Home · 2017 Kia Sportage Hybrid Hev · Complaints

What 394 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sportage Hybrid Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (394)Crash / fire / injury (47)Engine (215)Electrical system (62)Transmission & drivetrain (40)Brakes (25)Body & structure (24)Fuel system (24)Speed control (17)Airbags (16)Lights (14)Steering (9)

215 of 394 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 3 of 9

Feb 26, 2025Engine

My Kia engine is blown.Kia engine rod bearing failed due to metal shavings when they made the engine. They didn't blow the shavings out.They are stating it's my fault do to lack of maintenance records they will not replace my engine. This is there loophole in the lawsuit to deny people of there claims.

NHTSA ODI 11645160

Feb 23, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

I own a 2017 Kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by Kia Russ Darrow at Odana Rd Madison, WI , the vehicle displayed DTC P001000 – ‘A (Intake)’ Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the E-CVVT motor plug area. It pointed to camshaft position sensor malfunction and Kia service say what the vehicle needs is a CVVT cover and seals/gaskets relating to the variable valve timing on the camshaft as it’s throwing the camshaft sensor circuit “high” voltage Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SA305, which acknowledges a similar problem in earlier production models of the same vehicle (built from December 10, 2015 – September 12, 2016). However, my vehicle was manufactured in January 2017, and Kia has not yet included it in the affected range. Despite this, I am experiencing the exact same issue outlined in the TSB. This failure poses a potential safety risk because it can affect engine performance and reliability. If left unaddressed, it could lead to unexpected engine stalling, loss of power while driving, or further engine damage, creating a hazardous situation. I have not yet received confirmation from Kia regarding an official recall or warranty extension for my vehicle, but the symptoms are identical to those covered under SA305. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a mechanic, and I am currently in the process of contacting Kia for further inspection and assistance. There were no prior warning messages, aside from the Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminating when the problem first occurred. This complaint is being submitted to request an investigation into whether this defect extends beyond the current TSB range and to determine if additional 2017 Sportage models should be included in a service action or recall to prevent safety risks. The affected component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11644429

Feb 20, 2025Engine

9 weeks ago, my daughter was driving my car with my [XXX] grandson. While she was driving it, it went into limp mode on her. She was close to home, thank goodness. There were no warning signs prior to the limp mode. We had it towed to Columbia Ford Kia in Columbia, CT. They found there was no compression and a burnt exhaust valve which these vehicles are notorious for. The 100,000 mile Kia warranty claims it won’t be covered due to normal wear and tear. When we purchased the car, we bought the extended warranty. Currently, the dealership is breaking down the engine to find the reason for the burnt exhaust valve. Then an inspector from the extended warranty will decide if it is covered. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11643958

Feb 2, 2025Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Component/System Failure: Multiple issues have occurred with the vehicle, starting with the windows not functioning shortly after purchase. The most severe issue occurred when the engine failed completely, causing it to shut down in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. This left the car non-functional and posed significant safety risks. In addition, the fuel system consistently becomes contaminated, despite following proper fuel maintenance practices like using high-quality fuel and regularly using a system cleaner. Is the Component Available for Inspection Upon Request? It's important to confirm whether the damaged components (like the engine or fuel system parts) are available for inspection by a dealer, an independent service center, or the manufacturer. If you haven't already, request documentation or access to the faulty components so that experts can inspect them and provide insight into what went wrong. Safety Risk: The engine failure in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour was a major safety risk, not just to you but to other drivers as well. An unexpected engine failure at such a critical time could have led to accidents, making it clear that there’s a serious safety concern that needs addressing immediately. Even if the fuel system issue isn’t as immediately dangerous, it still affects the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center? Has a dealer or an independent service center been able to reproduce or confirm these problems? If not, it may help to schedule an appointment for a detailed inspection. If the dealer or service center has acknowledged the issues, ensure you have written confirmation or a detailed report. Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance? Kia dealership finally took it in broke down the engine and wasn't fully clear what is causing the problem, my extended warranty sent a inspection but is taking way more time then what should be allowed

NHTSA ODI 11640197

Feb 1, 2025Engine

See file for details

NHTSA ODI 11640063

Jan 31, 2025Speed controlEngine

I bought a 2017 Kia Sportage with a salvage title at auction on [XXX] for my wife, [XXX]. It had 57,463 miles on the engine. Before it reached the 60,000-mile warranty limit (only for non-salvage title vehicles), it showed error code P1326 and went into limp mode which makes the vehicle drive at a very slow speed to avoid damage to the engine. For an explanation of limp mode, go to the web address below: [XXX] Despite my wife's Kia Sportage NOT being under warranty, the vehicle's electronic system takes control and slows the vehicle making it unsafe for continued driving. Despite the KIA manufacturer no longer having a financial interest in a non-warranted vehicle, their electronics system prevents me from managing or using my vehicle. The dealerships will not do any repairs or bypass the control system and their only solution is an expensive engine replacement. 1. The Kia displays error code P1326 which is the subject of numerous complaints to dealers throughout the U.S. The problem is the KIA goes into limp mode with no remedy. Available for inspection. [XXX] While the lawsuit above refers to Ford products, the statement regarding loss of power significantly increasing the risk of a crash does pertain to my complaint against the KIA limp mode. 2. Risk - See link above 3.Archer Kia at 11614 SW Frwy. in Houston has confirmed and diagnosed the problem on 8-15-2024. 4. See #3 above. 5. The error code P1326 is the warning. Despite the KIA manufacturer no longer having a financial interest in a non-warranted vehicle, their electronics system prevents me from managing or using my vehicle. The dealerships will not do any repairs or bypass the control system and their only solution is an expensive engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11639799

Jan 9, 2025Engine

January 9, 2025 I bought a new 2017 KIA Sportage from Bob Bell KIA-Glen Burnie July of 2017. All oil changes have been performed up-to-date and regularly as advised. When Bob Bell-Glen Burnie no longer serviced KIA, I started taking my vehicle to KIA-Eastern Avenue (Baltimore). The oil consumption issue started during the time I was taking my vehicle to KIA-Eastern Avenue for services. Throughout this entire process, I received mixed messages from KIA-Eastern Avenue, JBA KIA-Glen Burnie, and Johnson KIA-Annapolis about how often to change the oil. Depending on which Advisor at each dealership I spoke with – one would say change the oil every three thousand miles another would say every five thousand miles. As of late, one of the Advisors (Johnson KIA-Annapolis) even told me over the phone that I should change the oil every 2500 miles as that is what he does for his car – thankfully, I happen to be a customer that knows better than that. Unfortunately, his poor advice reminds me of the poor customer service dealing with KIA-Eastern Avenue, which is why I chose to deal no longer with them and take my vehicle to Johnson KIA-Annapolis with the hopes of getting better service. Advisor was kind enough to verify my information in Johnson KIA’s system and had to make a couple of corrections - one being my name misspelled and the other being someone entered into the system that I was not the original owner of my car when in fact I bought it off the Bob Bell KIA-Glen Burnie lot, brand new. In September of 2023, after my car went limp on the highway due to a knock engine sensor, I had my car towed to Johnson KIA-Annapolis (see Invoice XXX). They performed a BCT and decided that my car was one that did not fit the requirements for a new engine. I filed a Thet INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11635081

Dec 12, 2024Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11630418

Dec 10, 2024Engine

High oil consumption and engine noise and metal residue with each engine oil change

NHTSA ODI 11629990

Dec 4, 2024Engine

The engine consumes oil excessively, oil changes have been done at dealer well before service intervals since brand new and it consumes oil to the point we add oil within a week of oil change. Engine seals have very minor seepage but no active drips or leaks. The oil consumption has lead to weak engine internals were I am now experiencing a cylinder 2 misfire, burnt exhaust valve, among other issues and the dealership will not stand behind the class action lawsuit and extended warranty over this engine, quoting me over $7k for an engine that was defective and poorly built from factory.

NHTSA ODI 11628943

Nov 23, 2024Engine

On November 8, 2024 a large oil leak was noticed where the Kia Sportage had been parked. When the oil was checked it was empty. There had been no warning lights prior to this occurring and I have always provided maintenance to this vehicle. The car was towed by AAA to a local Kia dealership the next day. Their technician found "leaking severe due to oil pressure switch shooting oil through the main wiring harness and to the injector harness". The repair cost was estimated at $6,148.94. I was told that my warranty would not cover this expense even though I have only 70,875 miles. I have not received a notice from Kia indicating a recall or advising that I will receive extended warranty coverage. Research has shown that many Kia vehicles and others have had this same Oil pressure switch problem. This malfunction is extremely dangerous since I drive often on interstate highways and could have been involved in a major breakdown with possible accident. Kia needs to pay for this repair.

