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Electrical systemPart report

2017 Kia Sportage Electrical system Problems

Complaints
63about this part
Share
16%of 404 total for the year
Median mileage
60,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the electrical system of the 2017 Kia Sportage, 16% of the 404 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On january 14,2021 after work around 3:30 when I got in my car it wouldn't start. We checked the oil and it had no oil. A towing truck picked up my car and took it to clay cooley Kia in irving. It's been sitting there since then and I was told I needed to pay 2,600 and that's only for what they believe is wrong with it. Why am I being charge? On the recall notice says they will repair at no cost to the costumer. Am I being scam?”

NHTSA complaint #11407154, filed 2021-04, 73 miles

“Starter stopped working after 80000 miles. It was the issue with solenoid but I had to replace the starter. My safety concern was that I was ate gas station at sams club and I was not able restart the car after fueling gas.”

NHTSA complaint #11242516, filed 2019-08, 80,000 miles

“2017 Kia Sportage lost all power as I was driving down the road. No power steering no braking nothing. Smoke and fumes filled the cab of SUV. Once I got off the road smoke was boiling out of hood of car.”

NHTSA complaint #11321777, filed 2020-04, 79,000 miles

“With only 6762 miles on the odometer, going 79-80 MPH on cruise control, the following happened all at once without warning: (1) loud thunk under the hood (2) engine stopped (3) electrical system shut down, including audio, dashboard, and headlights (4) rapid deceleration, as if I had slammed on the brakes (though I had not). (5) approaching the shoulder, I noticed that the power steering and power brakes were also inactive. After putting in park, it miraculously started right back up and got me home. …”

NHTSA complaint #11057847, filed 2018-01, 6,762 miles

“On sat morning my SUV caught fire without warning. This occurred in indianapolis on harding st. Near the interstate exit. We were at a complete stop when smoke started coming out of the car then flames. I got my kids and dogs out. Then I realized our medications were in there. I then went back to try to grab the bag. I couldn't because of how fast it went up. In the process I ended with two small burns and a slight abrasion. There was no warning. The SUV has been maintenance and given all required maintenance. In fact in june it was taken in for an oil change.and 15000 mile maintenance. …”

NHTSA complaint #11124013, filed 2018-09, 2,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026621%
20251527%
20241621%
20234523%
2022817%
2021611%
20202012%
20191115%
20183018%
20176316%
20161713%
20151812%
201486%
2013226%
2012297%
20113821%
201015%
20091823%
20082728%
20071317%
20062220%
2005812%
2002167%
20012310%
20003211%
19994114%
19984716%
19972112%
1996712%
1995814%

Other parts of the 2017 Kia Sportage

Engine
222 complaints
Other or unknown
75 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
41 complaints
Brakes
26 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Body and structure
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Exterior lighting
15 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaints
Engine cooling
8 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Kia Sportage

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology