30 complaints reported

2017 Kia Sportage UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
30
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2026

Catastrophic engine failure, no oil, over 3 qts low, oil light did not come on, 4 Cylinder had no compression. In summary: On [XXX] oil light came on, how? I just had oil change on 7/28/25. Stopped to check oil, it was dry. Bought 5Qts at WalMart, put 3 Qts in. Checked oil every day, started keeping 5Qt jug oil in car. 9/1/25 took in to have checked for oil leak/oil change, No leak detected. Continued checking oil consumption everyday, adding oil all the time... Purchased 5 Qts - 5 Times between August & November 2025. On 11/21/25 took to Auto Shop my MaxCare Extended Service Plan sent me to for a few minor checks, including to check again for oil leak. There was no leak found but they did need to replace valve cover gasket - Engine Valve Cover. Continued to check oil, added when low as needed. On [XXX] driving on highway, about 15 minutes at approx. 75-80 mph, started losing speed, had to really press on gas pedal to keep going, felt some vibration underneath engine maybe (?), engine light came on, I got off exit, went through intersection, car barely made it, pulled off on shoulder. Called for tow truck, it was cold, after waiting a while I turned car on to get some heat but the heat was not working. Auto Shop car was towed to had to add 3 qts of oil to do diag test. PO304cylinder 4 misfire, PO303cylinder 3 misfire... no compression on cylinder 4. No signs of visible oil leak(s). * Had car towed to Gerald Kia Dealer, Naperville, IL Their diagnostic test ONLY indicated that spark plugs need to be replaced and recommend that I get a 3 part carbon body cleaning, at my expense. I told the Service Tech I would be right up there to see manager. He told me to FIRST send him all my receipts for oil & oil changes, and he will see what he can do. didn't hear back. Went there in person 1/9/26. Manager told me that his tech "forgot" to do one test, i waited 1/2 hour, those results DID indicate engine needs to be replaced. But, Kia is not paying for it..... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2026
Nov 2025

*Component or System: Power window system / electrical system *What Happened? The manufacturer issued a recall for a defect in the power window system. When I brought my vehicle to the authorized service center, I was informed that the recall repair applies only to the front power windows, even though the same malfunction and defect are clearly present in the rear windows as well. The manufacturer’s refusal to include the rear windows leaves the defect only partially remedied, which could pose a continuing safety risk. This appears to be an incomplete or inadequate recall repair, as all four windows share the same design and failure pattern. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the manufacturer’s limited repair scope meets federal recall requirements. *When Did This Happen? October 2025 *Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes – the dealership confirmed the issue with all four windows but stated that only the front windows are covered under the recall. *Has the Vehicle Been Inspected by the Manufacturer or Dealer? Yes – inspected at Nalley Kia 7849 Mall Pkwy, Stonecrest, GA 30038 *Were There Any Injuries, Fires, or Crashes? NO *Additional Details / Attachments-I can provide copies of the recall notice, service invoice, and correspondence with the dealership confirming the limited repair coverage upon request.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2025
Jan 2025

The front passenger side locking latch is getting stuck when trying to unlock with the key fob. It has to be opened manually from the inside for the door to unlock.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2024

Kia has a problem with window motors and regulators why is this not a safety issue. The car made in 2015 and 2016 which is this 2017 model apparently has this issue they sent out memos to dealers yet are charging people to have them fixed. This is the second time I had the motor replaced in 2021 on this very window but it was under warranty then. This should be a safety issue and be addressed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2024
May 2024

Four window regulators failed within a few days of each other. The first front widows failed at the beginning of December 2023 and the back two failed a week later. The back windows dropped down while I was driving. Thankfully, no children were in the backseat. There was no warning that this was going to occur. The regulators are independent of each other yet all four broke. The windows lost all power and could not be rolled up. I was not able to roll up any of my windows until I paid to have them fixed at a Kia dealership in April. This was a safety issue (theft, unpredictable windows falling, heat inside the car, extreme cold temperatures couldn't be blocked out, etc.) until they were fixed at a costly price-$2,168. Two Kia service advisors confirmed the four window regulators and/ or drums needed replaced. The service advisor was aware of the problem on other vehicles and was not surprised at that all four independent regulators broke. The four regulators have been fixed therefore I do not have the failed/broken part. I have my service record however. I contacted Kia headquarters to request a recall be made on their defective product but they were not responsive. I was given a case # but nothing else.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Nov 2023