NHTSA ODI 11626978

Nov 20, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 MPH for two hours, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was vibrating and then failed to exceed 45 MPH. While starting the vehicle the following day, the check engine warning light was still illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that vehicle was driving on three spark plugs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626324

Nov 19, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to stop at a red light, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off at the light. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was informed by another motorist nearby that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact exited the vehicle, raised the hood, and became aware that the smoke was coming from the top of the engine. The contact stated that a motorist disconnected the battery to prevent a possible fire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626210

Oct 31, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a hole in a piston, and cylinder #3 had failed. The dealer determined the vehicle did not have the correct fault code or failed to cover the repair for a rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about a settlement claim the contact had filed and informed the contact there was no warranty coverage or coverage under the settlement claim on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ODI 11622959

Oct 1, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Engine has slowed itself for years, even while pressing gas pedal, the mph and engine would sound like it revved up then go dark on me while coming to an uncontrolled stop.

NHTSA ODI 11617409

Aug 8, 2024Engine

Engine seized on my way to work on July 26,2024. Oil consumption, riding rough.

NHTSA ODI 11607222

Jul 25, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking while shifting between gear. The contact also stated that the vehicle lunged forward while accelerating and was vibrating while decelerating. The contact stated that there was a loud clicking sound coming from the dashboard. The contact stated there was a burning odor coming from the vents. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that several miles away after picking up the vehicle from the local dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated and the failures recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,598.

NHTSA ODI 11604586

May 24, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power with the check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11590603

May 17, 2024Electrical systemEngine

Car shuts off while driving on interstate, causing loss of power steering and requiring navigation to shoulder before restarting. Car will restart. This is an intermittent issue. Had car repair work replacing the Crank Shaft Position Sensor at KIA Dealership and after picking up, it happened twice in the same week. Dealership is not able to reproduce the issue and unable to resolve. Car is not safe to drive. This has occurred at least 5 times.

NHTSA ODI 11589267

May 10, 2024Engine

Engine stalling and slowing when going over 35 mph. Noticed recalls for other Kia engines for the same thing why have the Turbo engines not been recalled?? Not safe when you are getting on an interstate and traffic is going 80 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11588024

Apr 25, 2024Engine

I have the KSDS and the engine light came on right when my engine began shaking and knocking and died in the middle of downtown Chicago traffic while driving. I had it towed to the dealership and they stated that I had no compressions in a cylinder which is part of the engine and I needed a replacement engine. My vehicle had regular maintenance at Kia they change my oil, add coolant and anything that is needed and they never told me that it was burning oil and had any other issues nor did they at any time say the compression was low or going bad. If they didn’t notice how was I to know, it’s not tires where I can go put air in them. The incident was very frightening and sudden and could have cost bodily injury. The settlement states the rod bearing issue, however the compression cylinders are on the short block and I had the KSDS and whether or not it’s the rod bearing Kia needs to own the engine issues period because they know the compression cylinders issues were going to happen. The settlement was not written very exclusive to rod bearing with Kia updated warranty coverage letter dated April 2, 2021. This has and is happening to thousands of Kia owners and we honestly don’t know who to contact because Kia is not helping nor do they care. I promise you if you put out a notice or survey about this issue you will be shocked to learn how many people are actually affected by this issue with no known resources/resolution .

NHTSA ODI 11585159

Apr 17, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle to the independent mechanic at undisclosed speeds, the knocking sound increased in volume and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a lower engine knock failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA ODI 11583671

Apr 5, 2024SteeringSuspensionEngine

I took my car to the Kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.

NHTSA ODI 11581422

Mar 1, 2024Engine

My engine failed. I had to continuously fill it up with oil due to it going through oil like crazy. I scheduled a maintenance on it and the day of the appointment, a rod threw in my engine due to oil deprivation. i also had just put a quart of oil in the day BEFORE the engine went out. Kia states the engine recall is only for certain 2017 Kia’s - i say otherwise. there have been more people complain on facebook in a whole group where the same exact thing happened to them. i kept up on my maintenance. i loved my car. now i’m left to figure out 9k to fix the engine! this is not right. i have never been late on my payments, i have only had 1 place to change my oil and that is the dealership i purchased the vehicle from. i have no vehicle! i am a single mother of 2. i can’t have no vehicle. i have seen so many settlements of engine failures and oil deprivation

NHTSA ODI 11574832

Feb 29, 2024Engine

After an oil change and driving the vehicle 375 miles the oil level is between full and low. This would be an excessive oil consumption issue.

NHTSA ODI 11574680

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Working with the data? Download all 394 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 20, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Kia Sportage Hybrid Hev verdict →