NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
154 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 21, 2017
Air BagsService Brakes
TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE CHANGE ALL THE BREAK PADS, AND WHEN I PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL I GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR PANEL. I HAVE ALL READY BLEED ALL THE LINE TO GET THE AIR OUT, BUT IT NOT WORKING. THEIR IS NO BRAKE LIGTH ON, AND ON CARS.COM I SEE SOME RECALLS AND THE KIA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC098. PLEASE HELP THANK …
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TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE CHANGE ALL THE BREAK PADS, AND WHEN I PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL I GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR PANEL. I HAVE ALL READY BLEED ALL THE LINE TO GET THE AIR OUT, BUT IT NOT WORKING. THEIR IS NO BRAKE LIGTH ON, AND ON CARS.COM I SEE SOME RECALLS AND THE KIA'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC098. PLEASE HELP THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #11024825
Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2017
Air Bags
I MAY LOVE MY KIA SORENTO BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY DEVICES AND FAULTY AIR BAGS KIA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ONES SAFETY. I HAVE BEEN PARTS AND SERVICE DIRECTOR FOR CHRYSLER, FORD AND MITSUBISHI AD WHEN THESE COMPANIES HAVE FAULTY AIR BAG COMPONENTS CAUSING LIFE AND DEATH SCENARIOS THEY DO NOT LOOK AT WARRANTY DATES AND MILEAGE. …
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I MAY LOVE MY KIA SORENTO BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY DEVICES AND FAULTY AIR BAGS KIA COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ONES SAFETY. I HAVE BEEN PARTS AND SERVICE DIRECTOR FOR CHRYSLER, FORD AND MITSUBISHI AD WHEN THESE COMPANIES HAVE FAULTY AIR BAG COMPONENTS CAUSING LIFE AND DEATH SCENARIOS THEY DO NOT LOOK AT WARRANTY DATES AND MILEAGE. I HAVE THE SORENTO THAT JUST FALLS OUT OF A RECALL QUALIFICATION BY A COUPLE MONTHS AND THEY ARE REFUSING THE REPAIR THE AIR BAG FAULT SAYING MAYBE THEY WILL COVER HALF. WELL KIA FORCES THE REPAIR TO BE A COMPLETE SEAT AS THEY DO NOT HAVE REPAIR PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG SENSOR. WHEN I WAS AT CHRYSLER CUSTOMERS WOULD CALL THE CHRYSLER HOTLINE AND CHRYSLER WOULD DO A DEDUCTIBLE COPAY ON TRANSMISSION FOR ANYWHERE BETWEEN 200-500 FOR CARS OUT OF WARRANTY BY OVER 20K AND MORE THAN A YEAR. WHEN IT CAME TO SAFETY CHRYSLER VERY RARELY EVER CHARGED A DEDUCTIBLE OR COPAY NO MATTER WHAT TIME OR MILEAGE. . . . . . .... .. GUESS AS MUCH AS I LOVE MY KIA SORENTO KIA DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ONES LIFE AND SAFETY WHERE CHRYSLER PUTS THE SAFETY AS NUMBER ONE. NOT SURE I WILL BE RECOMMENDING ANY KIA'S ANYMORE AS THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE LIFE OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER. SO WHEN THE AIR BAG DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND CAUSES A DEATH KIA WILL BE SEEN IN COURT PAYING OUT A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE DEATH THEY CAUSED. ALSO JUST FOR INFORMATION THE REPRESENTATIVE I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING WITH IS AS POLITE AS A SNAKE AND JUST PLAIN ARROGANT SAYING IT IS MY FAULT FOR THE FAILURE WHEN THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT PROBLEM BUT MY CAR PRODUCTION DATE IS OFF BY A MONTH OR TWO. THIS WILL BE TAKEN LEGAL S THE AIR BAG IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA REFUSES TO ACCEPT FAULT
NHTSA ODI #11021024
139,000 miles · Aug 30, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ESC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE MASSAGE "LIMP HOME" WOULD DISPLAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WOULD SUDDENLY REDUCE TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON SEVE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ESC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE MASSAGE "LIMP HOME" WOULD DISPLAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE'S SPEED WOULD SUDDENLY REDUCE TO APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER GRAND KIA OF DENVER CO. AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
NHTSA ODI #11020595
95,012 miles · Jul 27, 2017
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY OR NOT EVEN AT ALL. THE DEALER SAID MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER SOME RECALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FOR DIFFER…
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PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. I HAVE BEEN READING MANY OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD CAUSE THE AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY OR NOT EVEN AT ALL. THE DEALER SAID MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER SOME RECALL WITH THE SAME PROBLEM FOR DIFFERENT PRODUCTION DATES. THE DEALER WAS QUICK TO SAY T WOULD COST AROUND $2000.00 TO FIX THIS. CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE THEY WORRY ABOUT. SCARY IT IS AN AIR BAG FAULT. I HAVE BEEN GOING BACK IN FORTH WITH DEALER AND CORPORATE FOR ASSISTANCE BUT THERE IS NO HELP AND I FOUND THIS SITE SEARCHING AND HOPE YOU CAN HELP NOT JUST ME BUT ALL THE OTHERS OUT THERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #11010978
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
99,000 miles · Apr 9, 2017
Structure
THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAVE MADE EVERY ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE DOOR SHORT OF CUTTING THE INTERIOR PANEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NOT MENTION A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT THIS LOCKING DOOR ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WI…
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THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. I HAVE MADE EVERY ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE DOOR SHORT OF CUTTING THE INTERIOR PANEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NOT MENTION A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT THIS LOCKING DOOR ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MANY OWNERS AND SEVERAL KIA MODELS COVERING YEARS FROM 2004 TO 2011. THERE WERE THIRD PARTY REPORTS OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE OCCURRED AFTER RETURNING TO OUR VEHICLE AFTER SHOPPING AT LOWE'S. THE DOOR WORKED WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE STORE. WE HAD OPENED THE DOOR TO RETRIEVE AN ITEM TO RETURN TO THE STORE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVERS DOOR AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES REPAIRED FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHERE THEY WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE DUE TO A PLASTIC PART BREAKING. IT HAPPENED A THIRD TIME ON THE DRIVERS DOOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND I FIXED IT WITH MY OWN, STRONGER HOME MADE PARTS. I HAVE A 1972 CHEVELLE AND A 1967 CAMARO AND THOSE, ORIGINAL, DOOR LATCHES WORK FLAWLESSLY. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR THIS!
NHTSA ODI #10971521
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
100,000 miles · Nov 16, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE REC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AGAIN AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS ONCE AGAIN REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED A TOTAL OF EIGHT TIMES SINCE APRIL OF 2016. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. . ..UPDATED 12/12/16 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10926392
90,000 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Air BagsStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS JAMMED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10917735
87,000 miles · Sep 11, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
MY ESC LIGHT WILL COME ON AND MY CAR WILL LOSE ALL POWER,STEP ON GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENS, HAVE TO PULL OVER, STOP ENGINE AND RESTART, THEN CAR RUNS NORMAL, THIS SEEMS TO BE VERY DANGEROUS IF HAPPENS ON FREEWAY
NHTSA ODI #10905589
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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