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
2017 Kia Sportage: check engine light
65 of the 404 complaints about the 2017 Kia Sportage describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 65
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,000
- typical mileage
- 81,174
- recalls
- 1
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
The contact’s mother owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. While the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact's mother noticed an abnormal odor and an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Auto Zone and connected to a diagnostic machine, and DTC: P0128, P1326, and P0014 were retrieved. The contact's mother received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches). The contact was unsure if the failure was associated with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
My 2017 Kia Sportage with approximately 98,000 miles suddenly started using oil at times. It would go for several trips with everything fine and then it would be a quart low. I continued to drive it and check the oil before every trip. At approximately 106,000 miles, I suddenly lost engine power, a small puff of black smoke from the exhaust, and the check engine light came on. I crippled it home after checking all fluids - they were fine. I trailered the car to my mechanic and after diagnosing it, he stated the #1 cylinder had no compression. I brought it home and checked online to find out that this seemed to be a common occurrence with the Sportage. To double check, I took the car to a second mechanic to get the same results except he provided more detail. Compression on #1 Cylinder 0, #2 was 140, #3 145, #4 140. He stated the compression should be above 175. My safety issue was I could have been stranded on I49 and if this had happened at night, I may not have been able to get it home. I took the vehicle to Crain Kia, Fayetteville, AR. when the first Check Engine Light came on and they stated it was shown as low engine oil even though it had oil in the engine and that it showed low compression on Cylinder 4. I now have a vehicle with 106,048 miles that without major engine repairs is worthless to me.
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. This issue is recurring and creates a serious safety hazard due to sudden loss of power while driving. Vehicle: 2017 Kia Sportage VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Catastrophic engine failure, no oil, over 3 qts low, oil light did not come on, 4 Cylinder had no compression. In summary: On [XXX] oil light came on, how? I just had oil change on 7/28/25. Stopped to check oil, it was dry. Bought 5Qts at WalMart, put 3 Qts in. Checked oil every day, started keeping 5Qt jug oil in car. 9/1/25 took in to have checked for oil leak/oil change, No leak detected. Continued checking oil consumption everyday, adding oil all the time... Purchased 5 Qts - 5 Times between August & November 2025. On 11/21/25 took to Auto Shop my MaxCare Extended Service Plan sent me to for a few minor checks, including to check again for oil leak. There was no leak found but they did need to replace valve cover gasket - Engine Valve Cover. Continued to check oil, added when low as needed. On [XXX] driving on highway, about 15 minutes at approx. 75-80 mph, started losing speed, had to really press on gas pedal to keep going, felt some vibration underneath engine maybe (?), engine light came on, I got off exit, went through intersection, car barely made it, pulled off on shoulder. Called for tow truck, it was cold, after waiting a while I turned car on to get some heat but the heat was not working. Auto Shop car was towed to had to add 3 qts of oil to do diag test. PO304cylinder 4 misfire, PO303cylinder 3 misfire... no compression on cylinder 4. No signs of visible oil leak(s). * Had car towed to Gerald Kia Dealer, Naperville, IL Their diagnostic test ONLY indicated that spark plugs need to be replaced and recommend that I get a 3 part carbon body cleaning, at my expense. I told the Service Tech I would be right up there to see manager. He told me to FIRST send him all my receipts for oil & oil changes, and he will see what he can do. didn't hear back. Went there in person 1/9/26. Manager told me that his tech "forgot" to do one test, i waited 1/2 hour, those results DID indicate engine needs to be replaced. But, Kia is not paying for it..... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
On November 2, while driving my 10-year-old son to a soccer game, the vehicle suffered a sudden loss of power at road speed. The vehicle's failure to provide a "limp-home mode" or any sensor warnings prior to stalling created a significant life-safety risk for my son and me as we had to coast across traffic to a safe location where the car stalled. •No Warning Indicators: There were no prior "Check Engine" lights, oil pressure warnings, or temperature fluctuations. •Hazardous Failure Mode: The vehicle stalled completely in active traffic. I was forced to perform an emergency maneuver, coasting across lanes of traffic to reach a safe shoulder. •Outcome: The vehicle was towed to Ourisman Kia of Bethesda, where service technicians diagnosed "severe internal engine failure."
