NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
117 reports47,029 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE A/C BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE A/C BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,029.
NHTSA ODI #10610523
35,000 miles · Apr 16, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE ALSO RECURRED WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION. IN 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED O…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ESC WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE ALSO RECURRED WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION. IN 2007, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V130000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10583047
79,190 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingService Brakes
VEHICLE HAD THE STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V130000 (KIA RECALL SC077) IN JUNE 2009. ON 4/6/14 THE REPLACEMENT STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE ESC MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE, AND BRAKE-TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING EITHER SHIFT…
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VEHICLE HAD THE STOP LAMP SWITCH REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V130000 (KIA RECALL SC077) IN JUNE 2009. ON 4/6/14 THE REPLACEMENT STOP LAMP SWITCH FAILED CAUSING THE ESC MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE, AND BRAKE-TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING EITHER SHIFTED FROM N TO R OR FROM P TO R WITHOUT USING THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TAB. I HAD JUST BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT ONE STORE WITH NO PROBLEMS, CROSSED THE STREET, AND ATTEMPTED TO PARK AT ANOTHER STORE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE. HAD TO USE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE TO GET VEHICLE HOME AND TO DEALER ON 4/7/14. DEALER CONFIRMED FAILURE OF THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH, CHARGED ME $69.02 IN PARTS AND LABOR TO REPLACE IT. SINCE KIA EXPANDED THE RECALL IN APRIL 2013 TO COVER ALL REMAINING RONDO'S, I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE SWITCH UNDER WARRANTY AS THIS INDICATES A LINGERING PROBLEM WITH THE SWITCHES ACROSS VARIOUS MODEL YEARS AND OTHER KIA AND HYUNDAI MODELS. I ALSO FEEL THAT NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE FAILURE RATES OF THE SWITCHES REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V130000 (KIA RECALL SC077) BECAUSE KIA APPARENTLY HAS NOT MADE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN RESOLVING THIS SAFETY ISSUE GIVEN THE FAILURE OF THE UNIT PLACED IN MY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578112
100,000 miles · Feb 20, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
DURING STATE OF NY VEHICLE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND ABS SYSTEMS WERE NON FUNCTIONAL. AMBER SYMBOLS WERE ON AT TIME OF INSPECTION. DEALER REPORTS ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS FEATURES ARE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. REASON GIVEN: COMPUTER CONTROLLED SENDING UNIT LOCATED IN WHEEL WELL AND ITS WI…
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DURING STATE OF NY VEHICLE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY AND ABS SYSTEMS WERE NON FUNCTIONAL. AMBER SYMBOLS WERE ON AT TIME OF INSPECTION. DEALER REPORTS ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS FEATURES ARE NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. REASON GIVEN: COMPUTER CONTROLLED SENDING UNIT LOCATED IN WHEEL WELL AND ITS WIRES ARE CORRODED. CORROSION IS PER DEALER COMMON WITH THIS UNIT AND MODEL. PARTS HAVE BEEN ORDERED. HOWEVER AT PRESENT ABS/ESC NO LONGER WORK. THE CAR IS NOW LESS SAFE WITHOUT THESE FUNCTIONAL DEVICES. YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED IN THIS. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565190
57,000 miles · Feb 3, 2014
Engine
TWO TIMES MY ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING IN ICY WHETHER. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE WHEELS WERE SPINNING, IT SOUNDED AS IF SOME SYSTEM WAS TRYING TO STOP THE SPIN. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 25 MILES PER HOUR ON LEVEL GROUND. THE SECOND TIME, APPROX. TWO TO FOUR WEEKS LATER ALSO IN ICY CONDITIONS ON LEVEL GROUND, INCIDENT O…
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TWO TIMES MY ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING IN ICY WHETHER. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE WHEELS WERE SPINNING, IT SOUNDED AS IF SOME SYSTEM WAS TRYING TO STOP THE SPIN. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 25 MILES PER HOUR ON LEVEL GROUND. THE SECOND TIME, APPROX. TWO TO FOUR WEEKS LATER ALSO IN ICY CONDITIONS ON LEVEL GROUND, INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. THAT TIME I INTENTIONALLY APPLIED THE GAS HARD TO TEST TRY TO GET THE TIRES TO SPIN, AND THE CAR DIED WITHIN ONE SECOND OF LEAVING PARK. I ANTICIPATE THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND HOPE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN DURING RUSH HOUR WHEN I FEEL THERE IS A HIGH PROBABILITY I WILL GET IN AN ACCIDENT IF I AM UNABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10562806
110,000 miles · Jan 14, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10559971
55,400 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Structure
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED A FRONT SUB FRAME EXHIBITED A CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,4…
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TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED A FRONT SUB FRAME EXHIBITED A CRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,400. JS
NHTSA ODI #10556171
104,000 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE MAT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE MAT SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V244000 (AIR BAG). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
NHTSA ODI #10553819
66,000 miles · Aug 5, 2013
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. WHILE BRAKING, AND TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT BEHIND MY OFFICE BUILDING, THE CAR ACCELERATED SO QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE CAR JUMPED THE PARK CURBS AND HIT THE BUILDING WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO BREAK THROUGH THE CINDER BLOCK WALL WHILE ONLY TRAVELING APPROX…
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I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSED BY UNEXPLAINED AND UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. WHILE BRAKING, AND TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT BEHIND MY OFFICE BUILDING, THE CAR ACCELERATED SO QUICKLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE CAR JUMPED THE PARK CURBS AND HIT THE BUILDING WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO BREAK THROUGH THE CINDER BLOCK WALL WHILE ONLY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET. I WENT FROM COASTING IN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AT ABOUT 3-5 MPH, TO AN OPEN THROTTLE FULL FORWARD THRUST, ALL THE TIME I WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE. AT SOME POINT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BROKE ENTIRELY OFF. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE BROKEN ACCELERATOR CAUSED THE CAR TO OPEN THROTTLE LIKE IT DID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533675
99,000 miles · Jul 11, 2013
EngineSuspensionFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING INCREASED INTO THE RED ZONE WITH A CONSTANT NOISE OF FLOWING COOLANT. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED. AFTER WAITING TWO HOURS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RONDO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING INCREASED INTO THE RED ZONE WITH A CONSTANT NOISE OF FLOWING COOLANT. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE HAD OVERHEATED. AFTER WAITING TWO HOURS FOR THE ENGINE TO COOL, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN CAUTIOUSLY AND TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE RADIATOR FAN MOTOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE STABILIZER BAR WAS FAULTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
NHTSA ODI #10524310
Official recalls
3Apr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Jan 17, 2012
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, THROUGH JANUARY 29, 2008, AND MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 KIA RONDO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 13, 2006, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2008. THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) MAY BECOME DAMAGED THROUGH USAGE OVER TIME. IF THE CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY BECOMES DAMAGED, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WILL EXPERIENCE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONDITION POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG TO NOT DEPLOY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CLOCK SPRING DEVELOPS HIGH RESISTANCE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING CONTACT ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 11, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Apr 17, 2009
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
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
1DP22003 · 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.
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