' Vehicles totally destroyed.
When: Occurring at 80,000–149,000 miles; one occurred right after starter repair at independent shop.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment while driving; Flames visible under hood; Smoke and burning odor inside cabin; Black/white smoke from exhaust
Codes mentioned: Fire origin unconfirmed by manufacturer investigators
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles deemed total loss by insurance. Fire department extinguished fires. One incident followed electrical component repair (burnt body harness mentioned in another case).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer investigator inspected burned vehicle and reported cause 'undetermined.' Limited assistance offered beyond vehicle rental support. No root-cause investigation disclosed to owners.
Low Compression / Burnt Valves / Piston Damage
Cylinders fail compression test with readings as low as 0–60 PSI (normal 140+ PSI). Burnt valves, worn valve seals, and piston holes found. Compression loss triggers misfire and limp mode.
When: Diagnosed at 65,000–126,000 miles. Low compression evident before catastrophic failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Compression test failure in 1–2 cylinders; Burnt exhaust valve (cylinder 2, 3, or 4); Worn valve seals causing oil consumption; Hole or crack in piston crown; Check engine light and misfire before full loss of power; Vehicle limp mode or inability to exceed 40–45 mph
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes, Compression test results (0–60 PSI in failing cylinder)
Repairs/costs cited: Compression test required to diagnose. Dealership diagnostic fees $400–$500+. Engine replacement only remedy. Owners dispute whether warranty covers compression-related failures under settlement terms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia settlement covers rod bearing failure with lifetime warranty after KSDS update. Compression loss and burnt valve defects treated as separate from rod bearing, leading to denials. Some dealers incomplete in testing (TSB SST067 Rev 2 bearing clearance test not finished).
Limp Mode / Unintended Power Loss
Engine enters limp mode restricting RPM and acceleration, usually triggered by software/sensor malfunction. Vehicle dropped from highway speed to 30–45 mph unexpectedly. Some occurred right after KSDS software update.
When: Recurring; one case occurred 15 miles after ECU software update installation.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power restriction on highway; RPM capped at low level; Acceleration severely limited; Check engine light illuminates when limp mode occurs; Vehicle difficult to maintain speed or climb hills
Codes mentioned: Knock sensor detection codes, ECU software-related faults
Repairs/costs cited: Software update required or wire harness installation (one case). Some owners report limp mode recurring after initial repair, followed by full engine failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: KSDS Product Improvement Campaign (December 2018) required ECU software update to warn of bearing damage. One owner reported limp mode 15 miles post-update and full engine replacement ordered. Wire harness also installed.
Burnt Body Harness / Electrical Failure
Electrical harness burned out after dealership performed unrelated control knob replacement, triggering check engine light. Repair estimate $4,000. Dealership blamed outside shop for damage.
When: Occurred within days of service at external repair shop (February 2022).
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light appeared after knob replacement service; Repeated check engine light illumination; Light did not clear after dealer reset
Codes mentioned: Check engine light without clear diagnostic code mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: $4,000 body harness replacement quoted. Owner blamed external dealership affiliate for damage; Kia service center blamed the external shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia service center required identification of parts and source before investigating. Corporate office did not return customer calls or assist with dispute resolution.
Engine Overheating
Engine overheats during heavy traffic or normal driving. Vehicle towed back to dealership after full engine replacement due to overheating malfunction.
When: Post-engine replacement (March 2025). Occurred in severe bumper-to-bumper traffic in Atlanta.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating during traffic; Noises from engine compartment while running; Loss of coolant or cooling system malfunction
Codes mentioned: Overheating codes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required towing. Hoses and belts had been replaced at dealer's recommendation after first engine seizure. Overheating persisted despite fluid top-off.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle returned to dealership for overheating diagnosis after full engine replacement; case status unclear at report submission.
Synthesized from 153 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia sportage. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The failure recurred on another occasion while driving 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to be repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed as having a faulty spark plug and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the…
On 11/21/2025, while operating my vehicle, I experienced a critical engine failure. The engine failed a compression test, with readings as follows: Cylinder 1: 125 PSI Cylinder 2: 60 PSI Cylinder 3: 25 PSI Cylinder 4: 3 PSI As a result, the engine had no compression in multiple cylinders, preventing the vehicle from starting. The vehicle exhibited [smoke, stalling, or other observable…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied it spontaneously caught fire. The front windshield burst and the front of the vehicle melted. The check engine warning indicator light was illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. There was no police report filed, injuries, or air bag…
On November 2, while driving my 10-year-old son to a soccer game, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of power at road speed. The vehicle's failure to provide a "limp-home mode" or any sensor warnings prior to stalling created a significant life-safety risk for my son and me as we had to coast across traffic to a safe location where the car stalled. •No Warning Indicators: There were no prior…
My Kia sportage engine light came on and the engine started making a knocking noise while driving down road on a saturday night . (dealerahip was closed) first thing monday morning called Kia dealer. Took into dealer . After they checked it out they informed my engine was ruined . Had metal shavings in it . And because I didnt take it into them or a professional to change the oil(I had family do…
excessive engine oil consumption, 2 quarts every 1,000 miles. which prompts me to change spark plugs every 10,000 miles because they get so fouled up. this has been going on since 55,000 miles and now have 80,000 miles, it started with .5 quart and now it is up to 2 quarts.
High oil consumption and engine noise and metal residue with each engine oil change
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
It's a meaningful issue. 153 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 81,174. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.