Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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 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 contact noticed flames under the hood, by the engine compartment. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that the entire vehicle was completely burned to the metal. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire department report was filed, and it was reported that the fire originated from the engine. A police report was filed. …
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. …
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 this issue to Kia. Contacted Demontround Kia multiple times was never helped once. Contacted Kia customer care. I have a claims agent who has been no help whatsoever. I was told to get my car towed to West side Kia, which they have been rude from the start and have been no help. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while reversing in a parking lot, the contact became aware that there was a significant amount of engine oil had leaked onto the ground. The contact stated that she added oil to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pressure switch had failed, causing oil intrusion in the wiring harness and in the computer and components. The dealer determined that the wiring harness, the computer, and the oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for several months. 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. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. An anti-theft device was installed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to restart the vehicle with a pair of pliers. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 118,101.
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.
All windows failed to roll up or down, malfunctioning simultaneously. The issues are available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk in that all windows not functioning does not allow for fresh air to the cabin, constantly having to use the A/C. Opening the sunroof causes reverberation and popping of the ears. Windows will have to be broken in the event that driver or passenger can't open door from the inside after possible collision. The problem been confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appeared in October 2022.
I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire department was able to put it out. The vehicle was assessed by my insurance, but I think the extent of that was to determine whether it was a total loss (which it obviously was).
I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway - I luckily was able to get to the side of the road and immediately called 911. Fire department came within minutes, and dowsed the car, which was fully engulfed in flames.
Electrical complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 15% of the model year's 402 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Kia Sportage electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2017 Kia Sportage, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Sportage electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system 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.