2017 Kia Sportage transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026TXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   While traveling at highway speeds on the freeway, the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure, causing the vehicle to lose power and violently force itself into an emergency low-speed "limp mode." This created an immediate, severe collision hazard with surrounding high-speed traffic. The vehicle is a 2017 Kia Sportage with a 2.4L Theta II engine, which had previously received the mandated KSDS safety software flash. The authorized dealership (Southwest Kia) refused…

   NHTSA complaint #11767043 · source
2. Filed May 18, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recalls & product improvements before certification.

   NHTSA complaint #11738633 · source
3. Filed Feb 24, 2026INEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle has had recurring drivability problems since at least June 2024, including repeated check engine light illumination and severe loss of acceleration. On 06/19/2024, dealership service records document that the check engine light was on and the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 mph, and the check engine light was flashing. More recently, while driving on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and dropped speed, forcing me to pull over…

   NHTSA complaint #11720092 · source
4. Filed Dec 9, 2025MAOther / UnknownTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.

   NHTSA complaint #11704111 · source
5. Filed Nov 23, 2025AZTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission stops drive ability at various times when pulling out into traffic it stops accelerating and the engine just revs high rpm’s until it slams itself back into a power gear. I have stalled several times recently pulling into traffic and was nearly involved in a wreck because a momentary lack of acceleration. This problem also hapoens when driving a steady speed it all of a sudden stops accelerating a d just revs the engine very high until it catches itself and…

   NHTSA complaint #11701078 · source
6. Filed Jul 30, 202597,000 miORTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure occurred while traveling across two States. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's brother while waiting for a scheduled appointment with the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it…

   NHTSA complaint #11677343 · source
7. Filed Feb 23, 2025WIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2017 Kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by Kia Russ Darrow at Odana Rd Madison, WI , the vehicle displayed DTC P001000 – ‘A (Intake)’ Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the E-CVVT motor plug area. It pointed to camshaft position sensor malfunction and Kia service say what the vehicle needs is a CVVT cover and seals/gaskets relating to the variable…

   NHTSA complaint #11644429 · source
8. Filed Feb 19, 2024PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil was. No leaks then, no leaks now, oil maintenance performed, we have meticulous records and have been to the #1 Cochran Robinson Township Kia…

   NHTSA complaint #11572722 · source
9. Filed May 9, 2023KSEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have taken my 2017 kia sportage in the dealer several times due to loss of power and hesitation when trying to accelerate. They always say they cant find any issue. Also, my Kia is using or losing oil. I get oil changed every 5000 miles and the last two changes I had less then the low mark, barely showing on dip stick. I have had to add quarts of oil after only 2000 miles since oil change. Oil light does not come on, even when showing no oil on dip stick. It is very scary…

   NHTSA complaint #11521171 · source
10. Filed May 1, 202387,000 miALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I got a 2017 Kia Sportage May 2022 and in September 2022 I started having problems with it I have taken it to the Kia dealership 3-4 times once even by tow. I have been told by the workers at the dealership that the engine needs to be replaced (car has roughly 87,000 miles). I was driving it down the road and it made a noise and lost power I literally had to floor it just to go around 30-40mph. Now it shakes, it's missing, and it has smoke coming from the exhaust on top of…

    NHTSA complaint #11519921 · source
11. Filed Dec 15, 202260,000 miKY1 injuredEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the contact would experience illness and dizziness which required medical attention. No additional information was available. Also while operating the vehicle the engine oil light would continue to illuminate although oil was being added to the engine and the vehicle would experience jerking and hesitation while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil…

    NHTSA complaint #11497531 · source
12. Filed Dec 7, 202264,000 miTNTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode with the check engine warning light blinking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the vehicle was under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 64,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11496347 · 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