Is the 2017 Kia SORENTO reliable?

The 2017 Kia SORENTO has 1019 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Kia SORENTO?

Top problems: ENGINE (401 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (125 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (109 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Kia SORENTO?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE, TRAILER HITCHES, TRAILER HITCHES. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Kia SORENTO?

The 2017 Kia SORENTO gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2017 Kia SORENTO often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Kia SORENTO: high. HLDI insurance loss data suggests higher-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Kia SORENTO?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Kia SORENTO is approximately $1,900/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Kia SORENTO

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Kia SORENTO has 1019 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 613. The most common issue is engine problems (39% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia sorento. while driving 52 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. in addition, while the vehicle was parked, the engine indicator illuminated without warning. the contact stated that the rpms malfunctioned without warning. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure r. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 42 fire reports filed.

42 fire reports 6 crash reports 6 injuries

1019

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

401 complaints

39%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE R
• 15-DEC-2016: TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC IN MARIETTA, GA, THE VEHICLE HAD A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER THEREFORE PREVENTING THE OPERATOR OF SAID MOTOR VEHICLE TO HAVE COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, (MYSELF) THUS, ILLUSTRATING A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE RES
• AFTER 650 MILES: MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY: ENGINE RATTLED. ENGINE DIED. WE COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. WE STOPPED. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. LOOKING UNDERNEATH, WE SAW THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. INITIALLY THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE ENGINE. WE GOT AWAY FROM THE CAR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 20 fire reports💥 2 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE R”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Kia SORENTO

Based on 348 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 46K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

104

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 39 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 30 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 14K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 57K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS19/12/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

High theft risk

Kia Boys / TikTok theft vulnerabilityModel years 2010-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles without engine immobilizers were widely targeted starting in 2022 after a viral TikTok exploit. If you own this vehicle, verify it has an ignition immobilizer or install a security upgrade. Hyundai and Kia both offered free software updates and steering-wheel-lock programs for affected models.

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Kia SORENTO

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Kia SORENTO

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,900

Full coverage / month

$158

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+14%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1900

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia SORENTO Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2017 SORENTO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1019 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE R
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE FAR ENOUGH FOR SAFE STOPPING IN AN EMERGENCY. DEER RAN ON TO ROAD AND ALMOST HIT IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREET. A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT ON SORENTOS AND HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS OTHERS. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 MONTHS OLD.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON ANY ROAD (CITY OR HIGHWAY) IT WANTS TO DRIFT TO THE SIDE AND WHEN YOU GO TO CORRECT THE STEERING IT FEELS STICKY, FOR LACK OF BETTER WORDS, AND THERE IS A DELAY IN THE RESPONSE. SO I END UP OVER CORRECTING, AND I'M ALL OVER THE ROAD. THIS CAR IS SO UNSAFE AS IT IS RIGHT NOW.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)