2017 Kia Sportage engine problems
219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Kia Sportage — 55% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Engine caught fire , insurance denied the claim . Kia has a class action lawsuit Theta 2 . It was towed into the dealership for approximately 3 mts . During the diagnostic they discovered a crack in the number 3 cylinder wall . They rejected the claim due to what they said was a leaky valve cover…”
filed Aug 2, 2026
“Engine burns excess oil, I am forced to add oil every other day as it consumes an excessive amount. When I spoke with the Kia Dealership they told me I have an unlimited warranty on the engine but it need to blow before they will replace it. I’m spending a fortune on oil.”
filed Jul 22, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- High pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged…Campaign 18V907000 · Dec 19, 2018
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
SC340_TSB_R5 · Emissions · issued Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / QL) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_QL103 · Emissions · issued Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / QL) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_QL101 · Emissions · issued Nov 27, 2025
Engine problems in other Sportage years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sportage | 6 | 12% |
| 2024 Sportage | 9 | 13% |
| 2023 Sportage | 37 | 19% |
| 2022 Sportage | 21 | 46% |
| 2021 Sportage | 21 | 41% |
| 2020 Sportage | 73 | 46% |
| 2019 Sportage | 36 | 51% |
| 2018 Sportage | 90 | 55% |
| 2016 Sportage | 59 | 45% |
| 2015 Sportage | 84 | 58% |
| 2014 Sportage | 71 | 58% |
| 2013 Sportage | 301 | 79% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Kia Sportage
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.