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2007 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

120 reports with mileage · 34 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports5 fire reports8 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

58 reports
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25,000 miles · Aug 22, 2009
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)

HAD A RECALL ON KIA SORENTO- 2007. A YEAR LATER THEY CALL ME ON IT. I TOLD THEM ABOUT RECALLS WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED THE VEHICLE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT FIRST. THEN THEY FIXED IT A YEAR LATER AND NOW ONE OF THE RECALLS IS ACTING UP AGAIN. NOW IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE ITU CONTROL ???? SO AFTER THEY DEFAULT ON OUR CONTRACT ABOU…

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HAD A RECALL ON KIA SORENTO- 2007. A YEAR LATER THEY CALL ME ON IT. I TOLD THEM ABOUT RECALLS WHEN I FIRST RECEIVED THE VEHICLE. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT FIRST. THEN THEY FIXED IT A YEAR LATER AND NOW ONE OF THE RECALLS IS ACTING UP AGAIN. NOW IT IS SOMETHING WITH THE ITU CONTROL ???? SO AFTER THEY DEFAULT ON OUR CONTRACT ABOUT MY PERSONAL INFO THEY HAD EXTRA FINANCE CHARGE BECAUSE I WAS SICK AND HAD A WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED ON THAT TOO! SO THEY REPO MY CAR AFTER I TOLD THEM TO COME AND GET IT. TOTAL OF 4 RECALLS ON A CAR I BOUGHT TWO YEARS AGO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10281407

500 miles · Apr 2, 2009
Air Bags

THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE VEHICLE IS POORLY DESIGNED AND WILL FREQUENTLY DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE AN ADULT PASSENGER IS RIDING IN THE PROPER MANNER, AS DISPLAYED BY THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL. MOREOVER, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THE PASSENGER AFTER IT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR B…

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THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE VEHICLE IS POORLY DESIGNED AND WILL FREQUENTLY DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE AN ADULT PASSENGER IS RIDING IN THE PROPER MANNER, AS DISPLAYED BY THE VEHICLES OWNER MANUAL. MOREOVER, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR THE PASSENGER AFTER IT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD BE OFF - THE ONLY WAY TO RESET THE AIRBAG IS TO HAVE THE PASSENGER LIFT THEMSELVES OFF OF THE SEAT (WHILE REMAINING BUCKLED) FOR OVER 2 SECONDS. EVEN TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF, REMOVING THE KEY, AND TURNING THE VEHICLE BACK ON DOES NOT WORK VERY RELIABLY - RESETTING THE SENSOR ~35% OF THE TIME. THE AIRBAG SENSOR ON THIS VEHICLE IS A KNOWN ISSUE (TSB# KT2008022001), AND REPEATED CALLS TO SERVICE CENTERS RE-ENFORCE THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS NO INTENTIONS OF ISSUING A RECALL OR EVEN A SIMPLE SOFTWARE UPDATE TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. INSTEAD, THEY INSTRUCT THAT THE SERVICE MEMBERS FIND A 'SUFFICIENTLY LARGE' MECHANIC, INSTRUCT THEM TO SIT IN THE SEAT TO ENSURE THAT THE DEVICE WORKS CORRECTLY. OBVIOUSLY, IF YOU SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEED THE MINIMUM WEIGHT, THE SENSOR WORKS CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH ADULT PASSENGERS WITH WEIGHTS RANGING FROM 120-170 LBS AND CONSIDER IT TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY FLAW WITH THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263991

25,000 miles · Feb 23, 2009
Air Bags

THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOR WORKING RELIABLY. MOST OF THE TIME IT EITHER DOES NOT DETECT MY WIFE AT ALL, OR, WHILE I AM DRIVING, IT SUDDENLY SIGNALS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SHE IS STILL SEATED. WHEN IT DOES NOT DETECT HER, THE SIGN 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' IS LIT. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WHEN …

