NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
154 reports125,000 miles · Aug 25, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #10628169
121,500 miles · Aug 16, 2014
Service BrakesStructureWheelsCrashInjury
MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK,SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP AT THE END OF THE ROAD AND HAD NO BRAKES AND SHE CONTINUED ON ACROSS THE ROAD WENT UP THE BANK ACROSS THE ROAD AND WHEN SHE REACHED THE TOP IT BEGAN SLIDING DOWN AND ENDED UP LAYING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT HURT TO BAD. I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED OU…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK,SHE WAS COMING TO A STOP AT THE END OF THE ROAD AND HAD NO BRAKES AND SHE CONTINUED ON ACROSS THE ROAD WENT UP THE BANK ACROSS THE ROAD AND WHEN SHE REACHED THE TOP IT BEGAN SLIDING DOWN AND ENDED UP LAYING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THANKFULLY SHE WAS NOT HURT TO BAD. I HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT,REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD AND PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW AND MIRROR. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER,AND STILL HAD NO BREAKS,COME TO FIND OUT AFTER CALLING KIA THEY SAID IT WAS THE (HECU) UNIT.THEY ARE SAYING IT WILL COST AROUND 1500.00 TO REPLACE THIS.I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF NOTHING MORE RIDICULOUS. THE CAR IS STILL DRIVABLE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS ARE BENT-UP SOME,BUT THEY OPEN AND CLOSE JUST FINE DON'T LOOK GOOD BUT ITS STILL DRIVABLE. I THINK KIA SHOULD REPLACE THIS (HECU) BECAUSE ITS A FACTORY DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10625700
2,000 miles · Aug 7, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
NHTSA ODI #10619512
74,688 miles · Jul 10, 2014
Air Bags
THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FROM KIA MOTORS SC076A AND ALSO FROM NHTSA #11V473000 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HART KIA IN SALEM VIRGINIA TO HAVE THIS RECALL AND ANOTHER RECALL FOR BRAKE LIGHTS REPAIRED.…
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THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO REMAINS ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FROM KIA MOTORS SC076A AND ALSO FROM NHTSA #11V473000 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HART KIA IN SALEM VIRGINIA TO HAVE THIS RECALL AND ANOTHER RECALL FOR BRAKE LIGHTS REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE BRAKE ISSUE BUT TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT RECALLED FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR AND A NEW SEAT WOULD COST $1,300.00. I CALLED KIA MOTORS AND FILED A CLAIM BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 15, 2006 AND NOVEMBER 27, 2007. KIA MOTORS AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE SEAT ITSELF BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LABOR. WHEN I ASKED WHY I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A RECALL ITEM I WAS TOLD BY BOTH PARTIES THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR FAULT.I DID NOT MANUFACTURE THE CAR, I PURCHASED THEIR PRODUCT. KIA MOTORS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PART AND THE LABOR, SINCE THEY INSTALLED FAULTY PARTS WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THEY PAID FOR THE PART AND LABOR ON THE BRAKE RECALL, THEY CAN NOT BE SELECTIVE WHEN REPAIRING RECALLS. THEY MANUFACTURED THE CAR SO THEY SHOULD PAY 100% OF THE REPAIR BILL IT MAKES ME WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE ACTUALLY HAD TO PAY $1,300.00 FOR A RECALL.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10609600
132,000 miles · Jul 4, 2014
EngineFuel System, Gasoline
THE CAR MAKES A BAD TICKING NOISE MOSTLY WHEN START UP AND IT GETS SO BAD THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY ENGINE HEAD WANTS TO BLOW. AND EVERYTIME I START THE CAR THE BIGGEST CLOUD OF SMOKE COMES OUT THE EXHAUST CAN COVER AN ENTIRE PARKING LOT WITH SMOKE ITS VERY EMBARRASSING. THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOWS AND THE SWITCHES.…
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THE CAR MAKES A BAD TICKING NOISE MOSTLY WHEN START UP AND IT GETS SO BAD THAT SOUNDS LIKE MY ENGINE HEAD WANTS TO BLOW. AND EVERYTIME I START THE CAR THE BIGGEST CLOUD OF SMOKE COMES OUT THE EXHAUST CAN COVER AN ENTIRE PARKING LOT WITH SMOKE ITS VERY EMBARRASSING. THERE'S AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOWS AND THE SWITCHES. SOMETIMES IT WORKS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I THINK MY CAR ALSO MISSING REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBERS. MY OIL LEVELS GET SO LOW THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL SENSOR LIGHT DON'T EVEN COME ON TO WARM ME. I MEAN MY CAR LOOKS NEW BUT HAS INTERNAL DEFECTIVE PROBLEMS. I READ ONLINE AN ENTIRE ARTICLE ABOUT THE KIA SORENTOS THAT KIA SOLD WERE DEFECTIVE. I DO NOT WANT TO BE NEXT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. WOULD LIKE MY MONEY BACK! HTTP://WWW.TOPCLASSACTIONS.COM/LAWSUIT-SETTLEMENTS/LAWSUIT-NEWS/3292-KIA-SORENTO-ENGINE-DEFECT-CLASS-ACTION-LAWSUIT/ THE KIA SORENTO IS PRONE TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE, ACCORDING TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED IN NEW JERSEY. PLAINTIFFS ALLEGE IN THE KIA SORENTO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT KIA MOTORS KNOWINGLY CONCEALED THAT ITS 2002-2009 SORENTO CROSSOVERS WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE PART CALLED THE CRANK SPROCKET. THIS ALLEGED ENGINE DEFECT LEADS TO A CATASTROPHIC CHAIN OF EVENTS THAT STARTS WITH SEVERE HEAT BUILDUP, THE RELEASE OF DEBRIS, AND THEN LEADS TO LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, ENGINE FAILURE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A HAZARDOUS ACCIDENT, ACCORDING TO THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10608267
93,000 miles · Jun 12, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT POSITION DETECTION SYSTEM SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #10597819
50,000 miles · May 28, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes
PART WAS ALREADY REPLACED ON A MANDATORY RECALL. NOW THE REPLACEMENTS FOR THE RECALL ARE FAILING. KIA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE REPAIR COSTS, THIS MEANS MANY PEOPLE WILL BE DRIVING WITH OUT BRAKE LIGHTS. I AM ON MY THIRD SWITCH- THE PART SHOULD EASILY OUT LIVE THE CAR! I AM SURE THEY REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME EXACT PART THIN…
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PART WAS ALREADY REPLACED ON A MANDATORY RECALL. NOW THE REPLACEMENTS FOR THE RECALL ARE FAILING. KIA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE REPAIR COSTS, THIS MEANS MANY PEOPLE WILL BE DRIVING WITH OUT BRAKE LIGHTS. I AM ON MY THIRD SWITCH- THE PART SHOULD EASILY OUT LIVE THE CAR! I AM SURE THEY REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME EXACT PART THINKING MOST PEOPLE WOULD BE OUT OF THE VEHICLE BY THE TIME IT FAILED AGAIN. I AM SURE THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAD IN MIND WHEN YOU ISSUED THE OTHER RECALLS ON THIS PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10594565
119,000 miles · May 5, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
NHTSA ODI #10586631
71,885 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Power TrainService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE DRIVING 45 MPH THE BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKED FAILED TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE GEAR SHIFT TO FAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE…
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
NHTSA ODI #10577846
40,000 miles · Dec 23, 2013
Air Bags
TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE M…
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TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000. DR
NHTSA ODI #10557041
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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