Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
460–25K
925–50K
1350–75K
2175–100K
25100–150K
6150K+
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
What owners actually said
154 reports
110 miles · Oct 30, 2007
Power Train
IN JULY, 2007, I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA SORENTO. ON MY FIRST OCCASION TO DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE, COMING HOME FROM WORK, I ENCOUNTERED A MAJOR SHUDDER OR JERKING WHEN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE INTERSTATE WAS VERY SHOW TRAVELING DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR SHUDDERED (OR JERKED) SEVERAL TI…
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IN JULY, 2007, I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA SORENTO. ON MY FIRST OCCASION TO DRIVE ON THE INTERSTATE, COMING HOME FROM WORK, I ENCOUNTERED A MAJOR SHUDDER OR JERKING WHEN TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE INTERSTATE WAS VERY SHOW TRAVELING DUE TO AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR SHUDDERED (OR JERKED) SEVERAL TIMES EXTREMELY HARD BUT THEN STRAIGHTENED OUT. THE HARD SHUDDERS OCCUR AT APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 45 MPH. ALSO, WHEN TRAVELING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, IF I HAVE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL DUE TO SLOWING TRAFFIC, I PRESS THE MIDDLE CRUISE CONTROL BUTTON AND TAKE OVER MANUALLY. WHEN TRAFFIC PICKS BACK UP, I PRESS THE "RESUME" BUTTON, AGAIN...THE SHUDDER. THE SHUDDER OR JERKING ALWAYS HAPPENS UPON ACCELERATION. WHEN ATTEMPTING A HILL AT 35 TO 45 MPH, THE CAR LOSES POWER ALL TOGETHER AND REALLY STRUGGLES UNTIL REACHING THE TOP. I HAD CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND TAKEN THE SORENTO IN FOR REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER DROVE THE CAR, DID IN FACT EXPERIENCE THE SHUDDER, BUT WAS UNABLE TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION TO FIX IT. HE CONTACTED HIS DISTRICT MANAGER WHO SAID HE WAS WORKING A CAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND WAS TRYING TO FIND A "CURE." I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EVEN DROVE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER. HE ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM BUT, AGAIN, AT THIS TIME, THERE IS NO SOLUTION AS TO HOW TO FIX IT. I CONTACTED KIA HEADQUARTERS TO SEE IF THEY WERE WORKING ON TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION TO FIX THE SHUDDER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS PROBABLY A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR AND WOULD BE CONSIDERED "NORMAL" PERFORMANCE FOR THE SORENTO. I FIND THIS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I HAD DRIVEN A LOANER SORENTO WHEN MINE WAS IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND IT DID NOT DO THE SHUDDER. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY SORENTO AND AM CONSIDERING TRADING AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207397
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2007
Air Bags
THE AIRBAG ACTUATION SYSTEM IS DESIGN DEFECTIVE, AT LEAST FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, IN THAT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS BECOME ACTIVE , WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN IT. I HAVE HAD PASSENGERS FROM 105# TO 315#, AND SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM IS ACTIVE AND SOMETIMES NOT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY KIA SERVICE THAT THE 8" BLADDER IN THE SEAT, WHICH …
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THE AIRBAG ACTUATION SYSTEM IS DESIGN DEFECTIVE, AT LEAST FROM MY POINT OF VIEW, IN THAT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS BECOME ACTIVE , WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN IT. I HAVE HAD PASSENGERS FROM 105# TO 315#, AND SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM IS ACTIVE AND SOMETIMES NOT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY KIA SERVICE THAT THE 8" BLADDER IN THE SEAT, WHICH ACTIVATES THE SYSTEM FOR DEPLOYMENT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, IS SENSITIVE TO WHERE AND HOW THE PASSENGER SITS IN THE SEAT. IF THEY DON'T SIT IN JUS A CERTAIN MANNER, THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ACTIVATE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ITEM AND HAS AN IMMEDIATE URGENCY TO HAVE KIA REMEDY THIS. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND THE BAG DOES NOT DEPLOY FOR THE PASSENGER DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, I MOST DEFINITELY WILL BE IN COURT WITH KIA. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207076
55 miles · Oct 17, 2007
EquipmentWheels
HUBCAPS HAVE 3/8" GAP BETWEEN RIM AND HUBCAP. HAVE TRIED WEEKLY SINSE MAY TO GET KIA TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS AIR SPACE AT HIGHWAY SPPEDS COULD CAUSE UN STABLE STEERING AND WHEEL BEARING WEAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10206143
959 miles · Oct 5, 2007
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, MAINLY BETWEEN 42 AND 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKS AND VIBRATES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,600 AND FAILUR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, MAINLY BETWEEN 42 AND 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKS AND VIBRATES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE SECOND TIME, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVESHAFT, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,600 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 959. UPDATED 12-12-07. *KB THE DEALER WASN'T SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY STATED THE PROBLEM MAY BE A SOFTWARE OR TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUE. UPDATED
NHTSA ODI #10205099
2,394 miles · Sep 13, 2007
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE PRESSURE IN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHECK THE PRESSURE WITH HIS TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE, BUT IT RELEASED THE AIR OUT OF THE TIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS BENT. HE SPOKE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATED THAT THE PRESSURE IN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CHECK THE PRESSURE WITH HIS TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE, BUT IT RELEASED THE AIR OUT OF THE TIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS BENT. HE SPOKE WITH KIA ROADSIDE SERVICE WHO REFERRED HIM TO KUNHO, THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. KUNHO STATED THAT THEY WERE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRE AND NOT THE VALVE STEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 2,394.
NHTSA ODI #10202909
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2007
Air BagsEquipment
OUR 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND I RIDE AS A PASSENGER. WHEN I RIDE 75% OF THE TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, THIS TELLS US THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT ON. WE HAVE NOTICED MANY THINGS THAT WILL CORRECT THIS AND ALSO MAKE IT HAPPEN. ONE THING IS I…
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OUR 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. THIS IS MY WIFE'S CAR AND I RIDE AS A PASSENGER. WHEN I RIDE 75% OF THE TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF, THIS TELLS US THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT ON. WE HAVE NOTICED MANY THINGS THAT WILL CORRECT THIS AND ALSO MAKE IT HAPPEN. ONE THING IS IT NORMALLY HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN LEFT OFF FOR AWHILE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT MAY GO OFF ARE YOU START THE CAR BUT WHEN YOU SHIFT IT INTO GEAR IT POPS ON. YOU CAN ALSO GET IT TO COME ON SOMETIMES WHEN YOU REMOVE YOUR SEAT BELT. YOU CAN SOMETIMES CORRECT THE PROBLEMS BY SHUTTING OFF AND RESARTING THE CAR. NOW THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM AND A ERRATIC ISSUE. BEING A AUTOMOTIVE TECH AND A ELECTRONIC TECH I CAN SEE HOW THE KIA DEALER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH OUT SEEING THE PROBLEM. THE KIA DEALER HERE IS REALLY NO HELP AS WHEN WE TOOK IT IN THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "SHOW ME THE PROBLEM" BUT OF COURSE WE COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT AT THAT TIME. WE HAVE SINCE HAD THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS AND HAVE TAKEN NOTICE OF HOW THE PROBLEM IS SHOWING UP. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN IT IN AS WE HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE KIA TECHNICAL STAFF AS TO THERE CAPABILITIES OF REPAIR. I SHOULD SAY WE FIRST BOUGHT A 06 SORENTO AND HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR 5 WEEKS OUT OF THE 7 WEEKS, WE OWNED IT AND TRADED IT IN FOR THE 07 TRYING TO GIVE KIA A CHANCE TO REDEEM FOR ALL THE PROBLEMS BEFORE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10201724
100 miles · Aug 28, 2007
Air Bags
I HAVE A 2007 KIA SORRENTO THAT WAS PURCHASED PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING. HOWEVER, IN MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATION SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A CHILD ALSO DEACTIVATES THE AIRBAG MORE THAN 50% OF THE TIME WHEN AN ADULT OCCUPI…
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I HAVE A 2007 KIA SORRENTO THAT WAS PURCHASED PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE 5 STAR SAFETY RATING. HOWEVER, IN MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEACTIVATION SENSOR DESIGNED TO DEACTIVATE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHEN THE SEAT IS OCCUPIED BY A CHILD ALSO DEACTIVATES THE AIRBAG MORE THAN 50% OF THE TIME WHEN AN ADULT OCCUPIES THE SEAT. I HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY DEALER 3 TIMES AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE IS NO "FIX" FROM THE FACTORY. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM ( I DOUBT THAT) AND THAT KIA WAS NOT PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS A "SECONDARY PROTECTION DEVICE" WHICH WAS NOT REALLY NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IF THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING HIS/HER SEAT BELT. I CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY BASICALLY "BLEW ME OFF" SAYING THAT KIA WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM IN "DUE TIME". HOW CAN KIA ADVERTISE A 5 STAR SAFETY RATING WHEN IN FACT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS SENSOR ISSUE AND ARE NOT WILLING OR ABLE TO FIX IT? APPEARS TO ME THAT THERE IS SOME FALSE ADVERTISING GOING ON AND REALLY WE HAVE ABOUT A 2 STAR SAFETY RATING! *JB
NHTSA ODI #10201075
75 miles · Aug 3, 2007
Air Bags
PURCHASED A NEW 2007 KIA SORRENTO ON 3/30/07. LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBACK DISCONNECT LIGHT ON WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. REPORTED PROBLEM TO KIA USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND NO ACTIO…
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PURCHASED A NEW 2007 KIA SORRENTO ON 3/30/07. LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBACK DISCONNECT LIGHT ON WITH AN ADULT SITTING IN THE SEAT. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AND THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE. REPORTED PROBLEM TO KIA USA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN OTHER THAN REFER US TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR SERVICE. A SERVICE MANAGER I SPOKE WITH SAID THIS WAS A "KNOWN PROBLEM" WITH THE 06 AND 07 SORRENTO BUT THAT THE COMPANY COULD NOT "REPRODUCE A HARD ERROR". THE SERVICE MANAGER WENT ON TO TELL ME THAT THERE ARE SENSORS IN THE SEAT CUSHION AND SEAT BACK AND THAT A PASSENGER HAS TO SIT IN THE SEAT IN A PARTICULAR WAY IN ORDER FOR CONTACT TO BE MADE PROPERLY. THE MANAGER WENT ON TO SAY THAT HE HAD SEEN A LOT OF 06 AND 07 SORRENTO'S WITH THIS PROBLEM AND WAS WAITING ON KIA TO TAKE ACTION. OTHER THAN PURSUE THE LEMON LAW PROCESS, WHAT OTHER RECOURSE DOES A CONSUMER HAVE WITH A CLEAR ENGINEERING DEFECT OF A KEY SAFETY FEATURE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10198364
1,843 miles · Jul 13, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
WELL BOUGHT THIS NEW KIA SORENTO ON 01-06-07 WELL NOTICED ON 01-07-07 A TCIKING NOICE COMMING FROM ENGINE BROUGHT IT BACK I ON MONDAY 01-08-07 SERVICE MANAGER AT WORLD KIA IOF LAS VEGAS SAYS ITS NEW NEEDS TO E BROKE IN THEN I GET A RECALL NOTICE FIX ON 02-23-07 FRE OF COURSE NOW ON 4-23-07 BROUGHT BACK IN THE TICKING NOICE GO…
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WELL BOUGHT THIS NEW KIA SORENTO ON 01-06-07 WELL NOTICED ON 01-07-07 A TCIKING NOICE COMMING FROM ENGINE BROUGHT IT BACK I ON MONDAY 01-08-07 SERVICE MANAGER AT WORLD KIA IOF LAS VEGAS SAYS ITS NEW NEEDS TO E BROKE IN THEN I GET A RECALL NOTICE FIX ON 02-23-07 FRE OF COURSE NOW ON 4-23-07 BROUGHT BACK IN THE TICKING NOICE GOT WORSE REPLACE LIFETERS TENSINOR ASSY ALMOST A COMPLETE OVER HAUL ON ENGINE AT 1843 MILES FIXED THEN ON 6-29-07 THE UPPER RAIDATOR HOSE BLOWS AT 3049 MILES ASK WHY SERVICE MANAGER KEVIN BLACKWELL AYS THEY DONT KNOW I BROUGTH THIS BACK NOT EVEN ONE DAY TO GET MY OTHER VECHILE BACK WELL THEY SAY YOU SIGNED THE NEW CAR NOTE THIS SUV HAS 3350 MILES ON NOW AND WITH THIS AMOUNT OF WORK ALREADY THAT HAS BEN DONT I CANT EVEN GET A GOOD GEAL ON A TRADE ONCE THEY RUN A CARFAX REPORT IT WILL SHOW THIS IS A PROBLEM SUV SO WHO WANTS IT MY OPION THE DEALER GIVES ME BACK MY MONEY IN FULL OF WHAT I PAID FOR IT LET HIM HAVE HIS PROBLEM SUV
NHTSA ODI #10196330
50 miles · Jul 12, 2007
Air Bags
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50.
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.
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.
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.
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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