Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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 the oil consumption problem that I found out about after purchasing ad was told Kia knows about the problem. I haven't had it a year and can't drive it on the highway or nowhere else because of the possible engine fire hazard when I have a toddler in a car seat in the back seat that I may not be able to get out if fire was to happen. …
My 2017 KIA SPORTAGE has 74,695 miles. I am the 2ND owner. The engine failed at highway speed, due to so called knock sensor. This the first safety issue, no assisted steering or brakes. I paid to have towed. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. After the KIA dealer replaced the engine. The power steering, alternator, and water pump belt came off. This caused the second safety issue, as there is no powersteering making it very difficult to control as well as third safety issue the computer to stopped the engine. Again I paid to have it towed. The Kia dealer found a broken motor mount. Which they did repair and cover. Now the first week out of the KIA dealer service department there is a high pitched squeal. The KIA dealer just wrote me a quote for $800 plus dollars, stating this vital moving part is not covered.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the repair would not be covered under the warranty since the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the knock sensor software upgrade was not completed on the vehicle prior to the failure and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 95,079.
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 was diagnosed that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact was informed that the second unknown software update was part of an unknown special program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
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 consumption test but no problem was found. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
My car has been having an extreme oil consumption issue. I've been trying to get the issue fix with Kia for over six months. However, it is getting to the point were the engine runs out of oil and coolant in less than 500 miles. They told me the engine is damaged and it could fail and that the issue was caused by the excessive oil consumption. However, they will not cover it because damages by oil consumption are not covered by the manufacturer.
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.
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 on the side of the road for safety. This created a dangerous situation and risk of collision. The problem continues despite multiple service visits. A dealership service visit on 06/05/2025 documents stored diagnostic trouble code P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), but the dealership stated no further repairs were recommended and no repair was performed. …
Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder and the spark plug had to be replaced. Several calls not returned by Roseville Kia asking for information regarding this problem as well as trying to set up appointment for current recall over the last year. Once again car left me on side of road and was told by mechanic that it needs new engine. Told by Folsom Kia to have it towed to them since Roseville Kia would not return calls and that the issue with the engine would be covered by warranty being extended due to past recall. …
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 to honor the safety recall and lifetime warranty parameters for this engine failure, instead classifying the issue as a "burnt valve" to deny coverage and forcing an out-of-pocket retail customer charge of $6,864.49 for a full engine assembly replacement.
Transmission complaints in other Sportage years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 10% of the model year's 402 complaints. The component named most often is shift linkage/cable/rod › retaining fasteners/hardware (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Kia Sportage transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.