Table 1 shows one common other fuel system related problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Other Fuel System problems |
Upper fuel pump module, on top of fuel tank, is leaking fuel from a crack in fuel pump port where fuel hose connects. Fuel can be seen on top of upper fuel pump module and can be seen leaking from fuel pump port, and can be seen on exterior of gas tank. Also fuel odors were present. This could be a fire hazard. The manufacturer issued TSB fue 064 for this exact issue for vehicles produced from March 31, 2017 through July 24, 2019. Local dealer will not cover the vehicle because it was manufactured in February of 2017. The vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, of insurance company. There were no warning lamps, messages prior to failure. The symptoms were fuel on top of module, fuel odor, and fuel stain on exterior side of fuel tank.
Timeline of maintenance & failure: • October [year]: I purc timeline of maintenance & failure: • October [year]: I purchased this vehicle. • February 11, 2026: I performed a full oil service (documented receipt attached). • April 3, 2026: while transporting my two grandsons—one of whom has autism—the vehicle suffered total engine failure while in traffic. • the safety defect: despite the engine running out of oil, the vehicle provided zero warning lights or signals. No "low oil pressure" light or "check engine" light ever appeared. This "silent failure" left me stranded in a high-risk traffic situation with a child who has special needs, as I had no warning to pull over safely. • April 8, 2026: the kia dealership confirmed the engine is seized. Improper handling of the claim: the dealership is currently refusing to honor warranty extension wty026 (15-year/150,000-mile oil pressure switch). Their refusal is based on an outdated service sticker in the window that is over 9,000 miles old, while they are ignoring my verified paper receipt from February 11, which proves the vehicle was serviced less than two months ago. The dealership is requesting a full breakdown (teardown) of the engine at my expense to determine the cause. It is my position that requiring a consumer to pay for a mechanical breakdown is an unreasonable barrier to a warranty claim—especially when they have not yet performed non-invasive diagnostic tests, such as a videoscope/borescope inspection, to check for the known oil pressure switch leak covered under wty026. Significant safety concern: the failure of the oil pressure switch (wty026) to trigger a dashboard warning is a critical safety defect. This failure led directly to a seized engine while I was transporting children. I am requesting that the department of transportation investigate this safety-system failure and that kia corporate override the dealership’s request for a consumer-funded teardown, given that I have provided proof of maintenanc.
On 3-21-26 I noticed the smell of gasoline after driving the vehicle. Upon inspection a noticeable fuel leak from the top of the fuel tank was evident from underneath the vehicle. Further inspection found fuel leakage at the fuel pump outlet line. After online research it was found that other vehicles of this type have hairline cracks on the fuel pump outlet causing fuel to spray out under pressure. Fuel pump assembly replacement has repaired the problem. No indication other than the smell of gasoline was noted at any time. This is a safety hazard that should be addressed ASAP. Part removed has only been inspected by me. Part is available. If I had not been diligent in addressing this problem the consequences could have been catastrophic. The fuel outlet on a high pressure pump should have never been allowed to be made of plastic. People's lives are at risk!.
I was driving everithing was normal but suddenly the light of the engine was on and the car lost power and the engine shut off everything happened in like one second, dont let me time or opportunity to think something safe, it was a lot of traffict on the street and the car behind almost crash on me. It was like a nigthmare.
It’s been a month since I did an oil change. However, while I was driving the car, I heard a noise like the engine had no oil in it. I stopped and after 15 minutes I checked the engine for oil when I discovered that the engine was empty. I then checked for a leak and there is no leak detected. I took it to a valvoline to get an oil change. This is when I discovered that the engine is burning the oil. This is most likely to happen due to a manufacturing problem. I am submitting this complaint and would like to have an investigation done on that matter because it is a safety concern when a car keeps burning oil without any leak detection.
My engine was replaced under the kia pi1802y/z engine replacement program in July of 2024 in August of 2025 after the replacement I began to smell gas in my vehicle and took my vehicle to the kia dealership to find out what the issue was. They informed me that it was a fuel pump leak due to bad gaskets. I believe the engine replacement was done improperly and should be under the sc172 high pressure fuel outlet recall campaign. I have reached out to kia and the dealership. The dealership is being less than cooperative and kia is not addressing the issue specifically. The gas leak was significant and was potentially dangerous. It would fill up my entire garage with fumes.
To whom this may concern, I'm having to replace an upper module fuel pump that goes into the top of the tank. This part is being recalled on several other kia vehicles but not mine. The car was stalling and had a heavy smell of gasoline. I was told by my repair shop not to drive this car until repaired due to gasoline fumes having the potential to be ignited and cause a fire. I was told by kia customer care (sandra) on 6-30-25 @ 655am mst that my VIN number was not a part of this recall. I explained my car was experiencing the same issue and required the same repair as other recalls for kia and I was directed to file a formal complaint with NHTSA for assistance. Can you please assist with a formal recall. This is a very dangerous situation with flammable fumes escaping. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Upper fuel pump module is defected and will malfunction. This leads to a fuel leak inside the vehicle. You will be able to see the leak if you remove the back seat and you will be able to smell the fumes of the fuel inside and outside the vehicle. This has occurred twice to our vehicle. First time, the vehicle had 72000 miles and the 2nd time is 130 000. The kia dealership repaired it the first time and has acknowledged the leak both times. This is dangerous as the vehicle can burst into flames by a spark or flame. We did not receive any warning lights regarding the fuel leak. The leak was determined by the smell and the reduced miles per gallon.
Strong smell of gas while driving and under the hood of car with no visible leaks.
For several months, there has been a noticeable smell of gas fumes coming from my 2017 kia sorrento ex. Recently, smell has been getting much stronger and cause for concern. I have discovered a visible gas leak dripping from the gas tank area. This could likely or possibly be related to a recall engine replacement last year. The website mentions issues with the fuel pump, which is a the website mentions issues with the fuel pump, which is very concerning. I am attaching photos and video. Please advise.
Like many other kia owners I have a kia sorrento and after 6700 miles started running into problems with oil consumption. I have Toyota extended warranty because I am second owner and wanted some type of coverage. Kia knows there are problems and giving customers run around plus higher insurance premiums. Second time over 5 days my car is being evaluated I have done 3 oil changes since March 2024 I did get engine oil switch fixed did own oil consumption test which Toyota did not except because it was not Toyota or kia dealer that did it. I would sue them on my own or geta new car if I could afford it. I love the car for size and smoothness of ride but they are failing their customers.
Engine problem. I've had to replace spark plugs and have to add oil almost every week. This was done about 3 months ago. Today check engine light came back on and it's the same problem stalling and shaking as if it's going to dye in me . . I bought my car brand new I've been the only owner. . It's only got 80,000 miles . . I know that you guys have life time warranty on your engines . What do I need to do to have it repaired under warranty?.
I have been having excessive oil burning for months. When I took it to the kia dealer, this was a known issue. They told me I'd need to continue to regularly top off my oil (way over the recommended amount) or risk my engine blowing. Just over the warranty at 102,114 miles the car seized. The repair shop diagnosed it as a valve/cylinder head issue, but the engine has not been working as it should since long before before the 100,000 warranty mark. It is documented at my kia service center. My car is useless, not even drivable now. This is a known issue (the burning of oil) and kia isn't upfront about this issue. While there was a class action lawsuit for other engine issues in this model, there is no accountability for the issues we face. My car is worthless and at only 102k miles. I've taken great care of this vehicle, but it is poorly made. [xxx] lists 339 complaints about the 2017 Sorento's engine, with engine failure being the most significant issue. I feel I was taken advantage of by trusting kia that this was a solid investment. The cost of repair is $5,000-10,000 depending on if the 5k does the job - it was suggested that the repair doesn't always work without a full engine rebuild. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Oil consumption is astronomical. I have burned through 15 quarts of oil in 3,000 miles with no other obvious issues with the vehicle.
Car turned off when making a full and complete stop. Would burn oil faster than usual. Car does not stay on.
Vehicle drastic stalling problem. It would often stall and dramatically reduce speed. Experienced 3 times driving on highway reduced fro 60mph to 20mph without breaking and engine light come on while vehicle has heavy shaking and consistent stalling. First time I was told it was knock sensor and got it replaced. Second time I was told it was coil and spark plug and had it replaced. Third time same thing as second time I was told coil/oil consumption burning issue and to get it checked at dealer. Dealer said cylinder failed compression test and need new engine. Vehicle only 94550 miles. I have always felt the vehicle stalling and I thought it was normal since I have mentioned to dealer service on occasion if it is normal to require oil change before the recommended oil change date/millage on the dash. The answer I got was it's just an estimate and it's normal. Recently I have been searching online and there are forums with complaint from other 2017 kia Sorento owners of similar issues. There seem to have been class action settlement on 3. 5 lt engine Sorento about consumption issue. My concern is if this is a difect, I dont want to risk driving on a highway and I have sudden reduction in speed without breaking indication for other drivers to react. Fortunately I work at night and it was not much vehicles on the road. Vehicle is currently at the dealer debating warranty coverage and testing for cause. I will upload the repairs and findings when complete. God forbids I get new engine and I deal with the same issue on the wrong time of the day. Dates of occurense june2, sept. 23 of 2023, and March 29, 2024. In kia dealer shop since 04/05/2024.
