What 394 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sportage

After fueling, vehicle idled fine with no warning lights. Once pulling onto the highway and making highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, and was stranded in the highway. We required the assistance of law enforcement to direct traffic. It was 10pm and the temperatures were 35 degree below zero with the windchill. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed loss of compression in the pistons. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which has a long history of engine failures, oil consumption complaints, stalling, and class-action litigation involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. Kia denied coverage by claiming only rod-bearing failures qualify for warranty extension, even though excessive oil consumption and compression loss appear closely related to the same broader engine defect pattern. Other owners have also reported 2017 Sportage excessive oil consumption leading to compression loss and engine failure. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the engine can fail suddenly while driving at highway speed, drivers may have little warning before loss of power, oil consumption may not trigger adequate warning before catastrophic failure. This creates crash risk, roadside hazard exposure, and potential fire risk.

NHTSA ODI 11748466

My vehicle engine caught fire after getting gas. It started smoking then went up in flames.

NHTSA ODI 11737888

My safety is put at risk. My car has stalled two different times on the highway. I was able to get it off the road after restarting the vehicle and coasting out. The engine was worked out by Kia of Mission Viejo. They stated it was not due to Rod bearing, although I was told on a separate occasion that there was metal in my oil in the same scenario then when they submitted the video to Kia, they said they only saw the burnt valve my check engine light has went on a total of three times I’ve had the same exact work done three additional times as well as the knock sensor having to be replaced because it went off and burned out due to what happened on the highway. My car is part of the theta engine issue with Kia

NHTSA ODI 11736363

Car has 84000 miles on it for last 15-20 thousand miles there is a smell of gas in the oil. I took to dealership they charged me to replace a catalytic converter. Not even a year later the cars engine blew up. Now needs a whole new motor there is loud knocking and car will not accelerate.

NHTSA ODI 11728780

The Catalytic Converter in the Kia. We were driving to Texas to take my kids out for mini vacation and it’s cut off right in the middle of the highway. My car was running just fine everything was fix properly. Can you check in the Catalytic Converter and see if it safely issue.

NHTSA ODI 11720579

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle drove 2 MPH for approximately 2 minutes and was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine and the brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,983.

NHTSA ODI 11689097

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

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

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, after 15 minutes of driving, a quarter tank of fuel had been consumed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

NHTSA ODI 11599276

first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil was. No leaks then, no leaks now, oil maintenance performed, we have meticulous records and have been to the #1 Cochran Robinson Township Kia dealership where they have perform Kias required Oil Consumption Test that we've paid for. 1st set of test failed each time, dealership performed deep clean, and since there was only 3/4 quart loss, Kia had no further responsibilities. too busy with our small business over the holidays, started Oil Consumption test, again [XXX]. Every single time we hit 1,000 miles (monthly) we are down over 1+ quarts of oil, with no leaks anywhere. Added 40 ounces of oil (I have photos) a few days before we decided to get the Oil Consumption test again. PLS NOTE: There are quite a few MODELS and ENGINES listed in recalls or perhaps lawsuits for excessive oil consumption, our SX model 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4 cyl) specifically is not. Over the past 7 months, we have lost over 8 quarts of oil, and have had 2 maintenance oil changes in between, part of normal maintenance. Looking online there are thousands of posts regarding Kia Excessive Oil Consumption, Kia states losing 1 quart every 1,000 miles is acceptable? How can this not cause a hazard to us drivers, engine could blow due to oil going somewhere or into the environment, etc? IF you require all of the service records for the oil changes, etc. I have them all. Thank You Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact stated the vehicle is continuing to show Excessive Oil Consumption while required to go through this KIA test again, (first in 2023, now this 2nd set of the same tests). Further stating that numerous owners having to pay for partial engine repairs and the contact mileage is close to the 100,000 mile warranty for repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11572722

Driving as usual and all of a sudden no acceleration. No warning lights at all. Started smoking. Towed to Flynn’s. They said there is a known oil consumption issue and the motor locked up. Communicated with KIA and they say to have it looked at - at a cost. Said it’s not under warranty. But is a likely know issue!

NHTSA ODI 11556009

My check engine light came on several monthsago. I replaced the gas cap three times! This did not seem to remedy the problem. The check engine light would come on shortly thereafter. I've been parking my car away from buildings and home and I have noticed that the grassy area where I park has died on the left hand side (the driver side) where I park. There must be a leak. I can hear gurgling from the gas tank! There is a a ping sound shortly after I shut off the vehicle. I'm very worried that my car is going to catch fire! You can hear gurgling (soon after engine is running) I have had the oil changed and asked if they could look at the undercarriage to see if there was anything unusual going on they did not see anything. Also, the throat of the fuel tank keeps getting rusty. The outter entrance always gets grimy. I guess water and or rain must be leaking down into the entrance. I have never owned a car where I had to continuously maintain the gas fuel tank entrance area! In summary, there are three problems. An emissions problem related to the fuel tank gurgglng and leaking fuel. Second, the throat of the fuel tank keeps rusting. Three, the entrance of the fuel tank. it's always dirty, and grimy as if something has leaked inside! it needs constant attention. I will be taking my car in to do recall replacement repairs soon. I will ask them to check the fuel emissions problem as well at Crain Kia in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

NHTSA ODI 11541358

WE WERE DRIVING STEADY AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND THE RPM GAUGE RUBBED AT RANDOM JUST ONCE EVERY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE WE DON'T CHANGE YOUR SPEED OR ANYTHING IT JUST RUBS UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM AND GO BACK TO NORMAL AND DOES IT SPORADICALLY

NHTSA ODI 11408269

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SMELL OF GAS WHEN YOU LIFT HOOD

NHTSA ODI 11402607

THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN 10 DAYS. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE IN PARKING MODE WITH VEHICLE ON - SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, CANNOT ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING IS LOST, AND 3 PANEL LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY: BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE. BOTH TIMES BY TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING, POWER IS RESTORED AND PANEL LIGHTS TURN OFF. HAVE TAKEN BOTH TIMES TO KIA SERVICE SOUTHSIDE/JACKSONVILLE FL AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE, THEREFORE UNABLE TO FIX A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION IF THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. EXTREMELY CONCERNED!

NHTSA ODI 11353206

I WAS ON THE STREET DRIVING PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. WHEN I TRIED TO GIVE GAS CAR MADE IDLE SOUND BUT DID NOT MOVE. I WAS IN MIDDLE OF STREET. NOT FIRST TIME HAPPENING..ADVISED NALLY KIA DEALERSHIP. DID NOT HELP ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11328680

MY BRAND NEW 2017 KIA SPORAGE EX VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY STREET AND ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING. I WAS TERRIFIED. THE POLICE CAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.

NHTSA ODI 11182172

FUEL LINE SEEMS TO BE CLOGGED? WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS SOMETIMES THE CAR DOESN'T GO BUT THE RMP'S REV UP. SEEMS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OR JUST NO GO. THIS HAPPENS EVEN WHILE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THEN GIVING THE CAR GAS TO SPEED UP; NOT JUST AT STOP AND GO;

NHTSA ODI 11143609

DEALING WITH OIL LOSS SINCE LAST YEAR, SINGLE OWNER NEW VEHICLE. FIRST TIME NO OIL TOWED TO FAYETTEVILLE NC KIA WHERE THEY SAID NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I HAD THE OIL CHANGED SOMEWHERE ELSE. I PAID FOR TOW AND REPAIR WHICH BASICALLY INVOLVED ADDING OIL JUMPING BATTERY IN MORNING. THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT A PART RECALL ON THE OIL PAN PER THE KIA FEMALE REPAIR REP AT PINEHURST KIA IN SOUTHERN PINES NC WHERE I HAD IT TOWED TO WHEN BATTERY DIED A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER. AGAIN THEY FOUND NO OIL BUT OIL SPLATTERED UNDERNEATH IN ENGINE AND SPOKE WITH KIA NATIONAL CONSUMER IN CA AT THAT TIME. THEY CONFIRMED THE ISSUE, AND CHANGED OIL AND CALLED FOR PART. RETURNED 2 WEEKS LATER JUST TO HAVE OIL CHECKED AND AGAIN NO OIL. XALLED KIA NATIONAL AGAIN. WAS TOLD TO SELF MANAGE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM FAYETTEVILLE NC KIA MANAGER BY DEALING WITH HIM MYSELF. 2 MONTHS OF FAILED CONTACT ATTEMPTS ENSUED. LAST WEEK ON WAY BACK FROM UNC CHILDREN'S ONCOLOGY WITH SON, BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP AGAIN. CLOSE TO ACCIDENT. TOEED TO RONALD MACDONALD HOUSE 0.7 MI AWAY, AGAIN NO OIL. PUT OIL IN. ALSO SMOKE AND SMELL OF BURNING ELECTRICAL SOMETHING FRKM ENGINE FOR SOME TIME. NEXT MORNING PAID TO TOW TO UNIVERSITY KIA CHAPEL HILL. FOUND OUT MY CASE # HAD BEEN ERRONEOUSLY CLOSED. NOW DEALING WITH CASE MANAGER TAMMY WHO I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT. CASE NUMBER NOW IS 12908741. A NEW CAR OBVIOUSLY ACTS THIS WAY WHEN THERE IS A BIG ISSUE AND NOBODY AT KIA WOULD HELP ME. NOW I SIT AT MY SONS BEDSIDE WITH A DEAD 2017 KIA SPORTAGE AT UNIVERSITY KIA WHERE BRANDON IS TRYING TO PUT TOGETHER ALL PAST RECEIPTS. MY SON WAS DX'D LAST MONTH AND NO I DO NOT KNOW WHERE EACH RECEIPT IS, I HAVE BEEN AT THE HOSPITAL MORE THAN AT HOME. I HAVE HAD TO APPLY FOR FMLA FROM MY JOB AS WELL. I EXPECT AN HAVE READ OF MANY ISSUES WITH KIA AND THIS OIL ISSUE AS WELL AS PAST RECALLS. RENTED CAR 10 23 18

