2017 Kia Sportage electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V862000Nov 30, 201610,212 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · TRAILER HITCHES

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed May 7, 2026NCElectrical System

   The car has had issues starting even with a brand new battery and will randomly not start. The driver side window does not go down, and the driver side door gets stuck and will not open from the outside. It’s been an ongoing issue for three years. The car will replace the batteries is dead, even though the battery we tested and fine and we randomly say a brake light is out even though the brake light will be fully operational.

   NHTSA complaint #11736308 · source
2. Filed Feb 1, 2026MEElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   "I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure (rod knock/bearing failure) in my 2017 Kia Sportage, consistent with the Theta II GDI defect. The failure caused a sudden loss of motive power while in traffic, creating a significant safety risk. Furthermore, I am reporting Bill Dodge Kia (Westbrook, ME) for safety negligence. On September 26, 2023 (at 83,611 miles), this vehicle was in their service bay for brake work. Despite the vehicle being under an active HECU Fire Risk…

   NHTSA complaint #11714822 · source
3. Filed Jan 7, 2026115,000 miPAFire1 injuredTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH on the highway, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated that there was a significant amount of smoke inside the vehicle. It was unknown whether a warning light illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that there were police officers 20 ft. away from the vehicle. The police officers advised the contact to get away from the vehicle. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11709334 · source
4. Filed Nov 22, 2025AZElectrical SystemWheels & Tires

   Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.

   NHTSA complaint #11700981 · source
5. Filed Nov 9, 2025TXFireElectrical SystemEngine

   I was sold a Kia sportage 2017 in February. I was told this vehicle has no after market parts. After my vehicle catching fire and seizing on me June 26th of this year so 4 months after buying the vehicle. It was discovered that an after market starter is indeed in this vehicle with loose wiring. I could have lost my life on my way home. The dealership has been nothing but a pain since this experience I have encountered. My insurance was involved but was told I need to bring…

   NHTSA complaint #11698411 · source
6. Filed Nov 7, 202560,000 miMAElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the seat belt chime reminder, the blind spot warning system, and the turn signal sound were inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay the fee. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11698089 · source
7. Filed Oct 27, 2025NCElectrical SystemEngine

   2017 Kia Sportage while driving on the highway, the vehical starting losing power and shaking, it lost power and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the same diagnostic test information was provided. The Kia dealer said that the engine needed to be replaced, but…

   NHTSA complaint #11695894 · source
8. Filed Aug 20, 2025NJBrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I recently paid out of pocket for replacement of Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit and I see that it was a recall on my make model and year, but my Vin number was not included in the recall

   NHTSA complaint #11681759 · source
9. Filed Feb 2, 2025AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Component/System Failure: Multiple issues have occurred with the vehicle, starting with the windows not functioning shortly after purchase. The most severe issue occurred when the engine failed completely, causing it to shut down in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. This left the car non-functional and posed significant safety risks. In addition, the fuel system consistently becomes contaminated, despite following proper fuel maintenance practices like…

   NHTSA complaint #11640197 · source
10. Filed Oct 1, 2024TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    Engine has slowed itself for years, even while pressing gas pedal, the mph and engine would sound like it revved up then go dark on me while coming to an uncontrolled stop.

    NHTSA complaint #11617409 · source
11. Filed Sep 26, 2024MDElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    All the windows in the car do not go up and down, I can hear the motor moving but no movement with the windows. Started with the rear passenger window, then front passenger, followed by rear driver and ultimately driver window.

    NHTSA complaint #11616630 · source
12. Filed Aug 14, 202481,000 miFLBrakesElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, when the vehicle was taken for an oil change, the mechanic saw that there was no oil in the engine. The contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11608564 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology