Check a VIN

2017 Kia Sportage: misfire or rough idle

15 of the 404 complaints about the 2017 Kia Sportage describe misfire or rough idle.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
46,674
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 50 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Misfire or rough idle by model year

  • 2023
    5
  • 2022
    2
  • 2020
    2
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    5
  • 2017
    15
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    4
  • 2011
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2002
    4
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    3
  • 1999
    1
  • 1997
    1

What owners say

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

My 2017 Kia Sportage has experienced excessive oil consumption, cylinder #3 misfires, loss of power, and highway stalling events. The dealership initially documented engine damage and indicated findings consistent with internal engine failure, including concerns related to metal contamination and cylinder damage. These issues appear consistent with numerous complaints from other Kia owners involving the same engine family. Kia has since backtracked on prior findings, and both Kia and the dealership have stopped responding to my requests for clarification and documentation. The cylinder damage and related engine failures appear to be symptoms of a larger engine defect that poses a safety risk due to sudden loss of power and stalling while driving. I request that the federal safety agency investigate these recurring engine failures and Kia’s handling of these claims.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Engine · MD

I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane due to the power loss, but then had to cross traffic at approximately 20 mph to reach a small emergency shoulder area on the left side of the highway, where the vehicle completely died. This created a serious highway safety hazard for me and other drivers. We were stranded in a highly dangerous location and required assistance from multiple Massachusetts State Troopers due to the unsafe roadside conditions. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership, where they diagnosed: spark plugs covered in oil, multiple cylinder misfires, compression loss in cylinder 3, burnt valve causing failure likely worn valve seals causing oil consumption. The dealership stated the engine had been burning/consuming oil and that the burnt valve caused the loss of compression and sudden breakdown. This vehicle uses the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine, which has a long history of engine failures, oil consumption complaints, stalling, and class-action litigation involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. Kia denied coverage by claiming only rod-bearing failures qualify for warranty extension, even though excessive oil consumption and compression loss appear closely related to the same broader engine defect pattern. Other owners have also reported 2017 Sportage excessive oil consumption leading to compression loss and engine failure. I believe this is a serious safety defect because the engine can fail suddenly while driving at highway speed, drivers may have little warning before loss of power, oil consumption may not trigger adequate warning before catastrophic failure. This creates crash risk, roadside hazard exposure, and potential fire risk.

Filed Jan 12, 2026 · IL

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

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine · KY

My wife was driving home from work on 10-15-2025 when the car started to lose power and started shaking, vibrating really bad. She got off the exit and at the red light and it died. She called me crying and scared. She started the car back up to try to get the car home and she said the car is vibrating and shaking really bad and I’m so scared and it died again in traffic. I told her to pull over and I would come get her and she did make it home. I look at the car and found it had a misfire on cylinder 2. Cylinder 2 had NO COMPRESSION. I did take it to Kia and they confirmed the diagnosis. Here is where the problem lies. The technician that scanned my car purposely miss diagnosed it. He wrote it only had burnt valves and cylinder. He never said anything about the hole in my piston. He took a picture of it and it has a hole on top. He said the car was drivable; are you kidding me. When you start the car the voice comes over the speakers and says the computer has detected a major engine problem. My cars vin # confirms that it qualifies for the class actions settlement because of the engine that is in the car. They are known to fail because of excessive oil use, starvation of oil, bad piston rings, bad rod bearings. We have been without her car since this happened. Kia said the car was drivable and I can promise you it is not. This car is not safe at all to drive. It loss all power in traffic and it kept dying.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Engine · NJ