I purchased a my 2017 Sorento, it had 40,000 miles, it had a knock to it when I would first get started in the morning, took it to get check twice, told nothing was wrong, at 59,700 I took back and it needed a new transmission, then at 98,000 it needs another transmission, so after two transmission, plus changed 6 fuel injectors, all new spark plugs, now the engine is gone. I also have a 2014 Sorento that’s still rolling and never needed any major work. This car has been problems since I purchased it. It has to be a recall on this car. Something is not right. It’s sitting in the shop again and I can’t afford to fix it.
Lost power on the freeway, flashing check engine light. Dealership said my fuel injectors failed causing my engine to fail. At 133k miles the car needs its second new motor. It is currently at phil long kia in colorado springs waiting a voluntary repossession as I cannot see paying 10k for repairs on a vehicle that has such obvious defects.
I was driving my car on a major highway and my check engine light came on. Luckily I was close to an exit so I pulled off and my car shut down. I had someone to come and check it and found out that it was my knock sensor and it gave a code#p1326. With further investigation, I see that this was on a recall. I haven't driven my car since 12/13/23 due to black smoke comes from my tail pipe and I don't think that's safe but kia telling me I can still drive it. I contacted kia and they tells me campaign#18v907000 isn't for my model car. When I check on kbb. Com and enter my VIN#, I see my year/make/model is part of this campaign. I'm just looking for some help with resolving this.
My kia engine started consuming oil internally, with no external trace of a problem. First reported to dealer at service appt on 5/16/23 (at mileage 58,370) and another on 9/25/23 (at mileage 61,789). I've had the car serviced regularly by this dealer. Only 3400 miles driven between those two appointments, but my engine consumed 4. 5 quarts of oil during those 4. 5 months. Copies of my service receipts are attached, with dealer's notations on the issue. The dealer service rep advised me that said there is nothing more they can do until the engine fails. Then they'll contact kia corporate requesting total engine replacement, at no charge to me. They gave me kia's corporate phone number to call & report this problem to them, asking what they can do about resolving it for me. My car is still under factory warranty, and dealer said I have lifetime warranty on the engine. . Read more...
Car oil light doesnt come on , only when almost gone. Car stop and slugish on highways and automatic turns off , this issie since the update.
Check engine light came on. 65,000 miles with documented regular maintenance. Took to dealership where I purchased the vehicle new. Engine code (p0172). Was told gas was getting into the oil and I would need a new high pressure fuel pump. This is a common issue and should be repaired free of cost.
I have a 2017 kia Sorento I purchased this vehicle September 2021. Since purchasing this truck I have had problems with oil consumption. The engine constantly burn oil. I have taken to king kia in gaithersburg MD . Where I'm now being told it keep failing the oil consumption test. And that a combustion cleaning need to perform. As I researched this issued I was shock to see that this is an on going problem and the number of complaints with kia. Kia need to be held responsible for these problems not the consumers. This should be a recall.
The shift release has been replaced for 2017 kia Sorento but now it is traffic light switch causing one of my car problems. In gas I spend 40 dollars a day for less than 110 miles of driving even with an full synthetic oil change just done is problem two. The speedometer is off by 3 to 5 I have had bmv and officers do their test on vehicle along with the head and tail lights being replaced every 6 to 8 weeks what am I to so with a vehicle that I am still paying on.
We had two issues develop. The first issue developed about 30k miles after purchasing it new. The car would accelerate unevenly and after long drives the car would lurch during acceleration after starting from a stop. The lurching would continue for a few days before disappearing. No tech could reproduce it. They tried multiple times to reset the software and found no other issues. After a normal fuel injection cleaning at 100k miles, the lurching eased, but still remained. The issue was never resolved. The second issue came up at 108k. We heard a strange noise from the front right of the car when accelerating, but no indicators. The next day the engine light starts flashing and the car is vibrating, so we take it to the dealer the next morning. The engine oil is extremely low and the engine needs to be replaced because 3 valves are miss firing!!!! we had an oil change at 100. 8k. We were well within the time for another oil change. . . A change, not a complete refill!!! there was never an oil indicator light. The engine was clearly burning oil too quickly and the indicator was not warning correctly.
As you are aware this of the "kia" challenge running rampant in the us. I am one of these owners of these vehicles. I recently was made aware that my neighbor had a car identical to mine and his was stolen out of his driveway last Sunday morning. I contacted kia of north America and they stated "we do not have a workaround for this at this time" they will not supply us with steering wheel locks or immobilizers. The NHTSA needs to seriously investigate this to the high extent as this is causing anguish for people like myself who are fearful of our automobiles that we paid an exuberant amount of money for to be stolen from us. Its also very fearful that the car insurance companies are threatening to non-renew owners of these motor vehicles is very very concerning. Please address this please give the people like myself some guidance on how to proceed. If my insurance company decides to non renew my automobile insurance I am in deep trouble as I use this car to commute everyday to and from work. Please assist.
Vehicle shuttered and died while driving 65mph down highway. Dealer service indicated cause was due to fuel pump failure.
My car has repeatedly completely run out of oil after going 2500 of 5000 miles and the oil leaked into different parts of the car. The car is not drivable and shakes and the engine rattles. None of the dashboard indicators illuminated to indicate an issue, until after the car shut off as I placed it in drive and was trying to accelerate, on 9/24/22. I have only owned the car since 10/2021. This car’s repairs should be covered under NHTSA recall #20v750.
We purchased the vehicle with 45000 miles, within a year, the vehicle started to run very badly, car idle vibrates the whole vehicle. It stalls out on her sometimes, burns all the oil by the it is time to change oil, the mechanic says there is less than a quart left, but no leak as per mechanic! the vehicle will blow soon I’m sure, and my wife drives our children everyday. I was made aware of lawsuit settlement, which kia was only required to send notice to first owner, so we had no idea! the suit was settled and kia gave lifetime warranty/new engine replacements/new vehicles to owners. The law suit was going on/settled around the time we purchased the vehicle so dealership knew about it and still sold it to us! we can not afford another vehicle, and dealership says unless the engine gives off certain code, they can not do anything! they are avoiding liability, and putting my family in danger! I do not know what to do or who to speak to!.
High pressure fuel pump leaking gas into oil. University kia of durham nc says it will cost me $1250. 00 to repair this issue. My car has 60,905 miles on it. I see recalls on this issue? I have not had the repair done yet.
I was leaving my cousins apartment complex when the vehicle stalled. I attempted to try to start the vehicle again but it would not turn over. All the lights in the vehicle were on and the radio was still playing so it did not appear to be the battery. I attempted to try and start the vehicle again and noticed gray smoke coming from under the hood. I then began to smell something burning, so I exited the vehicle and popped the hood. I then noticed a fire coming from the engine behind the air filter componet. About 10 seconds later I heard a pop and took off running to a safer location and called 911. The fire then began to grow bigger and the whole front of the vehicle was in flames. The fire department responded and put the fire out. There were no warning lights that came on. If I had not exited the vehicle when I did I probably would have been severly burnt as the whole front windshield shattered and the dash was melted and front seats were burnt.
Strong gasoline odor was noticed coming from the rear of the vehicle. Took it to the dealership where they replaced the gas cap assuming that was the problem. Gasoline odor progressively increased. Took the vehicle back to the dealership. Diagnostic tests were performed. Inspection found fuel pump leaking fuel. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure were ever displayed. This could have been extremely dangerous putting our family at risk. It also should have been covered due to being a safety risk.
On may 18,2021 my kia Sorento sxl awd v6 caught on fire for unknown reason. I was driving with windows open sunroof open and cruise set. Not a single warning light or any weird sounds at all. A car pulled up yelling at me that my car was on fire to pull over off the interstate. I saw nor smelled any smoke anywhere but then I saw a cop had someone pulled over so I figured it would be safe since I was an alone female and it was car of males yelling at me to pull over. As soon as I got out and walked to the front of the car there was still no smoke but flames and what I assumed was plastic dripping from the entire underneath. At this time flames shot out from all around the hood and up the windshield as it instantly shattered. As I ran for my life as stuff kept exploding the state trooper had already called for help so fire department arrived in less then 3 min but my car was gone in less than 45 seconds after I stepped out. I am mentally and physically hurt but luckily only a burn the size of a quarter on my wrist but due to shock while watching my car burn and explode my legs gave out and I sat down hard so 5 days after the fire my legs have recovered from running up an incline for my life but my back pain has only increased. But insurance only covers injuries from the car so running from exploding cars and getting injured is not their problem. Just like kia allowing all of us Sorento owners to drive our family and loved ones around on a bomb waiting to blow at any moment isn’t their problem either. I have now seen at least 8 2017 Sorento sxl unexplained fire complaints all ending in total loss while only looking on this site and one other site. I have pictures and videos of the fire and how close I was to being in the car as u can see my hoodie laying in front of the car on fire too. Fire started on passenger side of motor just like the defect they supposedly fixed in 2014. If anyone else especially the grandchildren that can’t get themselves out of would have died.
On February 17, 2021 a vehicle pulled out in front of me on a highway causing me to slam the brakes so hard to avoid hitting the vehicle. After the vehicle proceeded across the road when I tried to continue forward my Sorento had very little power no matter how much I tried to give the vehicle gas. As I drove Sorento home it had very little power. I could barley get vehicle to go the 5 plus miles to my house traveling at least than 25 miles per hour. Possibly less than that and as I tried to drive up the hill to my house I barely got there. The vehicle did not have power to go up hill. Afterwards the vehicle would not start and stay on. . I had it towed to kia dealership where is has been for a week.
Car has had hesitation since bought new in 2017. Multiple complaints to dealer. Pdf's will be attached of ro's. Still does it. Car does it when rolling slow or pulling away from stop light. Will not do it in sport mode.
On October 10 2019 my wife was driving the kids to school in our 2017 kia Sorento and before she could get out of the neighborhood the car started to jerk uncontrollably and lost all acceleration before it cut off. She then tried to restart the car several time but was unsuccessfully it it starting back up before it stalled out. After the car was left alone for a while I went out to the car and it started back up and seemed like it drove fine. We did not take it to the dealership that time. After that my wife said that she felt the vehicle was not driving like it should. She said that you basically had to floor it for it to get up to cruising speed. Approximately 6 weeks later my wife started to have more problems with the vehicle. She stated that the acceleration problem was very noticeable and was scaried that it was going to stall out again before she could get home that day. She was able to get home safe that time. Later on that day she had to go back out and she said that it started up fine and drove fine until with out warning it just shut off while she was driving in the middle of business intersection. The car started up just fine once it shut off and my wife drove it to a nearby parking lot where it sat until it was towed to the dealership. The dealership has had the vehicle about 3 weeks now and are unable replicate the problem. The dealership said that they have done everything possible to see if there was a problem with the car. Since they cannot replicate the problem and there is no codes then they think that the vehicle is fine. Sin e the car cut off on my wife twice in six weeks she is scared to drive the car in fear that it will shut off on her again. This is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed by kia. I am not the only one complaining about this problem with this car this could have very easily resulted in a major accident.
Engine is severely slugged and there was no warning ever. Found out after an oil changed at 67k at jiffy lube when I took it to the ourisman kia dealer in chantilly, va. There is no warning that any of this situation was starting to happen even after a previous oil change at kia dealer at 58k miles. The dealership denied my claim with the 100k mile warranty because I don't have proof that I did all 9 oil changes. They proceeded to tell me that I need a new engine but that they are on backorder nationwide and who knows what date tbd that will become available. The repair shop I took it to piedomont in haymarket, va says they think it is something like a year before it might be available. So in the mean time no loaner was ever offered to me and no I have a unusable vehicle that I have submitted a claim for with geico. I do not have funding for a new engine and the fact that the Kia Motor company has no engine to even supply to me is completely unacceptable practice for a business. Also 1 year ago my battery just died according to the kia dealer due to a parasitic drain. That seems suspicious to me since the vehicle was only a year old and had to be replaced with one I bought at walmart. Also, the fuse for the driver seat continuously blows.
On four different ocasions this vehicle completely died each time while going different speeds. One of these times I was in high speed traffic on an expressway, almost causing a wreck. The first time it died I was on a road going about 40 miles per hour, the second time the check engine light came on and it started making a surging sound. The third time I was in high speed traffic going 65 and it completely died, the fourth time I had just started driving and was going about 15 mph when it died.