NHTSA ODI 11142869

THE CAR WAS RUNNING THEN LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL ON A STREET. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THEN SHUT OFF. IT WOULD RESTART, IDLE FOR 10 SECONDS AND DIE.I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT ONLY HAD 20000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI 11089965

ON NOVEMBER 16, 2017 I PICKED UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL, SHE ASKED ME TO TURN ON THE HEATER THAT SHE WAS COLD, WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER, WITHIN A MINUTE THE WHOLE CAP OF MY KIA SPORTAGE WAS ENGULFED IN A TERRIBLE GAS ODOR, WHICH BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I BECAME DIZZY AND NAUSEA. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED ALL THE WINDOWS AND DROVE A SHORT WAY TO MY PARENTS HOUSE. I DROVE MY SPORTAGE STAIGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WITH MY MOM AND DAUGHTER FOLLOWING ME IN HER CAR. I DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY SAVAGE KIA CALLED ME AND STATED I SHOULD PICK UP A LOANER THAT THEY WOULD HAVE MY CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY A WEEK. WHEN MY DAD AND I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PICK UP THE LOANER, WE ASKED WHAT WAS THE ISSUE WITH MY SPORTAGE, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY CONTACTED KIA ASSISTANCE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, THAT GAS WAS SPURTING OUT FROM THE INJECTORS AND INTO MY ENGINE,THAT THE SUV HAD A DEFECTIVE ( FAULTY FUEL INJECTOR AND HOUSING IN IT) MY FATHER THEN STATED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THAT COULD OF KILLED MY SON AND GRANDDAUGHTER IF THE GAS WOULD OF SPARKED IN THE ENGINE AND ALSO STATED LUCKILY MY SON IS NOT A SMOKER OR THEY WOULD BOTH BE DEAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER DID NOT DENY THE ISSUE WAS A SERIOUS ISSYE. WHEN I CONTACTED KIA CORP TO FILE A COMPLAINT THEY WERE LIKE ROBOTS, LIKE THERE ONLY RESPONSABILITY IS TO FIX THE CAR, NOTHING HAPPENED SO IT'S ALL GOOD. I STATED TO THEM THAT I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE. THEY STATED THIS IS NOT A OPTION. THE ONLY THING THEY COMPENSTATED ME WITH WAS ONE LEASE PAYMENT. COULD YOU PLEASE INFORM ME WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE. I JUST DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT KIA DID NOT HAVE ANY COMPASSION TOWARDS THERE VEHICLE POTENTIALLY CAUSES GREAT HARM OR DEATH TO MY SEVEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11057245

ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS - 2X IN ONE WEEK. TOWED BOTH TIMES. DEALER UNABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM, SAID TO JUST DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. GAS SMELL WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ODI 11056310

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING INTO AN ARMY BASE AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. A WITNESS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE HOOD AND WRAPPED AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AS IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS DISTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RENTAL COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,044. UPDATED 02/03/17*LJ UPDATED 09/07/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI 10943749

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ANIMAL CHEWED THE PLASTIC FUEL LINE AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900.

NHTSA ODI 10910527