2017 Kia Sorento recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kia Sorento and 807 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (387), exterior lighting (125), unknown or other (104). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (496). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Kia Sorento. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Trailer hitches
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Engine and engine cooling · engine
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Risk: 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.
Trailer hitches
Problem: 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. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Faulty cameras to allow the AEB and LDWS to work accordingly. Warning lights are on due to faulty system
Check engine light flashing going into limp mode
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the engine oil warning light illuminated, and the Apple CarPlay, radio, and HVAC system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the oil pressure switch was replaced under warranty. The dealer determined that the electrical system had failed due to the oil p…
Safety ratings
2017 Kia Sorento SUV AWD
2017 Kia Sorento SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Kia Sorento.
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Sorento AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Sorento FE AWD
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Sorento have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kia Sorento, most recently for trailer hitches (09/19/2022). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
Based on 807 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (387), exterior lighting (125), unknown or other (104).
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento safe?
The 2017 Kia Sorento earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Kia Sorento?
The 2017 ranks #10 of 14 Sorento model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (496). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Sorento get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Kia Sorento range from 21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Kia Sorento in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: SORENTO, Sorento.