CarBrief

Owners filed 807 complaints with NHTSA for the 2017 Sorento, and about half of them name the engine[1][2]. The car also has a top overall NHTSA safety rating[3].

807owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
19–24MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 807 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Sorento[1]. Of those, 13 mention a crash, 32 a fire and 17 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners. One complaint can name more than one part of the car, so the groups below add up to more than the 807 total[1].

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 404 66,000
Exterior lighting[6] 125 37,100
Unknown or other[7] 104 19,000
Electrical system[8] 97 59,000
Steering[9] 97 30,000
Fuel/propulsion system[10] 39 47,000
Power train[11] 37 56,574
Brakes[12] 23 3,299

The engine group stands out. It has 404 complaints, 20 of them mentioning a fire, 2 a crash and 3 an injury[2].

We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups, 12 texts each[2][6][8][9]. This is not a count of all owners, but it shows what people describe:

The median mileage at failure is a useful hint. Steering and lighting complaints show up at lower mileage (30,000 and 37,100 miles) than engine complaints (66,000 miles)[9][6][2].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Sorento[4]. Newest first[4]:

All four recalls list a free dealer remedy. None of the recall texts says the remedy is still pending. To see whether a recall applies to a specific car, check the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2017 Sorento from 19 to 24 miles per gallon combined, depending on engine and drive[17][5]. All versions use regular gas and an Automatic (S6) transmission[18].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl[5] 21 / 28 / 24 $2,800
FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo[18] 20 / 27 / 23 $2,900
FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl[19] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl[20] 21 / 25 / 22 $3,050
AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo[21] 19 / 25 / 22 $3,050
FE AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl[22] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl[17] 17 / 23 / 19 $3,550

The best rating is 24 combined for the front-wheel-drive 2.4L[5]. The lowest is 19 combined for the all-wheel-drive 3.3L[17]. EPA's annual fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives both versions it tested 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes, 5 stars for side crashes and 4 stars for rollover[3][23]. The rollover risk is 15.0% for the AWD version[3] and 15.8% for the FWD version[23].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for the 2017 Sorento:

Size and weight come from Canadian-market specifications, so a US car can differ slightly. Every variant listed is 188 in long, 74 in wide, 67 in tall and has a 109 in wheelbase[27]. Only curb weight changes:

Variant Curb weight
L/LX FWD[28] 3,704 lb
LX AWD[29] 3,840 lb
EX/Limited FWD[30] 3,878 lb
V6 FWD[31] 3,968 lb
EX/Limited AWD[27] 4,004 lb
V6 AWD[32] 4,101 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2003: 305 complaints, 1 recalls20032004: 220 complaints, 0 recalls2005: 307 complaints, 0 recalls20052006: 242 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 154 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2009: 55 complaints, 2 recalls20092011: 1,520 complaints, 7 recalls2012: 880 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 982 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 988 complaints, 6 recalls20142015: 754 complaints, 3 recalls2016: 1,256 complaints, 8 recalls20162017: 807 complaints, 4 recalls80720172018: 255 complaints, 3 recalls20182019: 431 complaints, 2 recalls2020: 138 complaints, 1 recalls20202021: 275 complaints, 5 recalls2022: 227 complaints, 9 recalls20222023: 164 complaints, 4 recalls2024: 51 complaints, 2 recalls20242025: 134 complaints, 4 recalls2026: 9 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Sorento model year. The 2017 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20033051
20042200
20053070
20062421
20071544
20082173
2009552
20111,5207
20128805
20139825
20149886
20157543
20161,2568
20178074
20182553
20194312
20201381
20212755
20222279
20231644
2024512
20251344
202692

NHTSA has 807 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2017 model year[4]. Five years have more complaints: 2011 (1,520), 2016 (1,256), 2014 (988), 2013 (982) and 2012 (880)[4]. That puts 2017 sixth highest among the 24 model years on file[4]. Neighbors for comparison: 2015 has 754 complaints, 2016 has 1,256 and 2018 has 255[4].

Recalls follow a different pattern. 2016 has 8 recalls, 2015 has 3 and 2018 has 3, so 2017 sits between them with 4[4]. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2017 Sorento?

The record is mixed. The 5-star overall NHTSA rating is a plus[3][23]. On the other side, the complaint file is large for engine problems, with 404 complaints and 20 fires mentioned[2], and in the sample we read owners also describe sticky steering and headlights that go dark in automatic mode[9][6]. Before buying, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup, because four recalls cover parts of this model year[4], and ask for service records and any engine replacement history, since recall 18V907 applies to cars that had one[14]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a list of things to check, not a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento?
Engine complaints lead with 404 of the 807 on file with NHTSA[2][1]. Exterior lighting (125), electrical (97) and steering (97) are the next named parts[6][8][9].
Does the 2017 Kia Sorento have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4: tow hitch harness short 22V703, fuel pipe 18V907, crankshaft 17V586 and trailer brake lights 16V862[13][14][15][16].
How many miles per gallon does the 2017 Kia Sorento get?
EPA rates it from 19 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive[17][5].
Is the 2017 Kia Sorento safe?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[3][23].
Is 2017 a bad year for the Kia Sorento?
It has the sixth highest complaint count of 24 model years on file[4]. That is 807 complaints[1], against 1,520 for 2011 and 1,256 for 2016[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 807 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Kia Sorento (13 mention a crash, 32 a fire, 17 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 404 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 20 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Sorento model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 125 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 104 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 11 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 97 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 97 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 39 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 37 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,574). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 23 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,299). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 22V703, filed September 19, 2022: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V907, filed December 19, 2018: Engine. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V586, filed September 21, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V862, filed November 30, 2016: Trailer Hitches. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Sorento FWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Sorento AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Sorento FE AWD, 3.3L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Sorento with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 240 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Sorento with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Kia Sorento with 3.3L 6-cylinder: rated 290 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO EX/LIMITED AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,004 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO L/LX FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,704 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO LX AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,840 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO EX/LIMITED FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,878 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO V6 FWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,968 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, SORENTO V6 AWD: length 188 in, width 74 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 4,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.