Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 801 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Sorento, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 274 | 34% |
| Exterior lighting | 86 | 11% |
| Steering | 84 | 10% |
| Unknown or other | 59 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 22 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 21 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 17 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 15 | 2% |
| Power train | 15 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 13 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
In early July, my vehicle's check engine light turned on. I took it to a reputable local mechanic in Sachse, Texas, who had the vehicle for approximately two weeks. He was unable to determine the cause of the issue but i
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was inspected several times; however, no oil leaks were found. The contact stated that while dri
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle steers with more resistance to the left but very loose and easy to the right. Dealership diagnosed that a new steering column is required. Kia also issued a new vehicle limited warranty extension on the motor dri
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Kia America, Inc. regarding the mishandling of a warranty repair dispute for my 2017 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]). This complaint documents a pattern of misinformation, unreturn
NHTSA complaint: Steering
My kids and I were driving when my engine started making a loud noise. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then I turned it back on. It worked for another mile or so then started making the noise again and
NHTSA complaint: Engine
I am writing to escalate an unresolved issue regarding a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign performed on my vehicle at Bulldog Kia on July 14, 2026. Shortly after leaving the dealership, my Check Engine Light illuminat
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly while driving. They are burning out weekly and having to be replaced. 1 of my tail lights is doing the same exact thing. I replace it. It works for a couple w
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
Fuel injectors become unseated randomly causing gas to be sprayed inside engine compartment. Issue can be seen upon request. This issue could cause a fire/explosion as fuel sprays out. The issue was repaired once by a
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Sorento. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-454
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Sorento vehicles equipped with 3.3L engines. The engine crankshaft may have been improperly heat treated and may fail.
Risk: If the crankshaft fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A failed crankshaft also increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the crankshaft, and, as necessary, replace the engine sub assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Kia custome
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness tha
Risk: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's n
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module,
| Reliability raw | 59 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 80 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 61 | average |
| Performance | 66 | good |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 801 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 274 of them (34%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 59/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.