Car started having issues with retaining oil and was blowing oil out of the oil fil cap, oil changes were being performed every 3 weeks due to continued oil loss without cause. Car started shaking while driving on the highway, check engine light started flashing and car lost all power. Car was towed from highway to KIA authorized dealer where they performed a full engine replacement, replaced serpentine belt, oil filter and air filters. Picked up vehicle from dealership approx. 2 weeks later, engine was still blowing oil out of oil fill cap and entire vehicle smelled like used oil. Dealership also refilled engine with wrong type of oil upon replacement of engine. Car requires 5W-20, dealership put in 5W-30 instead of correct oil.
On October 16, 2025 my car lost ability to accelerate while driving on highway. Just as the car was losing motive power the engine light came on. Car was then towed to a mechanic. After looking at the car the mechanic reported that the engine had seized and I would need a new engine. The mechanic was able to get the engine moving. The week before I had put oil in the car as I noticed it was going through oil faster.
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.
Engine light came on flashing on the dash. Went to O’reily auto shop to get it checked and their scanner discovered P1326 code, “knocking sensor” and oil light came on and flashing as well. The motor oil was replaced about a month ago. Checked the oil dip stick and it was below the first dot.
On August 17, 2024, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost power on the highway. The check engine light came on seconds before the engine seized completely. I was able to pull into the breakdown lane because I was already in the exit lane. It was a very frightening moment and could have been dangerous if I had been in a different lane or in heavier traffic. Component that Failed: The engine seized. The dealership found burned holes in the valves of cylinders 2 and 4. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection. Safety Risk: Sudden loss of power on a highway placed me and others at risk of a serious accident at high speeds. Confirmed by Dealer: The dealer confirmed valve damage and misfire codes. Root cause was not confirmed. Inspected: The vehicle was not fully inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Kia observed burned valves and did not investigate further into the engine to identify the cause. Warnings Prior to Failure: The check engine light came on minutes before the failure. No prior symptoms. Assessment: Rod bearing failure is suspected due to the sudden engine seizure. During the first visit to the dealership, a diagnostic fee was paid, but Kia stopped investigating after discovering burned valves. On the second visit, the dealership attempted but did not complete the bearing clearance test. They also chose not to open a Techline case, which is required under Kia’s own the federal safety agency-documented bearing clearance test procedures (TSB SST067 Rev 2) when the test cannot be completed. Kia has provided incomplete diagnostics and avoided further investigation, leaving me without answers. I was told I need a new engine, but I have never been told what actually caused the failure.
I own a 2017 Kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by Kia Russ Darrow at Odana Rd Madison, WI , the vehicle displayed DTC P001000 – ‘A (Intake)’ Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the E-CVVT motor plug area. It pointed to camshaft position sensor malfunction and Kia service say what the vehicle needs is a CVVT cover and seals/gaskets relating to the variable valve timing on the camshaft as it’s throwing the camshaft sensor circuit “high” voltage Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SA305, which acknowledges a similar problem in earlier production models of the same vehicle (built from December 10, 2015 – September 12, 2016). However, my vehicle was manufactured in January 2017, and Kia has not yet included it in the affected range. Despite this, I am experiencing the exact same issue outlined in the TSB. This failure poses a potential safety risk because it can affect engine performance and reliability. If left unaddressed, it could lead to unexpected engine stalling, loss of power while driving, or further engine damage, creating a hazardous situation. I have not yet received confirmation from Kia regarding an official recall or warranty extension for my vehicle, but the symptoms are identical to those covered under SA305. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a mechanic, and I am currently in the process of contacting Kia for further inspection and assistance. There were no prior warning messages, aside from the Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminating when the problem first occurred. This complaint is being submitted to request an investigation into whether this defect extends beyond the current TSB range and to determine if additional 2017 Sportage models should be included in a service action or recall to prevent safety risks. The affected component is available for inspection upon request.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions: ECM logic improvement (SC340 revision 5)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC340 flight 103 / ql)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: owner notification (SC340 flight 101 / ql)
- Voluntary service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions ECM logic improvement (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: theta II 2.4L GDI emissions ECM logic improvement (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: dealer principal memo (SC340)
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: question and answer (SC340)
- Excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- 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 pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Recall number 18V907000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2017 Kia Sportage check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
65 of 404 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Sportage (16%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Kia Sportage?
There is 1 recall and 50 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Kia Sportage
Engine failure 72Oil consumption 46Stalling 38Knocking 34Fire or smoke 31Loss of power 28Misfire 15Power windows 14Won't shift 11Sunroof shattered 11Headlights 10Door locks 8Jerking 8Won't start 8No deployment 7Fuel smell 6Key fob 6ABS 5Slipping 5
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