NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 17, 2022
Engine
CAR WAS SOUNDING FUNNY. HAD RECENTLY DID OIL CHANGE ABOUT A WEEK AGO. I TOOK CAR TO KIA AND THEY SAID I HAD RECALLS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. KIA DID ALL THE RECALLS ON MY CAR AND INSTALLED KNOCK SYSTEM. THEY CALLED ME TO PICK UP CAR AND THE CAR SHUT OFF OF THEM. CALLED KIA AND THEY FIRST APPROVED THE DEALER TO PURCHASE THE …
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CAR WAS SOUNDING FUNNY. HAD RECENTLY DID OIL CHANGE ABOUT A WEEK AGO. I TOOK CAR TO KIA AND THEY SAID I HAD RECALLS THAT NEEDED TO BE DONE. KIA DID ALL THE RECALLS ON MY CAR AND INSTALLED KNOCK SYSTEM. THEY CALLED ME TO PICK UP CAR AND THE CAR SHUT OFF OF THEM. CALLED KIA AND THEY FIRST APPROVED THE DEALER TO PURCHASE THE NEW ENGINE. THEY THEN SENT AN EMAIL DENYING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW ENGINE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THEY ARE SAYING ENGINE HAD FAILED WHEN CAR WENT TO DEALER BUT WHY WOULD THEY PERFORM WORK ON A CAR'S ENGINE THAT ALREADY FAILED. THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11457195
99,702 miles · Mar 9, 2022
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no o…
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power. Upon inspection, the contact noticed there was no oil in the oil reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with camshaft position sensor failure. The mechanic replaced camshaft position sensor; however, the failure recurred with a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine damage and connecting rod failure. The dealer performed a Product Improvement Campaign: PI1802 (Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement) software update. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The manufacturer declined the engine replacement since the contact did not have the product improvement campaign software update prior to the failure. The failure mileage was 99,702.
NHTSA ODI #11455933
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2022
Engine
The motor is doing a clicking noice. And Kia will not cover the motor since it had another recall that wasnt done in a timely matter. The car stoped in the middle of the freeway and would not move.
NHTSA ODI #11455866
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2022
Engine
-Cylinder walls excessive engine oil consumption. My engine was replaced in June 2019 For my 2015 Kia Sorento. My vehicle presently and right before my 2019 engine replacement would drain oil, but no visible leaks. Smokey exhaust, and loud knocking sounds. Sludgy oil that regularly needs to be replaced. No horsepower or pick up …
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-Cylinder walls excessive engine oil consumption. My engine was replaced in June 2019 For my 2015 Kia Sorento. My vehicle presently and right before my 2019 engine replacement would drain oil, but no visible leaks. Smokey exhaust, and loud knocking sounds. Sludgy oil that regularly needs to be replaced. No horsepower or pick up to drive at normal speeds -Due to the oil depletion I was fearful of my vehicle catching fire. It recently stalled on the interstate. -Yes the problem was confirmed 2/24/2022. -Vehicle was inspected at Ed Voyles Kia dealership by a service technician -My vehicle was losing momentum. Multiple lights aluminated, as well as wacky battery issues. check engine light, oil light, battery light, ABS, Electronic Stability, Malfunction indicator, lights illuminated during vehicle failure. My oil light started in August 2021. It came off and on, even with regular oil changes. I took it to another Kia Dealership in October 2021. They did a diagnostic and said my engine was the culprit but that they could not warranty any repairs. I wasn't able to get an appointment with the original dealership that did my previous engine repairs, until February 10, 2022. I called the Kia corporate office several times for help.
NHTSA ODI #11453938
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2022
Engine
I was commuting to work and without any warning, no lights at all, the whole front of the car starts violently vibrating and making all sorts of metallic banging noise. I had it taken to the local KIA dealership where they diagnosed it was the Crankshaft and Connecting Rod Bearings.
NHTSA ODI #11453446
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2022
Engine
Driving to Lexington KY motor began knocking and lost power. Towed home had mechanic look at it found metal in oil pan, towed to KIA dealer and informed it needs new motor. KIA denying warranty because product improved wasn’t done. Having to replace motor out of pocket.
