2017 KIA SORENTO Complaints

In early July, my vehicle's check engine light turned on. I took it to a reputable local mechanic in Sachse, Texas, who had the vehicle for approximately two weeks. He was unable to determine the cause of the issue but informed me that there was an existing recall and that the dealership should be able to address the problem at no cost to me. I then took the vehicle to the Kia dealership. The dealership informed me that there was an extended warranty for the engine and that if their diagnosis determined that the issue was covered under the warranty extension, they would repair it. This is what they texted me: Tech performed Compression test 1 .205psi, 2. 220psi, 3. 260psi, 4. 255psi all cylinders have excessive reading for dry compression test. Tech performed leak down test on all cylinders 1. 21% leak down coming from exhaust side, 2.61% leak down coming from exhaust side, 3. 10% normal, 4. 10% normal. Air leakage from exhaust system defective exhaust valves. Tech performed Cooling system pressure test for 20 minutes with no pressure loss. Ruling out head gasket. Tech evaluated Intake/Exhaust CVVT current and setpoints. Tech determined timing is jumping from back pressure of Clogged Catalyst Converter. Recommending replacing engine due to mileage and exhaust manifold. The dealership's recommended solution was to replace the entire engine. Currently, there is a recall concerning 2017 Kia Sorentos involving engine crankshaft issues. See NHTSA Recall No. 17V586000. I contacted the manufacturer, and they stated that they do not believe my vehicle is covered by the recall. However, I believe the issues identified with my vehicle may be related to the same underlying engine problems addressed by the recall, and I am concerned that the manufacturer is denying coverage rather than properly addressing the issue under the applicable recall or warranty. My engine is experiencing issues that appear similar to those described in the current NHTSA.

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.

Vehicle steers with more resistance to the left but very loose and easy to the right. Dealership diagnosed that a new steering column is required. Kia also issued a new vehicle limited warranty extension on the motor driven power steering. I believe the warranty extension should apply; however, dealer says it does not apply. The warning light required for the extended warrant is not on in my vehicle but there is a clearly diagnosed issue with the electronic steering as indicated in the repair quote.

I am writing to file a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding the mishandling of a warranty repair dispute for my 2017 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]). This complaint documents a pattern of misinformation, unreturned communications, and unprofessional conduct by Kia representatives that has left my vehicle sitting at the dealership for over two weeks without resolution or accommodation. My vehicle was brought to Kia of Nutley for a confirmed MDPS (power steering) motor failure. The dealership quoted approximately $3,400–$3,500 out of pocket to repair it, as the vehicle is outside its standard warranty. I opened Kia Consumer Affairs Case #[XXX] on August 10, 2026 & have since attempted repeatedly to reach a resolution or goodwill consideration, given the age and history of the vehicle. The car has been at the dealership since August 6, 2026 without a loaner or rental accommodation. On August 10, 2026, I spoke with representative Liz, who told me she would send my case number to a supervisor to determine next steps. I have since learned that Liz apparently logged my vehicle's issue as a head gasket problem, rather than the actual power steering failure that is documented & confirmed by the dealership. I also spoke with representatives Kiyah (Total Kia Specialist) & Ivory (Customer Service, California), neither of whom was able to provide consistent or accurate information about my case status. I emailed Michele Cameron, Kia's Executive Director of Consumer Affairs &Warranty Operations, on August 10, 2026. As of this letter, I have received no responseAfter repeated hang-ups & my request for escalation, I received a callback today, August 19, 2026, from a Kia supervisor named Stephanie. Stephanie confirmed that there are two open recalls on my vehicle: Recall SC330, for the multi-function switch, & Recall SC340 (THETA), for a software upgrade. Stephanie stated that someone from the escalation team will reach back out to me within 1–2 Business days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC

My kids and I were driving when my engine started making a loud noise. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then I turned it back on. It worked for another mile or so then started making the noise again and died while I was driving at about 55-60 miles an hr. I was able to pull over, put it in park and turned the key off....it wouldn't turn back on and the check engine light came on. When I had someone check it out for me it was about 4 quarts low on oil (it never gave me a warning about the oil and the oil light never came on) and the check engine code was P0024. Oil was added and the camshaft position sensor has been replaced. It starts now but it won't stay on and when it is on it makes a loud screeching sound that isn't coming from the serpentine belt and a loud knocking sound.

I am writing to escalate an unresolved issue regarding a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign performed on my vehicle at Bulldog Kia on July 14, 2026. Shortly after leaving the dealership, my Check Engine Light illuminated. An independent mechanic scanned the vehicle and confirmed that the active fault code directly relates to the components/logic altered during the corporate emissions campaign. I have called the dealership multiple times over the last few weeks and left voicemails for two different service representatives, but my calls are being ignored. I also contacted Kia corporate customer service who responded saying that they could not do anything and that I needed to continue contacting the local dealership (Bulldog Kia). From what I understand this could be a safety issue because it prevents me from being alerted to other safety issues that would trigger the check engine light, and there are also ways in which this could potentially cause the vehicle to slow way down or stop running while driving. As noted above the dealer has been unresponsive to my repeated contact attempts and the check engine light remains illuminated.

My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly while driving. They are burning out weekly and having to be replaced. 1 of my tail lights is doing the same exact thing. I replace it. It works for a couple weeks and then goes out. When the headlights shut off my dash shows that i am trying to turn my headlights from auto to another setting, which is not the case. It has happened at night multiple times and that poses a danger because i cant see the road and people cant see my car. I have not had it looked at yet. I do see multiple complaints online for multiple different kia models and years. There is no recall and i do not see a TSB. Just curious with so many issues seen online why anything has not be accomplished or a recall available.

Fuel injectors become unseated randomly causing gas to be sprayed inside engine compartment. Issue can be seen upon request. This issue could cause a fire/explosion as fuel sprays out. The issue was repaired once by an Independent shop, then the issue reoccurred and has now reoccurred again. The issue fails randomly and fully with the symptom being the vehicle not wanting to start.

2017 Kia Sorento 2.4L GDI engine seized due to connecting rod bearing failure confirmed by P1326 diagnostic code multiple times. Vehicle entered limp mode limiting RPMs to 1800-2000 exactly as described in PI1802 campaign. Engine subsequently fully seized. Battery tested 98% healthy ruling out electrical cause. Vehicle towed to [XXX] Kia Avon Indiana. Kia Techline and Consumer Affairs denied PI1802 lifetime warranty claim citing used vehicle reconditioning despite PI1802 explicitly stating coverage applies to both new AND used vehicle owners per official Kia corporate document dated XXX. Consumer Affairs appeal case XXX opened but Kia states no further appeals possible. Kia is wrongfully denying lifetime warranty coverage guaranteed under PI1802 Product Improvement Campaign. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while seated inside the vehicle with three other occupants and the engine turned off, there was black smoke quickly coming from underneath the hood. The contact and the passengers exited the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started in the engine bay on the passenger’s side of the vehicle and another vehicle was damaged in the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact stated that a Police report was filed. The contact believed that the vehicle was destroyed, but the insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle a total loss. There were no injuries sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.