Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Kia Sportage owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and while taking a picture of his instrument panel, a grayish color smoke began to emit from the hood of the vehicle. As the contact began to search for the hood latch button inside the vehicle, flames had emitted from the hood of the vehicle. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and called 911. As the contact waited for authorities to arrive, the vehicle became engulfed in flames; the fire department eventually arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed(#122023397) and no injuries were reported. The remaining parts of the vehicle were towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while depressing the brake pedal to make an abrupt stop, the front brakes made an abnormal sound like loosened pieces of metal bouncing around in the front wheels. Additionally, the contact stated that her rear brake light bulbs were burning out frequently and the brake light wiring was melted. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle drove 2 MPH for approximately 2 minutes and was jerking abnormally. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine and the brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where it was purchased. The dealer replaced an unknown sensor; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,983.
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 stated that oil was added to the vehicle but was consumed after two thousand miles of diving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that check engine warning light had started blinking. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, it was not confirmed if the failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,038.
Component Failure: Independent inspection confirmed a broken brake master cylinder mounting bracket and a missing AC compressor mounting bolt. Safety Risk: The broken brake bracket compromises the structural integrity of the braking system, posing a risk of brake failure while driving. The missing AC bolt creates a risk of the compressor becoming unseated, which could damage the serpentine belt and cause a sudden loss of power steering or engine cooling. Dealer Interaction: The selling dealer (Orr Nissan West) advertised the vehicle as "vetted" but has since ignored multiple formal requests for the pre-sale inspection records after these defects were discovered.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Vehicle basically activates Traction control System while going 70 to 85 on highway. Basically feels like you hit a decent sized bump. Then the car activates downhill brake control which limits the RPMs of the vehicle. The TCS and DBC lights remain on requiring you to pull over. Once the engine is restart the lights disappear for the time being until is occurs on the highway again. Happened 4 times in one day. Didn't happen when the car shop drove it... about to go to the dealership...who probably knows less.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experience a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box.
NHTSA investigations
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
Brake complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 6% of the model year's 402 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Kia Sportage brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-137 (control unit/module, Mar 4, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Sportage brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.