NHTSA ODI #11453098
Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2022
Engine
I engine light keeps coming on after taking my car in to have a diagnostic to pin point the issue with Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 424-6380. The report came back with a code for engine tube that was preventing the evaporation of gas to/from the engine. Less than 4 hours later …
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I engine light keeps coming on after taking my car in to have a diagnostic to pin point the issue with Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 424-6380. The report came back with a code for engine tube that was preventing the evaporation of gas to/from the engine. Less than 4 hours later after the repair the engine light came back on. I took the care back to Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 (757) 424-6380 and now they are saying it's something else with the engine. My car has been with Southern Kia in Chesapeake, Va, 1300 S Military Hwy Chesapeake, VA 23320 for three weeks and they are saying they are waiting KIA to give them guidance on the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11451225
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2022
EngineUnknown Or Other
Engine shut off without warning while driving. My wife was driving and Was able to roll off road thankfully. She was on a very busy road and was in serious risk of injury along with the cars behind her. Did not start back up. Battery had power. Found out ENGINE FAILED! Verified by mechanic. Called Kia Corporate Customer Ser…
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Engine shut off without warning while driving. My wife was driving and Was able to roll off road thankfully. She was on a very busy road and was in serious risk of injury along with the cars behind her. Did not start back up. Battery had power. Found out ENGINE FAILED! Verified by mechanic. Called Kia Corporate Customer Service number and was told the engine will not be repaired. 125,000 miles. No warning lights came on. This is absolutely wrong of Kia! Shame on them!
NHTSA ODI #11449990
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2022
Engine
December 28, 2021 On Hwy 85 right next to Auburn, Alabama, on my way to Houston, Texas, I began to notice that as I accelerated with my 2015 KIA Sorento there was a sound as if my muffler had a hole in it. Within just a couple of minutes, the car wouldn’t accelerate well. I then pulled off the highway onto a ramp and at the i…
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December 28, 2021 On Hwy 85 right next to Auburn, Alabama, on my way to Houston, Texas, I began to notice that as I accelerated with my 2015 KIA Sorento there was a sound as if my muffler had a hole in it. Within just a couple of minutes, the car wouldn’t accelerate well. I then pulled off the highway onto a ramp and at the intersection the oil indicator light lit up and then the engine light and then there was a rattling noise and then the car quit. I checked the oil and it was a little bit low….not much though. A passerby took me in his car to an auto parts store where I purchased two quarts of oil. I put in the oil and started the car. The oil indicator light was now no longer on but there was a little bit of a rattling sound or knocking sound. The passerby said he knew a mechanic that was just a quarter mile down the road at a full auto service shop and that he would follow me if I wanted to take the car there. It was very close so I drove there. As I got closer the rattling/knocking sound got a little louder and then as I was about ready to pull in to the shop the car shut off and wouldn’t turn on. I had the car pushed the rest of the way into the auto shop. The mechanics looked at it and said it was “locked up” and would need a whole new engine. One mechanic said that KIA engines sometimes do this with little to no warning. I was shocked. I had never had any problems with my 2015 Kia Sorento before. It had now 96,000 miles on it and I only really had to do the oil changes every four months or so. A few hours later I had it towed to the KIA dealership in Auburn and they looked at it and determined it needed a whole new engine and new starter. The price would be $9,700 dollars. The KIA service people mentioned a Theta Engine Class Action Lawsuit that I might be eligible for. I filed a claim and the website showed that my VIN indicated I was eligible for this claim. I have been told KIA will make a determination on the claim in 60 days.
NHTSA ODI #11449832
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2022
Engine
Kia is refusing to replace my engine related to a product improvement issued in 2018. I never received a notice about the required product improvement. The vehicle simply failed while I was driving. I was luckily able to get to safety. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms. The vehicle has been inspected by Kia and…
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Kia is refusing to replace my engine related to a product improvement issued in 2018. I never received a notice about the required product improvement. The vehicle simply failed while I was driving. I was luckily able to get to safety. There were no warning lamps or messages or symptoms. The vehicle has been inspected by Kia and a Kia dealer.
NHTSA ODI #11449630
NHTSA investigations
4AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21002 · Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 26, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
Engine
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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