Recall 17V224 affects 618,160 2011-2014 Kia Sportage, Optima, and Sorento vehicles for engine bearing wear. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 618,160 2011-2014 Sportage, Optima, and Sorento vehicles because machining errors during engine manufacturing can cause premature bearing wear. That bearing wear can make the engine seize and increase crash risk, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine bearings in affected 2011-2014 Kia Sportage, Optima, and Sorento vehicles support the rotating crankshaft inside the engine. Oil flows over those bearings so the crankshaft can spin without metal surfaces grinding against each other. On the listed Gasoline Direct Injection and Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engines, that oil flow is part of what keeps the lower engine alive under heat and load.
The problem starts with the way some engines were machined at the factory. Metal debris left from machining, along with uneven surface roughness on the crankpins, restricted oil flow to the bearings. With less oil protection, the bearings wear early, and that wear turns into internal engine damage.
Owners can see an engine warning lamp, an oil pressure warning lamp, or hear a knocking noise from the engine. Those are the warning signs Kia listed for this recall.
Who's affected?
Spans Sportage, Optima, and Sorento models across the 2011-2014 model years, all tied to the engine component.
| 2011 Kia Sportage | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2011 Kia Optima | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Sorento | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Sportage | Engine |
| 2012 Kia Optima | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Optima | Engine |
| 2013 Kia Sportage | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Sorento | Engine |
| 2014 Kia Optima | Engine |
| Units affected | 618,160 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Bearing wear can make the engine seize, which increases the risk of a crash. Treat an engine warning lamp, oil pressure warning lamp, or knocking noise from the engine as a reason to stop driving and call a Kia dealer for guidance. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2014 Kia Sportage, Optima, or Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free engine inspection; Kia replaces the engine if bearing wear from machining errors is found.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia sent one, and reference recall number 17V224 and Kia recall SC147 when you call.
- Plan the dealer visit before relying on the vehicle for longer trips; bearing wear can result in engine seizure.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the engine assembly for the bearing-wear condition covered by this recall and replaces the engine when the inspection shows replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related engine repair before the recall notice, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented repair expenses. Contact Kia customer service or ask the dealer service desk how to submit your paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 22, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 20, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V224?
Recall 17V224 covers 618,160 2011-2014 Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage vehicles with engine machining errors that can cause premature bearing wear. That wear can lead to engine seizure and increased crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect the engine assembly and replace the engine if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2014 Kia Sportage, Optima, or Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V224. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the engine inspection. Reference recall 17V224 or Kia recall SC147 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia will inspect the engine assembly and replace the engine if needed free of charge at any franchised Kia dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Kia before the recall repair?
The safety risk is engine seizure from premature bearing wear, which increases crash risk. Recall 17V224 is not listed as a do-not-drive recall, but you should confirm your VIN and schedule the dealer inspection promptly if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Kia used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Optima, Sorento, or Sportage is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer with recall 17V224 or Kia recall SC147.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V224000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V224 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V224000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →