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 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 that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, after 15 minutes of driving, a quarter tank of fuel had been consumed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
My check engine light came on several monthsago. I replaced the gas cap three times! This did not seem to remedy the problem. The check engine light would come on shortly thereafter. I've been parking my car away from buildings and home and I have noticed that the grassy area where I park has died on the left hand side (the driver side) where I park. There must be a leak. I can hear gurgling from the gas tank! There is a a ping sound shortly after I shut off the vehicle. I'm very worried that my car is going to catch fire! You can hear gurgling (soon after engine is running) I have had the oil changed and asked if they could look at the undercarriage to see if there was anything unusual going on they did not see anything. Also, the throat of the fuel tank keeps getting rusty. The outter entrance always gets grimy. I guess water and or rain must be leaking down into the entrance. …
After fueling, vehicle idled fine with no warning lights. Once pulling onto the highway and making highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration, and was stranded in the highway. We required the assistance of law enforcement to direct traffic. It was 10pm and the temperatures were 35 degree below zero with the windchill. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed loss of compression in the pistons. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which has a long history of engine failures, oil consumption complaints, stalling, and class-action litigation involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. …
My safety is put at risk. My car has stalled two different times on the highway. I was able to get it off the road after restarting the vehicle and coasting out. The engine was worked out by Kia of Mission Viejo. They stated it was not due to Rod bearing, although I was told on a separate occasion that there was metal in my oil in the same scenario then when they submitted the video to Kia, they said they only saw the burnt valve my check engine light has went on a total of three times I've had the same exact work done three additional times as well as the knock sensor having to be replaced because it went off and burned out due to what happened on the highway. My car is part of the theta engine issue with Kia
Driving as usual and all of a sudden no acceleration. No warning lights at all. Started smoking. Towed to Flynn's. They said there is a known oil consumption issue and the motor locked up. Communicated with KIA and they say to have it looked at - at a cost. Said it's not under warranty. But is a likely know issue!
Car has 84000 miles on it for last 15-20 thousand miles there is a smell of gas in the oil. I took to dealership they charged me to replace a catalytic converter. Not even a year later the cars engine blew up. Now needs a whole new motor there is loud knocking and car will not accelerate.
The Catalytic Converter in the Kia. We were driving to Texas to take my kids out for mini vacation and it's cut off right in the middle of the highway. My car was running just fine everything was fix properly. Can you check in the Catalytic Converter and see if it safely issue.
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, [redacted]. 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 dealership where they have perform Kias required Oil Consumption Test that we've paid for. 1st set of test failed each time, dealership performed deep clean, and since there was only 3/4 quart loss, Kia had no further responsibilities. too busy with our small business over the holidays, started Oil Consumption test, again [redacted]. …
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 using high-quality fuel and regularly using a system cleaner. Is the Component Available for Inspection Upon Request? It's important to confirm whether the damaged components (like the engine or fuel system parts) are available for inspection by a dealer, an independent service center, or the manufacturer. …
Fuel System complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 6% of the model year's 402 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Kia Sportage fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.