2017 Kia Sorento
Common Problems
Ranked from 338 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
25 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Sunroof Malfunction
179complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof malfunctions, sometimes exploding or failing to close properly.
- 2
Headlights randomly turning off while driving
55complaintsSafety riskElectricalHeadlights turn off intermittently while driving, posing a significant safety hazard.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Engine oil consumption issues
48complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes excessive amounts of oil between scheduled changes, leading to low oil levels.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 4
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
45complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 5
Random Headlight Malfunction
14complaintsMedium severityElectricalHeadlights randomly turn off or on during driving, affecting visibility and safety.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Excessive Oil Consumption
13complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 7
Engine Overheating and Loss of Power
11complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine overheats and loses power, often resulting in the vehicle stalling or failing to restart.
$150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 8
High Oil Consumption
8complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, often requiring frequent refills.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V907000
- 9
Steering Issues
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system fails intermittently, requiring significant force to turn the steering wheel.
- 10
Oil Burning
7complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine burns an excessive amount of oil, leading to frequent oil changes or engine failure.
Related recall: 17V586000
- 11
Check Engine Light and Unexplained Oil Consumption
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe check engine light illuminates without warning, and the engine consumes oil at an unusual rate.
$400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 12
Steering Wheel Sticking at Highway Speeds
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel becomes difficult to control at highway speeds, requiring extra effort to maintain straight-line driving.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Fuel Leak from Gas Tank Area
4complaintsHigh severityFuel systemThere is a fuel leak from the gas tank area, leading to a strong gasoline odor and potential fire hazard.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V907000
- 14
Headlight Setting Changes
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe headlight setting changes from 'Auto' to 'Off' without operator input, causing temporary blindness while driving.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Headlights Randomly Turning Off
4complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights randomly turn off while driving, posing a safety risk, especially at night.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 16
Engine Knocking and Rattling
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine produces knocking and rattling sounds, indicating potential internal engine failure or wear.
Related recall: 17V586000
- 17
Engine Seizure Without Warning Lights
3complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine seizes without any warning lights, leading to a complete loss of power and potentially leaving the vehicle stranded.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 18
Engine Stalling During Operation
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine frequently stalls during operation, especially at higher speeds or under load, requiring immediate attention.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 19
Engine Warning Light Illumination Without External Issues
3complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine warning light illuminates without any visible external issues, indicating potential internal engine problems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 20
Steering Wheel Sticking or Notching
3complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering wheel becomes stuck or notches during driving, requiring increased force to steer and potentially causing overcorrection.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Engine Failure Due to Internal Damage
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine fails due to internal damage, such as broken connecting rods or seized cylinders.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 22
Engine Fire Due to Internal Issues
2complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine catches fire due to internal issues, posing a significant safety risk.
Related recall: 17V586000
- 23
Engine Limp Home Mode Due to Faulty Actuator
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine enters a limp home mode due to a faulty electronic variable valve timing actuator.
Related recall: 17V586000
- 24
Engine Loss of Power Due to Unexplained Issues
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine loses power unexpectedly, often without warning lights or other indications.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
- 25
Unexplained deceleration and loss of power
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe vehicle experiences sudden deceleration and loss of power, often accompanied by warning lights.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 17V586000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.