Engine. Review the 398 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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Electrical System. Review the 122 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

25 crash reports77 fire reports22 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

40 reports

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71,000 miles · Jan 23, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

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ISSUE STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO. NOTICED THAT VEHICLE ACCELERATION IS SLUGGISH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TAKE FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL THEN DEPRESS IT AGAIN IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. ACCELERATION IS UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. ELECTRONIC STABILITY SENSOR ALSO STARTED LIGHTING UP AND CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS LIT UP ON ITS OWN (AND DID NOT TURN OFF) WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND FOB NOT NEAR VEHICLE, DRAINING THE BATTERY. POLICE CAME BY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO REPORT THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE ON. TAIL LIGHT DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN PRESSING THE FOB UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON. HAD TO RESTART THE ENGINE, DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK THEN TURN OFF ENGINE BEFORE THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME OFF... BUT IT TURNED BACK ON AGAIN ON ITS OWN THAT SAME NIGHT (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT) AND HAD TO REPEAT THE PROCESS. MY BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND HAD TO REPLACE IT 3 DAYS AGO. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BATTERY PROBLEM (AND WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A BATTERY RELATED ISSUE) BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. READ REVIEWS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A RUNNING COMPLAINT WITH ISSUES ON BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER OR BRAKE SENSOR STOPPER. WILL BRING VEHICLE TO DEALER IN THE MORNING.

NHTSA ODI #11301278

58,388 miles · Nov 10, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

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VEHICLE'S ABS BRAKE ACTIVATE RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING THE ABS BRAKE SIGNAL ON DASHBOARD,WHILE IN MOTION AND WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE AND HAS MADE THE VEHICLE COME TO A NEAR COMPLETE STOP. EVEN IF THE GAS PEDAL IS PRESSED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WILL NOT INCREASE SPEED, ONLY DECREASE. THE ISSUE HAPPENS 8/10 TIMES WHILE MAKING TURNS AND APPROX 5/10 WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON FREEWAY . THIS HAPPENED ON 11/08/2019 IN THE EVENING, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK TO KIA AND THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR FOR 20 MILES AND DIDN'T SEE OR EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUES. MY CAR IS A 2012 AND ONLY HAS 58, 388 MILES. I DEMANDED THEY KEEP LOOKING BUT THEY CAUGHT AN ATTITUDE LIKE I MADE THE SCENARIO UP AND ANY STATED THAT I SHOULD DRIVE THE CAR WITH THEIR MECHANIC AS THEY "CANNOT REPLICATE MY DRIVING", LIKE I'M DRIVING IN THE [XXX] INDY 500. SINCE IT IS NOW SUNDAY, AND THE DEALER IS CLOSED IT WILL BE SITTING IN THEIR SERVICE CENTER MONDAY MORNING! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11279229

89,979 miles · Sep 24, 2019

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT'S WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SAFETY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE MORE THAN 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAN FRANCISCO HONDA NEW & USED SALES (1595 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, (415) 687-0174) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,979. *AS

NHTSA ODI #11257857

79,985 miles · Sep 17, 2019

EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

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I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AT 80,XXX, AND HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH THE SCHEDULED SERVICES/MAINTENANCE. I BARELY DRIVE MY CAR NOWADAYS, AND JUST RIDE MY BICYCLE TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THAT IS 1-MILE AWAY. MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, GOING 65MPH, 47-MILES INTO OUR DRIVE, OUR CAR STARTED JERKING. WE HAVE ABOUT 3-4 MILES LEFT TO OUR DESTINATION. WHEN YOU PRESSED ON THE GAS, IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS JUST ACCELERATING AND NOT SHIFTING TO THE NEXT GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR NOTIFICATION AS TO WHY THAT WAS HAPPENING. WE EXITED FROM THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED AT A LOCAL PLAZA TO TRY AND RESET THE CAR, AND GAVE THE CAR ABOUT 20-MINS BEFORE DRIVING AGAIN. WHEN WE TRIED DRIVING ABOUT THE LAST 10-MINS, EVEN AT 20MPH, IT WAS STILL JERKING AND STILL SOUNDED LIKE IT WASN'T SHIFTING TO THE NEXT GEAR, AND STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS. WE ENDED UP TOWING OUR CAR BACK HOME BECAUSE WE DIDN'T WANT TO RISK GETTING STUCK ON THE FREEWAY AT 1-2AM. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM THE 2ND OWNER, HOWEVER, I DO HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY, SO I HOPE THIS ISSUE IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. I WILL DEFINITELY CONTACT KIA AND RAISE THIS CONCERN BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11256062

98,130 miles · Aug 24, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control

THE GAS PEDDLE STOPS WORKING AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATES AS YOU ARE IN MOTION. AFTER STEPPING ON THE PEDDLE A FEW TIMES IT BEGINS TO ACCELERATE AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11246227

90,000 miles · Jul 31, 2019

Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

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I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. DROVE GREAT AT FIRST NOW THE CAR IS OFF AND ON.. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR LUNGES OFTEN AND AS OTHERS HAVE SAID THERE IS A DELAY 2 SECOND FROM PRESSING THE GAS TO THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATING. THE CAR ALSO LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE NOTICED THE ENGINE WILL NOT CHARGE THE HYBRID BATTERY WHEN IT IS GETTING LOW AND THE CAR BECOME IMMOBILIZED UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE HAD DASH LIGHTS ONLY APPEAR ONCE AND WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. ATTACHED ARE A FEW PICTURES YOU CAN SEE THE HYBRID BATTERY HAD 1 BAR IT APPEARS TO BE CHARGING BUT THEN GOES TO 0 BARS BECAUSE THE BATTERY IS TRYING TO POWER THE CAR WHILE ONLY THE ENGINE SHOULD.

NHTSA ODI #11240841

166,000 miles · Jul 19, 2019

EngineExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND DEPRESSED AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RATTLE, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FLICKERED, AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ATLANTA WEST KIA (LOCATED AT 1301 THORNTON RD, LITHIA SPRING, GA 30122, (678) 715-5399) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

NHTSA ODI #11233435

136,000 miles · Apr 21, 2019

EngineVehicle Speed Control

TAKATA RECALL, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I WENT TO SPEED UP THE ENGINE SEIZED, CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN BACK ON, ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE STARTED FLICKERING, I TRIED JUMPING M…

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NHTSA ODI #11202726

133,000 miles · Mar 1, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHILE DOING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED AND AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE. MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND OFF. A COUPLE OF MILES IT DID IT AGAIN. I THEN PLACED MY FOOT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY CAR DROVE FINE. AFTER INSPECTING MY CAR I NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE STOPPER WAS WORN. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT WHILE YOU ARE ACCELERATING AND THE BRAKE STOPPER IS BAD, IT CAN CAUSE YOUR CAR TO GO INTO A SAFETY MODE BECAUSE IT THINKS YOU ARE BRAKING AND ACCELERATING AT THE SAME TIME. THIS AFFECTS THE POWER AND CAN CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION.

NHTSA ODI #11183369

123,198 miles · Feb 13, 2019

EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

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ON JANUARY 24, 2019, MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHAKERS KIA IN WATERTOWN CT AGAIN. I HAD BEEN IN CT VISITING FAMILY WHEN I GOT STUCK THERE DUE TO CAR ISSUES. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF DECEMBER 7, 2018 FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO A RECALL AND I GOT IT BACK DECEMBER 31, 2018. I DROVE MY CAR HOME TO NC ON JANUARY 4, 2019 AND CAME BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR MY SON'S SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 23. ON JANUARY 22, THREE WEEKS AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHAKERS KIA. THEY TEXTED ME AT 9:08AM JANUARY 23 WITH A LINK TO A VIDEO SAYING MY CAR WAS READY. I PICKED IT UP AROUND 5PM AFTER MY SON'S SURGERY. I DIDN'T HAVE THE CAR 4 HOURS WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. SHAKERS TOLD ME THAT I WAS GONNA BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING MY THROTTLE BODY BECAUSE I STILL HAVE OLD COMPONENTS FROM MY OLD ENGINE AND MY THROTTLE BODY WAS PART OF THAT. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW I HAVE OLD COMPONENTS IF MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED, SO I CALLED KIA HEADQUARTERS. SHAKERS REPLACED MY THROTTLE BODY, NO COST TO ME. WELL, WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP ON JANUARY 30, I ASKED ABOUT THE FUEL LEAK RECALL AND IF MY CAR WAS INSPECTED AS KIA TOLD SHAKERS TO CHECK MINES EVEN THOUGH MY VIN NUMBER WASN'T INCLUDED BECAUSE MY CAR NEEDED TO BE CHECKED BECAUSE MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN HECTOR THAT MY CAR WAS FINE AND IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HE WAS VERY CONFIDENT IN HIS WORK. HE STATED THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING ENGINE FIRES BECAUSE MECHANICS DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING AND ARE INSTALLING THE ENGINES WRONG. MY CAR DOESN'T RUN THE SAME AFTER HAVING MY ENGINE REPLACED. IT RUNS AND IDLES ROUGH. I PUT IN NUMEROUS CALLS TO KIA ABOUT ISSUES WITH MY CAR AND I'M TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT MY CASE MANAGER WILL CALL ME BUT IT'S BEEN WEEKS AND SHE HASN'T CALLED YET.

