NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
21 reportsClear category filter142,864 miles · Sep 17, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes
I RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE ABOUT POSSIBLE FIRES DUE TO BRAKING CIRCUITS IN THE EARLY SPRING, BUT THE DEALERSHIP KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AS SUGGESTED. I RECEIVED A SECOND NOTICE AT THE END OF JUNE. THE SUV WAS SERVICED 7/14/20 FOR A RECALL ON THE BRAKING CIRCUIT. ON 8/22/20 A BEAUTIFULL…
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I RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER RECALL NOTICE ABOUT POSSIBLE FIRES DUE TO BRAKING CIRCUITS IN THE EARLY SPRING, BUT THE DEALERSHIP KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AS SUGGESTED. I RECEIVED A SECOND NOTICE AT THE END OF JUNE. THE SUV WAS SERVICED 7/14/20 FOR A RECALL ON THE BRAKING CIRCUIT. ON 8/22/20 A BEAUTIFULLY CLEAR SATURDAY, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM A NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY ON A PAVED COUNTRY ROAD. I NOTICED THAT THE ESC OFF INDICATOR LIGHT DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. I STOPPED TO LOOK IN THE MANUAL TO SEE IF THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE. I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND NOTICED THAT TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON EVEN WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. BECAUSE OF TWO PRIOR MANUFACTURER WARNINGS ABOUT FIRE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, I PARKED THE CAR OUTSIDE AWAY FROM THE HOUSE AS RECOMMENDED. I CALLED THE KIA DEALERSHIP AT 4:30 THAT DAY AND ARRANGED WITH CAMERON TO DROP THE SUV OFF ON SUNDAY. ON SUNDAY, MY NEIGHBOR HELPED JUMP START MY CAR AND HE FOOLED AROUND UNDER THE DASH TO TURN THE BRAKE LIGHTS OFF. HE SAID TO TELL THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE WIRES WERE WARM WHICH I DID. I INCLUDED A LIST OF CONCERNS/FACTS WITH MY KEY IN THE DROP OFF BOX. ON MONDAY, 8/24/20 CAMERON, THE SERVICE AGENT, SAID THAT THE BRAKING CIRCUIT "WAS FRIED" . THE REPAIR COST OF $2,516.07 WOULD INCLUDE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT AND ALL WIRES. THE COMPLETED WORK ORDER BILL SAID THAT THE HYDRAULIC MODUL WAS REPLACED, THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY, AND HECU,
NHTSA ODI #11355554
235,000 miles · Sep 10, 2020
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING, NOT RUNNING, THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND UNDER THE DASH. THE SMOKE GOT MUCH WORSE AND THE HEAT FROM THE SOURCE WAS GROWING. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD AND DISCONNECTING THE POSITIVE TERMINAL ON THE BATTERY THE SMOKE SLOWED AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED ALL TOGETHER. NO…
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WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING, NOT RUNNING, THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND UNDER THE DASH. THE SMOKE GOT MUCH WORSE AND THE HEAT FROM THE SOURCE WAS GROWING. AFTER OPENING THE HOOD AND DISCONNECTING THE POSITIVE TERMINAL ON THE BATTERY THE SMOKE SLOWED AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED ALL TOGETHER. NOTE - THE CAR WAS PARKED AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. ALSO THE CAR WAS, AND HAD BEEN SITTING SINCE THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE ENGINE WAS COLD TO THE TOUCH WHEN THE ELECTRICAL FIRE TRANSPIRED. NOTE: THE LOCATIONS THAT WERE BELLOWING SMOKE WERE HOT TO THE TOUCH AND THE SMOKE WAS BLACK AND GRAY. THE INSIDE OF THE CAB HAD FILLED UP WITH SMOKE AS WELL AND HAD A STRANGE NEW ODOR THAT IS UNPLEASANT TO SAY THE LEAST. OVER ALL THE CAR DID NOT CATCH FULL FIRE AND THE DAMAGE IS NOT VISIBLE TO THE EYE. THE ENTERAL UNSEEN DAMAGE MAY BE SIGNIFICANT. NOTE: CURRENT MILEAGE UNAVAILABLE BEING THE BATTERY MUST STAY UNPLUGGED TO AVOID THE ENTIRE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. THE ONLY REASON THAT THE CAR STOPPED BURNING WAS BECAUSE OF QUICK AND DANGEROUS ACTIONS TAKEN TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #11354282
102,000 miles · Aug 31, 2020
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT IDLE AT FAST FOOD DRIVE THRU, WHEN HE SAW SMOKE EXITING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT THE PARKING LOT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WET TOWEL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FIELD WITH THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT IDLE AT FAST FOOD DRIVE THRU, WHEN HE SAW SMOKE EXITING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK AT THE PARKING LOT AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A WET TOWEL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FIELD WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED OR SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER KIA ATLANTA SOUTH (7310 JONESBORO RD, MORROW, GA 30260. (770) 968-3400) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE AND STATED THE FAILURE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED TO RECALL ASSOCIATED TO THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #11352310
131,000 miles · Jun 15, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V088000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED SHE SAW SMOKE EXITING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED A SHERIFF WAS ON THE SCENE TO ASSIST HER AND HE OPENED THE HOOD AND MORE SMOKE WAS SEEN HOWEVER, NO FLAMES WERE SEEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF VACAVILLE (651 ORANGE DR, VACAVILLE, CA 95687; (707) 392-4623), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CRACKED RADIATOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RADIATOR FAILURE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 131,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329061
200,000 miles · Apr 14, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY KIA SORENTO, IT SAYS IT IS DUE TO A ELECTRICAL ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. AND FOLLOWED BY THIS LETTER MY LIGHT DOES STAY ON FOR THIS PART AND OTHER LIGHTS ARE ON TOO DO TO THIS. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS KIA NOW. I THINK FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD RECALL THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. AND GIVE…
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I JUST RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY KIA SORENTO, IT SAYS IT IS DUE TO A ELECTRICAL ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. AND FOLLOWED BY THIS LETTER MY LIGHT DOES STAY ON FOR THIS PART AND OTHER LIGHTS ARE ON TOO DO TO THIS. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS KIA NOW. I THINK FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD RECALL THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. AND GIVE ME A BRAND NEW KIA SORRENTO. BECAUSE THIS IS LIFE OR DEATH,AND THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF MY DAUGHTER. TO SCHOOL AND DOCTOR, OR WHAT EVER HER NEEDS AND MINE ARE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER ON A FIXED INCOME AND I'M VERY SCARED FOR MINE AND MY CHILD'S LIFE OR WHO RIDES WITH US. SO I THINK KIA DEALERSHIP SHOULD TAKE MY KIA THAT'S RECALLED AND GIVE ME A NEW ONE FOR THAT. I TRAVEL ALOT EVERYDAY AND I NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY FOR USING MY KIA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11321109
180,000 miles · Mar 20, 2019
Air BagsElectrical System
TAKATA RECALL. AIR BAG LIGHT ON DASH STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES AND "PASSENGER AIR BAG ON/OFF" INDICATOR INDICATES OFF, EVEN WHEN AN ADULT IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, HORN WON'T BLOW AT TIMES.
NHTSA ODI #11190193
133,258 miles · Nov 20, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
SERVICE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SWITCHES BRAKE LIGHT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AIR BAG FRONTAL SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE. NO BRAKE LIGHT WHEN BRAKE IS PRESS, CRUISE ONTROL, ESC LIGHT, AIR BAG AND GEAR SHIFT WILL NOT MOVE FROM PARK.
NHTSA ODI #11152949
110,000 miles · Nov 11, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
TAKATA RECALL: VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE WHEN DRIVING, IT JUMPS WHEN ON MOTION. WHEN DRIVING IN THE NIGHT THE HEAD LIGHTS GOES ON AND OFF, REAR WIPER IS WORKING NON STOP EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF. THIS ELECTRIC SYSTEM DYSFUNCTION ALSO AFFECTS THE RADIO SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #11150806
120,333 miles · May 2, 2017
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
MY 07 KIA SORENTO WHEN TRYING TO ENTER THE STATE HIGHWAY. WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VIECHEL STATE TO ACCELERATE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ESC. LIGHT COMES ON AND THE SUV. GOES INTO SAFE LIMP MODE. WHERE IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND WILL NOT CLIMB OVER 20MPH. FOR A VERY LONG PERIOD. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BE…
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MY 07 KIA SORENTO WHEN TRYING TO ENTER THE STATE HIGHWAY. WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VIECHEL STATE TO ACCELERATE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ESC. LIGHT COMES ON AND THE SUV. GOES INTO SAFE LIMP MODE. WHERE IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND WILL NOT CLIMB OVER 20MPH. FOR A VERY LONG PERIOD. MY FAMILY AND I HAVE BEEN IN A FEW SITUATIONS WHERE WE WERE ALMOST HIT. LOOKING ONLINE I CAN SEE THAT THIS IS FAR FROM BEING A ISOLATED ORDEAL. AND THAT BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VIECHEL . I AM READING WHERE MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT NOT GOING TO THE DEALER BECAUSE OF THE COST INVOLVED. WITH THE NUMBER OF THE VIECHELS SOLD THERE HAVE TO BE QUITE A FEW THAT HAVE RESULTED IN A ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVES BODILY INJURY. IF NOT GOD FORBID EVEN DEATH. I JUST HOPE THIS REACHES THE DESK OR SCREEN OF SOMEONE WHO CAN INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. A LOT BETTER THAN WHAT I AM CAPABLE OF DOING.
NHTSA ODI #10983158
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2017
Electrical System
WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION EVEN WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON GOING OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR, THERE WILL BE A HESITATION IN FORWARD MOTION. ITS NOT A TRANSMISSION JERK. ITS A PAUSE WHILE IN MOTION. THE HEADLIGHTS ALSO DO THE SAME WHEN ON. THEY WILL BE ON NORMAL THEN GO DIM WHILE IN MOTION. WE HAVE TROUBLE SHOOTED AND NO CODES COME UP. WE BE…
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WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION EVEN WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS ON GOING OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR, THERE WILL BE A HESITATION IN FORWARD MOTION. ITS NOT A TRANSMISSION JERK. ITS A PAUSE WHILE IN MOTION. THE HEADLIGHTS ALSO DO THE SAME WHEN ON. THEY WILL BE ON NORMAL THEN GO DIM WHILE IN MOTION. WE HAVE TROUBLE SHOOTED AND NO CODES COME UP. WE BELIEVE IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. WE HAVE ONLY HAD VEHICHLE FOR 2 YRS AND ITS DONE THIS EVERY SINCE WE HAD IT BUT ITS GOTTEN WORSE. WASNT AS NOTICABLE WHEN WE PURCHASED BUT IT WASNT BEING DRIVEN FOR LONG DISTANCES. NOW IT HAS BEEN DROVE ON LONG TRIPS AND IS VERY NOTICEABLE. FEELS LIKE THE CAR WILL JUST STOP/SHUT DOWN IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #10971206
Official recalls
4Feb 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.
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.
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.
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
3DP21003 · 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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