While traveling at highway speeds on the freeway, the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure, causing the vehicle to lose power and violently force itself into an emergency low-speed "limp mode." This created an immediate, severe collision hazard with surrounding high-speed traffic. The vehicle is a 2017 Kia Sportage with a 2.4L Theta II engine, which had previously received the mandated KSDS safety software flash. The authorized dealership (Southwest Kia) refused to honor the safety recall and lifetime warranty parameters for this engine failure, instead classifying the issue as a "burnt valve" to deny coverage and forcing an out-of-pocket retail customer charge of $6,864.49 for a full engine assembly replacement.
2017 Kia Sportage transmission problems
41 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 38,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 41
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 38,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Shift linkage/cable/rod: retaining fasteners/hardware1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Sportage transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Kia Sportage transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2017 Kia Sportage owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recalls & product improvements before certification.
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)
AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.
Transmission stops drive ability at various times when pulling out into traffic it stops accelerating and the engine just revs high rpm’s until it slams itself back into a power gear. I have stalled several times recently pulling into traffic and was nearly involved in a wreck because a momentary lack of acceleration. This problem also hapoens when driving a steady speed it all of a sudden stops accelerating a d just revs the engine very high until it catches itself and regains the ability to have power.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure occurred while traveling across two States. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's brother while waiting for a scheduled appointment with the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact was informed that the second unknown software update was part of an unknown special program. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
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.
first owner 2017 Kia Sportage SX (NOTE SX specifically) AWD 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4-cyl engine) (no recalls found) - EXCESSIVE Oil Consumption since early/mid 2023 and continues still today, [XXX]. We lose over 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles, did not discover this until an oil change in early 2023 how low our oil was. No leaks then, no leaks now, oil maintenance performed, we have meticulous records and have been to the #1 Cochran Robinson Township Kia dealership where they have perform Kias required Oil Consumption Test that we've paid for. 1st set of test failed each time, dealership performed deep clean, and since there was only 3/4 quart loss, Kia had no further responsibilities. too busy with our small business over the holidays, started Oil Consumption test, again [XXX]. Every single time we hit 1,000 miles (monthly) we are down over 1+ quarts of oil, with no leaks anywhere. Added 40 ounces of oil (I have photos) a few days before we decided to get the Oil Consumption test again. PLS NOTE: There are quite a few MODELS and ENGINES listed in recalls or perhaps lawsuits for excessive oil consumption, our SX model 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection (4 cyl) specifically is not. Over the past 7 months, we have lost over 8 quarts of oil, and have had 2 maintenance oil changes in between, part of normal maintenance. Looking online there are thousands of posts regarding Kia Excessive Oil Consumption, Kia states losing 1 quart every 1,000 miles is acceptable? How can this not cause a hazard to us drivers, engine could blow due to oil going somewhere or into the environment, etc? IF you require all of the service records for the oil changes, etc. I have them all. Thank You Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) The contact stated the vehicle is continuing to show Excessive Oil Consumption while required to go through this KIA test again, (first in 2023, now this 2nd set of the same tests). Further stating that numerous owners having
Engine loses and uses oil of two quarts every 3000 miles
I have taken my 2017 kia sportage in the dealer several times due to loss of power and hesitation when trying to accelerate. They always say they cant find any issue. Also, my Kia is using or losing oil. I get oil changed every 5000 miles and the last two changes I had less then the low mark, barely showing on dip stick. I have had to add quarts of oil after only 2000 miles since oil change. Oil light does not come on, even when showing no oil on dip stick. It is very scary when I go to accelerate and nothing happens when trying to get on on rap for highway.
Questions about the 2017 Kia Sportage transmission
Does the 2017 Kia Sportage have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the transmission of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Sportage transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 38,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Kia Sportage transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Sportage have bad transmission?
The Kia Sportage model years with the most transmission complaints are 1998 (63 complaints), 1999 (57 complaints) and 2000 (41 complaints).
Other 2017 Kia Sportage problems
Engine 230Electrical 63Brakes 26Body 24Fuel system 24Acceleration 18Airbags 16Lights 15Steering 9Visibility 9Wheels 6Seat belts 3Driver assistance 2Locks 2Seats 2Suspension 1Tires 1
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