Problems · by component

2017 Kia Sorento engine and engine cooling problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sorento cite engine and engine cooling, 3% of all 808 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
27
3% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine and engine cooling

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 pressure switch leaking oil onto the wiring harness, and that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Electrical systemODI 11769341
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was a hole in a valve and a piston was fractured. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact notified the manufacturer via telephone and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11761315
“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor, and there was white smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact was able to safely pull into a driveway, and the contact noticed flames coming out of the hood. The contact stated that the fire caused property damage to the driveway, including debris and burn marks. The entire vehicle was engulfed in fire and deemed destroyed. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department incident report was filed. The police arrived at the scene, assisted in directing traffic, but did not file a report. The contact further stated that while attempting to exit the vehicle, the contact's mother fell on the ground. No medical treatment was sought, and no injuries directly related to the vehicle fire were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2026Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, gasolineFire reportedODI 11742388
“The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband noticed a cloud of smoke in the rearview mirror, but the contact stated that the smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact's husband pulled over, and she, her husband, and daughter all exited the vehicle safely. Before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, the contact checked underneath the hood and discovered a piece of plastic on fire. The contact dialed 911, and police and firefighters arrived on the scene. The firefighters extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware whether a police or fire department report had been filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and the insurance company was made aware of the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 6, 2026Engine and engine cooling, FirerelatedFire reportedODI 11729428
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. An oil consumption test and combustion cleaning were performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed the failure. The contact was advised to park the vehicle outside. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2026Engine and engine cooling, EngineODI 11727326
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the low engine oil pressure warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. A dealer was contacted and informed to add oil as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the vehicle was operating as needed. The approximate failure mileage was 76,471.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026Engine and engine coolingODI 11715110

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Sep 21, 2017NHTSA 17V586000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.