1/2/2023 – My car turned on with zero issues. When I went to pull out of my parking space, the car stalled and tuned off. Right before it turned off, the check engine light and oil light flickered. I waited 5 minutes and turned the car on. It turned on with none of the warning lights flickering or staying on. I pulled the car back into the parking space and the engine had a clicking noise. My husband popped the hood and checked the oil and it seemed low. We went in our other vehicle and purchased oil. We inserted 1QT of oil and turned the car on. It turned on with zero issues but the engine had a clicking noise. We called the Kia dealership but it was too late to take the vehicle to them so decided we would do it the next day. 1/3/2023 – We called Roadside and the car was flat bedded to the Kia dealership. We spoke with the Advisor NICK and he asked for us to give him to Friday 1/6/2023 to look at the car and he would call us back. So we waited to Friday to 1/6/23 to speak to Nick. 1/6/2023 – Nick called us and told us the car might possibly need a new engine. Did not tell us how they came to the determination or what was wrong with the car and engine. He just said that the dealership needed to talk to Kia Corporate and Kia engineers for the next course of action and that he would call us back on Wednesday 1/10/2023. So, we wait again patiently til 1/10/2023. 1/10/2023 - Nick calls us and we demand to know what is wrong with the vehicle and that we need a loaner. We can not be without the car. He tells us that they do not have a loaner and that they are a small dealership. He told us the techs ran a BCD test on the car and that it failed it twice. That they were waiting to speak to Kia Corp and the engineers again for the next course of action. He said the car had low oil. How could that be we asked – it was only 2K miles in from the last oil change. No answers provided.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Apr 2023

I purchased my car in September 2017 and in or around July 2022 my front passenger window would not open. In the next few months the back passenger windows and front driver-side window as well. After taking it to Benson Kia on 4/17/23 they told me that for 1 its a Good Will repair and only for the front windows on 4/22/23 I received a call saying that they declined the repair due to mileage on the car which is roughly around 94,000 miles. I will be lookin into getting an attorney for this issue since this is not normal wear and tear for this vehicle after 5 years and I have vehicles that are almost over 10 years older and are not having any issues of the sort. After research, I have found a class action lawsuit for the windows for 2016 and 2017 Optima and Sportage models on Carcomplaints.com

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Nov 2022

Window again have to have motor Replaced passenger side front dusted all four of them a year and a half ago

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Oct 2022

After purchase the car only a year. The rod was thrown and punched a hole i. The engine block and began to smoke. I jumped out and the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Car was towed home and to several locations to look at and fix the car. When all along there was a safety recall. When I attempted to file a complaint the Kia class action suit was denied. Now this is on my credit due to having no other choice then to voluntarily repo the car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2021
Oct 2022

My vehicle was stolen in the middle of the day while locked through the rear window. There is now $8,000 worth of damage to it including the windows, ignition, body. I have since learned that there is a flaw in the way that Kia designed the vehicle that makes is extremely easy to steal.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jul 2022

On 7/22/2020 I brought my Sportage to Fuccillo Associats of Florida Inc. 202 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte Fl. 33953. At that time they took it upon themselves to change a window regulator drum gear on the driver's side. This was covered under warranty, even though the warranty was expired already. Part number 82473-D3000FFF. Then on 11/16/2021 the second regulator drum gear failed in the rear passenger behind drivers seat. The window fell and could not be closed. This was repaired at my expense at $458.00 at 75,000 miles. Now as of July 1st the third window regulator drum gear failed on the passenger rear side. Now the window is inoperable and falls down. I alerted Kia to this issue and they attempted to change me a diagnostic fee and a $450 replacement fee in a part they know is defective and has been a problem for them all across the country. Look on your own site and you will see many many complaints of windows that just fell and the window regulator will not bring the window back up. This window drum gear is defective and should nave been part of a national recall on all 4 windows as they were probably manufactured out of material that would not stand up to normal wear and tear.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2020
Nov 2021

The car is manufactured in such a way that it is easy to steal without a key. When a car is stolen, typically it is driven recklessly putting many others at risk. Also any child or animal in the car could be taken as well as needed possessions of the owner. The problem has been recognized by the manufacturer and several police departments. The problem became well known to the manufacturer, however, the manufacturer neglected to ever notify individuals who purchased their vehicles. This can be verified by any large police department. Some of these would include: Milwaukee, Denver and multiple others. There is no warning that this is a problem in the vehicle you own. The manufacturer or dealer would have to notify such as they do in a recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2021
Oct 2021