I have documented oil consumption issue since 65,000 miles. Every time I got an oil change after that, I would have very low oil. When I told Kia, they told me that the engine would have to "blow up" for anything to be done. This all occurred before my 100,000 mile powertrain was expired. On July 2, 2025, my car began shaking and jumping while I was driving and any time I had the brake on at a red light. I took it to Midas for a diagnostic test and they said that 3 out of the 4 cylinders were misfiring. They told me to take it immediately to Kia. When I took it, they said they would do a diagnostic test. They said that one of the cylinders were misfiring and that I would need a new engine. At this time I was at approximately 113,;000 miles. I opened a claim with Kia and for a month, the only correpondence I had with them was when I called either Kia Corporate or Kia service where my car was. They never helped me, only told me I could get a new car and they would give me "a deal". I finally got in touch with a local mechanic and he said he wanted to look at the car. When I went to Kia to pick it up, it would not start, even when one of their mechanics jumped it. The local mechanic towed it for me, but not before Kia made me pay over $400 to take a car that did not run. They would not give me the keys until I paid. The local mechanic found that I had a cracked spark plug and had my car running in a day. I am appalled at how I was treated and how Kia would not stand by their car and then tried to get me to buy a new one. My car was well taken care of and it should not have needed a new engine, had oil consumption problems or should have been sitting in service for a month. Something needs to be done so that this does not happen again. There is a Facebook page dedicated to Kia engines and the stories are very similar to mine. This is not right.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Engine · MA

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.

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Engine · KY

The engine consumes oil excessively, oil changes have been done at dealer well before service intervals since brand new and it consumes oil to the point we add oil within a week of oil change. Engine seals have very minor seepage but no active drips or leaks. The oil consumption has lead to weak engine internals were I am now experiencing a cylinder 2 misfire, burnt exhaust valve, among other issues and the dealership will not stand behind the class action lawsuit and extended warranty over this engine, quoting me over $7k for an engine that was defective and poorly built from factory.

Filed Oct 4, 2023 · Engine · 82,365 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 5-quarts of oil were added every three months. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that cylinders #2, #3, and #4 were misfiring. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,365.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine · IA

The engine was misfiring causing issues when trying to reach the posted speed limit. This was/is especially dangerous when having to get on the interstate where vehicles are going up to 80 mph. The engine light did come on. Took the vehicle to a certified KIA dealer where the confirmed the problem and said a new engine was needed. New engine was ordered and replaced (took 4 months to get new engine in) and then a month later the same thing happened again.

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Engine · OH

- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine produced a check engine light 4 times in 2 months, and now is undrivable. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Always misfires in a cylinder. That can quickly become a safety issue when you're driving and it happens. Now there's no coolant in it and oil pressure light is on. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Dealership - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check engine light came on mid November first. Summary of it all: - Mid November check engine light came on. Felt rough vibration when idling. Went to dealership, replaced 1 coil and 4 spark plugs and did a carbon cleaning. - 2 weeks later, check engine light back. Vibration when starting the car. Dealership replaced the remaining coils. - 2 weeks later, check engine light back. Vibration when starting the car. Local mechanic replaced a spark plug. - 2 weeks later, check engine light back, no coolant, no oil pressure. Waiting on Kia.

Filed May 13, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

I was passing a car doing below 50 in a 55. As I sped to pass him the engine seemed to misfire, the car began to jerk and I suddenly lost power to the engine. I tried pressing on the gas pedal but engine was idle. I pulled to the side shut the engine off, waited a few minutes and tried to start the engine again. It did not want to turn over, sounded like a piston had blown. I had it towed to the family mechanic whom I take all my vehicles to. He ran a diagnostics and said piston #3 was getting no compression and I would need a new engine. I bought the vehicle brand new with 0 miles, the car now has 103,000 miles, just 3000 miles over warranty, which is why I took it to my mechanic and not the dealership. I bought the service contract from the dealership so it has been completely maintained as per contract at Future Kia in Clovis. My mechanic advised me to take it back to the dealer. I had it towed there and awaiting their diagnostics report.

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 127,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia sportage. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine consumed oil very quickly. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate as designed. The contact also stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle stalled with the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there were cylinder misfires and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

EngineReported December 19, 2018 · 71,653 vehicles affected
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 misfire

Is misfire or rough idle a common problem on the 2017 Kia Sportage?

15 of 404 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Sportage (4%) mention misfire or rough idle. The model year with the most reports is 2017.

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 72Check engine light 65Oil consumption 46Stalling 38Knocking 34Fire or smoke 31Loss of power 28Power windows 14Won't shift 11Sunroof shattered 11Headlights 10Door locks 8Jerking 8Won't start 8No deployment 7Fuel smell 6Key fob 6ABS 5Slipping 5

All model years of the Kia Sportage

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2017 Kia Sportage?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history