NHTSA ODI #11179741

Official recalls

23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 25, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

22V560000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

Aug 1, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Consequence: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

18V363000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Jun 1, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

17V224000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Mar 31, 2017

Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE19004 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Mar 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights; Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima, MY 2011-2014 Kia Sorento and MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with Theta II, Gamma, Nu and Lambda II engines (approximately 1.7 million vehicles). ODI also reviewed field and other data on other Kia vehicles (approximately 3.6 million additional vehicles) equipped with the same engines used in the above-mentioned vehicles.As a result of this PE, Kia has issued NHTSA Recalls 20V-750 and 21V-844 to address potential engine failures and fires in certain Kia vehicles equipped with various engine types.Additional information on these and other related recall actions is available in the downloadable version of this resume available at NHTSA.gov.In addition, ODI has upgraded this PE to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 which will focus on potential recall scope concerns and recall remedy concerns related to the engine failure-related recalls mentioned above and conducted previously.See the EA21-003 Opening Resume available at NHTSA.gov for more information.Also available in the downloadable version of this resume is a list of the reference numbers for the 444 ODI reports, or Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs), cited above which ODI received through mid-November 2021.Note that the Manufacturer reports cited above are customer complaints received through March 2019.

Additional source detail variants (392)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights

Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other

DP18003 · Non-crash Vehicle Fires

Opened Aug 21, 2018 · Closed May 10, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; Electrical System:ignition:module; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery; Electrical System:starter Assembly; Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay; Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control ; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve); Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights; Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit; Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices; Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch; Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch; Unknown Or Other

In a letter dated June 11, 2018, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into non-collision related fires on model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles. In a letter dated July 24, 2018, CAS requested that MY 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles be added to the petition. CAS stated that there is a higher number of complaints to NHTSA regarding non-crash fires on these vehicles compared to other similar vehicles. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) had already opened Recall Queries (RQ17-003 and RQ17-004) on all Kia and Hyundai vehicles equipped with Theta II engines for engine failures that may cause stalling and fires.The queries cover most of the petition subject Optima, Sorento, Sonata, and Santa Fe vehicles but not any of the subject Soul vehicles.On August 21, 2018, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP18-003) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the CAS petition. ODI sent Information Request letters to Kia and Hyundai (September and October 2018) requesting information on all engine and non-engine related fires in the petition vehicles.ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Kia and Hyundai. During the DP18-003 analysis, Kia and Hyundai each initiated three additional safety recalls related to engine compartment fires on certain petitioned and non-petitioned vehicles (nearly 740,000 total vehicles: Recalls 18V-907, 18V-934, 19V-101, 19V-063, 19V-120, and 19V-204). Based on ODI?s review of the applicable materials, including responses to Information Requests sent to multiple manufacturers, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ), and Early Warning Data, NHTSA decided to grant the petition.The CAS petition was granted on March 29, 2019. Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) have been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged defects relating to non-collision vehicle fires in the 2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul.Attached is a list of the reference numbers for the 404 VOQs cited above.

Additional source detail variants (208)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Electrical System:ignition

Electrical System:ignition:module

Electrical System:ignition:switch

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Electrical System

Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Electrical System:starter Assembly

Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay

Electrical System:starter Assembly:solenoid

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Electrical System:wiring

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:hoses/lines/piping/fittings

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:radiator Assembly

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/supercharger

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights

Exterior Lighting:fog Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:unit

Exterior Lighting:headlights:concealment Devices

Exterior Lighting:headlights:high/low Beam Dimmer Switch

Exterior Lighting:headlights

Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights:switch

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:flasher Unit

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch

Unknown Or Other

RQ17003 · Scope And Timeliness

Opened May 18, 2017 · Closed Dec 22, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s assertions of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine