NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
154 reports52,290 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DISCONNECTED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE HANDLE WAS ATTACHED; HOWEVER, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH DISCONNECTED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE HANDLE WAS ATTACHED; HOWEVER, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY WAS FRACTURED. THERE WAS NO LINKAGE FROM THE DOOR TO THE HANDLE THAT WOULD OPEN THE DOOR PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON A LATER OCCASION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INTERIOR REAR PASSENGER HANDLE WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,290.
NHTSA ODI #10734408
96,469 miles · Jul 9, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THREE DOOR HAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES FRACTURED. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT EXTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE THREE DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,469.
NHTSA ODI #10733000
129,000 miles · Apr 24, 2015
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE LIGHT BULBS AND FUSES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE LIGHT BULBS AND FUSES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
NHTSA ODI #10712584
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2015
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE AT A STOP, THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED BUT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE AT A STOP, THE DEFROSTER WAS ACTIVATED BUT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEATER COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10705041
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10673015
56,000 miles · Dec 5, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHEN OPENING DOORS, THE DOME LIGHT NO LONGER WOULD TURN ON. THIS EVENTUALLY CONTINUED UNTIL THE FRONT LIGHTS NO LONGER TURN ON, AND NOW THE REAR HATCH LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON EITHER. THE LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY ARE MANUALLY TURNED ON, JUST NOT WHEN THE DOORS OPEN. IT WAS CHECKED BY A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SWITCH IS…
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WHEN OPENING DOORS, THE DOME LIGHT NO LONGER WOULD TURN ON. THIS EVENTUALLY CONTINUED UNTIL THE FRONT LIGHTS NO LONGER TURN ON, AND NOW THE REAR HATCH LIGHTS DO NOT TURN ON EITHER. THE LIGHTS WORK WHEN THEY ARE MANUALLY TURNED ON, JUST NOT WHEN THE DOORS OPEN. IT WAS CHECKED BY A REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SWITCH ISSUE (AS THE LIGHTS ON THREE OF THE DOORS STILL LIGHT WHEN OPEN). THEY FEEL IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF POSTS FROM AS FAR BACK AS 2003 SORENTOS WITH THE SAME ISSUES. THE LIGHTS NOT TURNING ON IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY TRYING TO ENTER A PITCH BLACK VEHICLE AT NIGHT TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662445
47,760 miles · Sep 10, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2007 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 47,760 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY (TODAY'S DATE 09/10/2014). THE FIRST SYMPTOMS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AGO WHERE MY CAR WOULD HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR I WOULD BE TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BEGIN BUCKING/JERKING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS WAS VERY INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM. IF I T…
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I OWN A 2007 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 47,760 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY (TODAY'S DATE 09/10/2014). THE FIRST SYMPTOMS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AGO WHERE MY CAR WOULD HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR I WOULD BE TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BEGIN BUCKING/JERKING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS WAS VERY INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM. IF I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, THEN REAPPLIED THE GAS THE CAR WOULD BE FINE. THEN THAT SYMPTOM WENT AWAY AND I GAINED A NEW SYMPTOM. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ECS OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND I INSTANTLY LOST POWER/ACCELERATION. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR GOES INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE? IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME IN THE PAST 3 DAYS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE LOSS OF POWER/ACCELERATION IS INSTANT, IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING, AND IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE IF IT HAPPENS ON A HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS BEGAN TO APPEAR RIGHT AFTER I HAD THE RECALLS DONE ON MY VEHICLE (I.E. BRAKE SWITCH AND ECM UPGRADE). MY CAR WAS FINE BEFORE I HAD THE RECALLS DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632129
130,000 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
BEGINNING IN EARLY AUGUST 2014, THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR STOPS WORKING AND THE VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. WE ARE UNABLE TO GET MORE THAN 40 MPH OUT OF IT AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN OTHER VEHICLES WOULD COME UP FROM BEHIND …
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BEGINNING IN EARLY AUGUST 2014, THE ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATOR STOPS WORKING AND THE VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE. WE ARE UNABLE TO GET MORE THAN 40 MPH OUT OF IT AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN OTHER VEHICLES WOULD COME UP FROM BEHIND VERY SUDDENLY. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE IN AN AREA WHERE WE COULD GET OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY. ONCE WE HAVE COME TO A STOP, IF WE TURN THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART, THE LIGHTS RESET THEMSELVES AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONS NORMALLY UNTIL THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS SHORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP REPLACED A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH UNDER RECALL #09V130000. THIS HELPED UNTIL RECENTLY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR AT THE COST OF $395.00. IT HELPED FOR TWO WEEKS AND THE PROBLEM RETURNED EXACTLY THE SAME. THIS TIME THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT IT WAS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSY - ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE TUNE OF $250.00 ALL THESE ITEMS ARE PART OF THE ESC SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GO TO LIMP MODE. I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE OTHER SUB-ASSEMBLIES ASSOCIATED WITH IT AND EVERY TIME ONE GOES BAD, WE'LL END UP IN LIMP MODE AND/OR A HOOD ORNAMENT ON A KENWORTH. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY KIA AT NO COST TO CONSUMERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10630884
98,432 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingService Brakes
ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER SERVICE DEPT STATED THAT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AT FAULT, BUT THAT IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN MAR 2010 UNDER A RECALL CAMPAIGN. AFTER REPLACING SWITCH THIS TIME, DEALER SERVICE ADVISER STATED THAT SWITCH APPEARED TO BE ORIGINAL, BUT THA…
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ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. DEALER SERVICE DEPT STATED THAT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS AT FAULT, BUT THAT IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN MAR 2010 UNDER A RECALL CAMPAIGN. AFTER REPLACING SWITCH THIS TIME, DEALER SERVICE ADVISER STATED THAT SWITCH APPEARED TO BE ORIGINAL, BUT THAT I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR PARTS AND LABOR ($129.86). I PAID BUT PROTESTED. I HAVE SERIOUS DOUBTS THAT BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED IN MAR 2010 AS DEALER STATED, SINCE THE RECENTLY REPLACED SWITCH APPEARED TO BE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. SUBSEQUENTLY, I FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MOST RECENT (AUG 2014) REPAIR, ESPECIALLY IF SWITCH HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN PREVIOUSLY. I SUSPECT THAT DEALER EITHER FALSIFIED THE MAR 2010 REPAIR, AND/OR REPLACED RECALLED SWITCH WITH IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT (WHICH IS PRONE TO FAILURE). WHAT GOOD IS A RECALL IF ORIGINAL DEFECT WAS SIMPLY REINSTALLED? I DO HAVE POSSESSION OF DEFECTIVE SWITCH REPLACED IN AUG 2014. NOT ONLY DO I WANT MY MONEY RETURNED TO ME, BUT I WOULD LIKE SOME ASSURANCE THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOW REMEDIED WITH A RELIABLE SWITCH. PLEASE RESPOND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629465
Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2014
Air Bags
2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG ALARM - DUE TO SEAT SENSOR PROBLEMS OR OTHER PROBLEMS. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED HUNDREDS OF TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. ADVISED BY SERVICE MANAGER OF GREER, SC KIA THAT FAULT WAS DUE TO PASSENGER NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN SEAT WITH FEET POSITIONED PROPERLY BUT ADVISED BY A KIA TECHNICIAN, CON…
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2007 KIA SORENTO PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG ALARM - DUE TO SEAT SENSOR PROBLEMS OR OTHER PROBLEMS. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED HUNDREDS OF TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW. ADVISED BY SERVICE MANAGER OF GREER, SC KIA THAT FAULT WAS DUE TO PASSENGER NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN SEAT WITH FEET POSITIONED PROPERLY BUT ADVISED BY A KIA TECHNICIAN, CONFIDENTIALLY, THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE. PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR WAS ADJUSTED AFTER SEVERAL VISITS BUT FAULT RECURS TIME AFTER TIME WHICH MEANS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. KIA DOES NOT APPEAR TO TAKE MATTER SERIOUSLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN DEATHS. OTHER DEALER REPRESENTATIVES REFERS THE PROBLEM BACK TO SERVICE MANAGER ONLY. NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS: AT LEAST SIX OR MORE - TO LITTLE AVAIL. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS FROM TIME TO TIME. USUALLY THE PASSENGER CAN BOUNCE UP AND DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND FINALLY GET THE ALARM TO EXTINGUISH SHOWING NORMAL AIR BAG OPERATION FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. WROTE LETTER TO REGIONAL KIA DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL. CALLED KIA HELP LINE TO NO AVAIL. ONLY TOLD TO REFER PROBLEM TO KIA DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER. INCIDENT DATE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE IN JUNE OR JULY, 2007. GUESSING PURCHASE DATE SINCE IT HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS. STILL OWN VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10629272
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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