The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Sorento · 2017

2017 Kia Sorento. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index168100 = average car
Complaints184NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold99,684U.S. model year
Per 100K sold185complaints
Year rank#13 of 18#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 6

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)FWD20 / 27 / 23Regular$2,700
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto (S6)AWD19 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD21 / 28 / 24Regular$2,600
2.4L 4-cylAuto (S6)AWD21 / 25 / 22Regular$2,850
3.3L 6-cylAuto (S6)FWD18 / 25 / 20Regular$3,100
3.3L 6-cylAuto (S6)AWD17 / 23 / 19Regular$3,300

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 22,000 and 78,800 miles. Median 46,500, from 272 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine63,50035,200–91,800108
Lights37,10030,000–65,30038
Steering30,00015,700–44,00039
Electrical59,00035,000–73,00033
Fuel or ev drive system47,00017,000–63,0005

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine33%
Lights20%
Steering17%
Electrical11%
Speed control8%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
806133213045

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 22V703000 Sep 2022 Trailer Hitches

    Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

    Risk. A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

  • 18V907000 Dec 2018 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 17V586000 Sep 2017 Engine And Engine Cooling / Engine

    Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.

    Risk. If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.

    Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC153.

  • 16V862000 Nov 2016 Trailer Hitches

    Defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    Risk. If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedLoss of motive power20232024
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023
ClosedEngine oil pressure switch leak20212023

Manufacturer communications 242

Kia filed 242 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information about the…
  • TSB - E-CVVT COVER AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT - REVISED - This bulletin provides information…
  • E-cvvt cover inspection and motor plug replacement (sa305) - revised - this bulletin

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Sorento SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Kia Sorento SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalOptional

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2016–2020 Kia Sorento, 17.3M views.

TopicVideosViews
Brakes & ABS5410K
Infotainment, battery & electrical2255K
Oil changes & service2208K
Gauges, lights & wiring3181K
Transmission & shifter1130K
Windows, doors & mirrors280K
Spark plugs & ignition coils140K
Heat, A/C & blend door138K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2014108124102,520Electrical
201596108116,249Engine
2016173199114,733Engine
201716818499,684Engine
20185661107,846Engine
201911311495,951Transmission & drivetrain
2020695074,677Transmission & drivetrain

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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