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THE SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS NOR WORKING RELIABLY. MOST OF THE TIME IT EITHER DOES NOT DETECT MY WIFE AT ALL, OR, WHILE I AM DRIVING, IT SUDDENLY SIGNALS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF, EVEN THOUGH SHE IS STILL SEATED. WHEN IT DOES NOT DETECT HER, THE SIGN 'PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF' IS LIT. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WHEN I (210 POUNDS) SIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, ONLY FOR MY 148 POUND WIFE. I AM AFRAID THAT OUR 2007 SORENTO WILL NOT BE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING A POSSIBLY LIFESAVING ACT IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. AS A PASSENGER, SHE IS UNPROTECTED. A FRIEND OF OURS HAS A 2008 SPORTAGE THAT ALSO HAS A SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION AND THERE IT WORKS EVERY TIME MY WIFE GETS IN THE CAR. WE HAVE VISITED OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES; HAVING THE PROGRAM REFLASHED THREE TIMES AND EVEN THE SEAT CUSHION WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE WITH A NEW SENSOR. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PROBLEM WAS NEVER RESOLVED. OUR DEALERSHIP INFORMED US AFTER OUR LAST VISIT THAT THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259657

7,634 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Air Bags

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART FOR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHILE THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER A PART FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,634 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,654. UPDATED 01/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 01/09/09*JB

NHTSA ODI #10250419

14,013 miles · Oct 7, 2008
Air Bags

ATTEMPT TO FIX AIRBAG SYSTEM MODULE AND SEATBELT ASSY FAILED THREE TIMES BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIPS (03/08/08, 09/22/08, 10/01/08). VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER AS A PRECERTIFIED USED CAR WITH MANUFACTURER WARRANTY WITH 12000 MILES ON 09/05/08. KIA MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF FAILED ATTEMPTS ON 10/02/08 & HAVE…

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ATTEMPT TO FIX AIRBAG SYSTEM MODULE AND SEATBELT ASSY FAILED THREE TIMES BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIPS (03/08/08, 09/22/08, 10/01/08). VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME BY AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER AS A PRECERTIFIED USED CAR WITH MANUFACTURER WARRANTY WITH 12000 MILES ON 09/05/08. KIA MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF FAILED ATTEMPTS ON 10/02/08 & HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PURCHASE OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE UNDER CA CIVIL CODE(S) 1792, 1794. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244590

5 miles · Aug 30, 2008
Air Bags

I LEASE A 07 KIA SORENTO WITH 8700 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM THAT I CAN'T GET RESOLVED THROUGH THE DEALER OR WITH KIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. THEY SAY WE LIKE TO COMPLAIN, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND HOPE THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY…

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I LEASE A 07 KIA SORENTO WITH 8700 MILES ON IT. THE PROBLEM THAT I CAN'T GET RESOLVED THROUGH THE DEALER OR WITH KIA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK. THEY SAY WE LIKE TO COMPLAIN, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TAKE A CHANCE OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND HOPE THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE! THE 1ST TIME MY HUSBAND (WHO HAS WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR 15 YEARS) TOOK IT TO THE DEALER HE WAS TOLD WE WEREN'T THE ONLY ONE COMPLAINING BUT AS SOON AS THE SEAT SOFTENED UP IT WOULD START TO WORK. 10 MONTHS LATER IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. THE SECOND TIME WE TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE SERVICE REPORT SAYS THE SWITCH IS "FICKLE" BUT THEY DON'T CALL THAT A MALFUNCTION. HOW DO I KNOW THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY IF THE LIGHT SAYS IT IS TURNED OFF? THEY SAID WE NEED TO MOVE AROUND IN THE SEAT BY BOUNCING ON IT, SITTING BACK IN THE SEAT MORE, MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD OR BACKWARDS TO FIND THE RIGHT SPOT FOR THE AIRBAG TO WORK. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO AND IT DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE ANYHOW! THE 3RD TIME WAS TO A DIFFERENT DEALER BECAUSE THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE DUE TO A MAJOR ELECTRONIC PROBLEM AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 WEEKS AND SAID THEY FOUND SOME CODES AND REPLACED THE SWITCH. IT STILL ISN'T WORKING. I WAS GOING DOWN INTERSTATE WITH MY 160 LB SON AND AN HOUR INTO THE TRIP WE NOTICED THE AIRBAG SWITCH SAID AIRBAG TURNED OFF. I HAD TO PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF, HAVE HIM GET OUT, TURN THE CAR BACK ON, HAVE HIM GET BACK IN, BEFORE THE AIRBAG WOULD TURN ON. I WAS IN THE CITY FOR AN APPT. THIS WEEK AND BEFORE I LEFT THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOT, THE AIRBAG SWITCH TURNED TO OFF. WE HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF, AND RESTART IT. THE SWITCH WOULD SAY AIRBAG TURNED ON, DRIVE 15 FEET, AND NOW SAYS OFF. TURN CAR OFF, GET OUT, RESTART CAR, GET IN AIRBAG ON, DRIVE 20 FT, AIRBAG OFF. WE DO THIS 3 OR 4 TIMES BEFORE SWITCH SAYS AIRBAG ON AND STAYS ON. CAN YOU PUT PRESSURE ON THEM TO HELP US OUT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10240311

600 miles · Jul 22, 2008
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipmentCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND JERKED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR A RED LIGHT, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO STRIKE THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER TO GET THE AIR CONDITIONING TO WORK. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN. THE BLINKERS, TURN SIGNAL, AND CRUISE CONTROL DO NOT WORK. AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR TEN MONTHS, THE ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT CURRENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE RAILS TO STEP UP INTO THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. DURING A CRASH WITH A DEER, BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN ARM. ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ROTATED AND ALIGNED. ON THE THIRD OCCASION, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, SHE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WITH MANY COMPLAINTS, BUT THEY HAVE NEVER MADE ANY REPAIRS. A HYUNDAI INSPECTOR STATED THAT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600. UPDATED 09/23/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PERFORM AS THEY WERE DESIGNED. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD DELAY IN SHIFTING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT IN THE CORRECT GEAR. UPDATED 09/24/08. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10235319

3,285 miles · Jul 17, 2008
Air Bags

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A NORMAL SIZED PERSON IS SEATED PROPERLY, BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED. PREVIOUSLY, IF I RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE PASSENGER SEATED THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED, BUT I HAVE SINCE ENCOUNTERED TIME…

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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS INTERMITTENTLY ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A NORMAL SIZED PERSON IS SEATED PROPERLY, BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR INDICATES THE AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED. PREVIOUSLY, IF I RESTARTED THE CAR WITH THE PASSENGER SEATED THE ISSUE WAS CORRECTED, BUT I HAVE SINCE ENCOUNTERED TIMES WHEN RESTARTING THE CAR DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS AND CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE, BUT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO HELP ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234685

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2008
Air Bags

2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATES OFF WITH ADULT IN FRONT SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234196

6,600 miles · Apr 22, 2008
Air Bags

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 07 KIA RIO WAS ON AFTER REPAIRS FROM AN ACCIDENT. TOOK TO KIA OF CONYERS FOR DIAGNOSIS. ALMOST A MONTH LATER, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE WHICH I AM REPORTING IN CASE MORE PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN. …

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AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ON PASSENGER SIDE OF 07 KIA RIO WAS ON AFTER REPAIRS FROM AN ACCIDENT. TOOK TO KIA OF CONYERS FOR DIAGNOSIS. ALMOST A MONTH LATER, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE WHICH I AM REPORTING IN CASE MORE PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. SAFETY IS MY MAIN CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225345

Official recalls

4

20V088000 · Electrical System; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Feb 14, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

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

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.

Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.

13V114000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 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.

11V473000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Sep 7, 2011

KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY.

Remedy: KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.

09V130000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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

3

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.

EA09017 · Air Bag Occupant Classification System

Opened Nov 19, 2009 · Closed Sep 26, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:frontal

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.

Air Bags

The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.

PE09034 · Air Bag Ocs

Opened Jul 17, 2009 · Closed Nov 30, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:frontal

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.

Air Bags

KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.

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