Around December 2020 our driver side window stopped working. We had the dealership replace the inner door panel accuator. As soon as we went over 60,000 and lost our warranty all of the other 3 windows stopped working. The plastic gears crumbbled. We bought 3 panels to fix the windows in January they have worked until the beginning of October. Same problem!!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Oct 2021

In Oct 2020, we took the vehicle in as it had low oil. A prior inspection and oil change had been performed in June 2020, and it was assumed that the inspection mechanic did not change the oil. The dealership (Fred Beans Kia of Langhorne) changed the oil in October, and in December 2020 the vehicle was again low on oil well before the 3000 mile mark. The dealership informed us that it was likely due to an error on their part, and the technician was no longer employed there. Once again in April 2021 the vehicle was low on oil, and was taken to the dealership. In June 2021 the vehicle was once again low on oil, and taken to the dealership where they confirmed oil consumption was out of spec. Cleaning was performed in July and the vehicle was again low on oil in Sept 2021. Dealer is claiming the oil consumption is now "normal." The vehicle is both burning and leaking oil, causing a concern for both safety (engine seizure) and durability.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Mar 2021 Crash

AS I WAS DRIVING THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND WHEN NOT ACCELERATE SO WHEN I PUSHED DOWN HARD ON THE GAS IT FINALLY KICKED IN SUPER HARD CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2021
Jan 2021

SINCE THE USED CAR LOT DID NOT SUPPLY IS WITH A KEY FOB, WE HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. WHEN PUTTING KEY IN DRIVER'S DOOR AND TURNING KEY TWICE IN A ROW (QUICKLY)TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS, WE HAVE TO PULL HANDLE ANYWHERE FROM 2-3 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND NOT RUNNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Sep 2020

WHILE MAKING A STOP SIGN MY KIA SPORTAGE STARTED ACCELERATING INVOLUNTARILY LIKE IF I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL ALL THE WAY! I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF JUST TURNING MY VEHICLE OFF BUT AFTER I SWITCH THE GEAR TO NEUTRAL. THIS INCIDENT WAS VERY SCARY TO THE POINT THAT I DO NOT FEEL SECURE TO DRIVE IT. VERY SCARY EXPERIENCE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2020
Aug 2020

THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE WHILE WINDOW WAS DOWN THEN A WEEK LATER THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Mar 2020

MY CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD AND I AM NOT ABLE OPEN BOTH FRONT DOORS FROM OUTSIDE. IT IS MECHANICAL ISSUE WITH KIA QUALITY PRODUCT. SPECIALLY MY PASSENGER DOOR WAS NOT OPEN THAT OFTEN. THE ISSUE IS THAT AFTER LOCKING THE CAR AND THEN I TRY UNLOCK, THE DOOR IS UNLOCK BUT OUTSIDE HANDLE DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. INSIDE HANDLE WORKS WITH NO PROBLEM. SINCE MY WARRANTY ENDED AT 60K, SO IT IS NOT COVER BUT I AM SURE MORE CARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES AND SHOULD BE RECALL CREATED FOR THIS ISSUE,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2019
Sep 2019

EXPERIENCING REDUCED PERFORMANCE AND INTERMITTENT MALFUNCTIONING OF THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WHILE THE ENGINE IS IN IDLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2019
Jul 2019

THE SUNROOF / MOONROOF EXPLODED FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2019
Jun 2019 Fire

CAR BLEW UP IN DRIVEWAY AFTER NOT EVEN BEING DROVE FOR TWO DAYS ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2019
Mar 2019

FRONT GLASS OR THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2018
Aug 2018

MY SPORTAGE ACCELERATES RANDOMLY AND OFTEN WHILE DRIVING OR STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT I'VE TAKEN IT TO KIA AND THE CONTACTED THE KIA NORTH AMERICA A CASE WAS FILED THEY WON'T SEEM TO CARE IF ITS FIXED BC THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2018
Aug 2018

I NOTICE ENGINE LITE ON DASH LIT UP. I ONLY HAVE 6641 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I AM PLANNING TO TAKE MY KIA TO MY DEALER TO HAVE THIS ITEM CHECKED OUT ON 9 AUG 18. I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT THE TIME. I WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AT THE TIME ON CITU STREET.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA SPORTAGE, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2018

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Kia Sportage has 30 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.