NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter125,000 miles · Mar 17, 2021
Engine
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. DAUGHTER IN-LAW WAS DRIVING VEHICLE. SHE MADE IT HOME WITH VEHICLE. MY SON LOOKED AT VEHICLE WHEN HE GOT HOME FROM WORK. HE FOUND OIL TO BE LOW, OIL WAS CHANGED IN JANUARY. NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKING. HE REMOVED OIL FILTER AND FOUND METAL SHAV…
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VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. DAUGHTER IN-LAW WAS DRIVING VEHICLE. SHE MADE IT HOME WITH VEHICLE. MY SON LOOKED AT VEHICLE WHEN HE GOT HOME FROM WORK. HE FOUND OIL TO BE LOW, OIL WAS CHANGED IN JANUARY. NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKING. HE REMOVED OIL FILTER AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL. MY SON IS A SMALL ENGINE/DIESEL MECHANIC. HE HOOKED UP HIS CODE READER, ERROR READINGS WERE RELATED TO CYLINDER BANK. THEY HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO CLOSET KIA DEALER, ABOUT 70 MILES, VERDICT FROM DEALERSHIP NEEDS NEW ENGINE AT TUNE OF $10,000. MY SON CANNOT AFFORD A $10,000 REPAIR BILL, HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 125,000 MILES ON IT. MY CONCERNS WITH THIS ARE WHY NO WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS? MY SECOND CONCERN IS THAT THE KIA RECALL AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT MAYBE SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED THE V6 ENGINES. KIA IS KNOWN FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. AND MAYBE I CAN'T EVEN BE THE ONE TO ENTER THIS REPORT SINCE I AM NOT VEHICLE OWNER BUT I AM NOT WILLING TO ROLLOVER AND GIVE UP. MY SON JUST WANTS TO BE RID OF VEHICLE AND TRY GET OUT FROM UNDER THE $8,000 HE STILL OWES ON LOAN. I THINK THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE ENGINE PROBLEMS KIA HAS.
NHTSA ODI #11403418
127,000 miles · Mar 15, 2021
EnginePower Train
I NOTICED MY 2015 KIA SORRENTO WAS IDLING VERY HARD. THIS STOPPED MOMENTARILY AND THEN BEGAN AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THE VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE AND I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. UPON INSPECTING THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK BUT LITTLE TO NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ROUTIN…
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I NOTICED MY 2015 KIA SORRENTO WAS IDLING VERY HARD. THIS STOPPED MOMENTARILY AND THEN BEGAN AGAIN AND THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING. THE VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE AND I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. UPON INSPECTING THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK BUT LITTLE TO NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ROUTINELY OIL CHANGED AND MAINTAINED.
NHTSA ODI #11403146
117,000 miles · Mar 14, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION REGARDING LOW BEAM LIGHTS SHUTTING OFF WHEN I TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS. THIS OCCURRED FREQUENTLY WHEN USING HIGH BEAMS. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAMS) CONSISTENTLY BURNT OUT. HAD TO INSTALL 2-3 NEW BULBS IN EACH HEADLIGHT (WITHIN 1 YR.). MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM IS MORE THAN JUST THE…
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TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION REGARDING LOW BEAM LIGHTS SHUTTING OFF WHEN I TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS. THIS OCCURRED FREQUENTLY WHEN USING HIGH BEAMS. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS (LOW BEAMS) CONSISTENTLY BURNT OUT. HAD TO INSTALL 2-3 NEW BULBS IN EACH HEADLIGHT (WITHIN 1 YR.). MECHANIC SAID PROBLEM IS MORE THAN JUST THE LIGHTS, THE KNOCK SENSOR WAS BAD AND NEEDED MORE WORK THAN WHAT THEY WERE WILLING TO DO AND RECOMMENDED ME GOING BACK TO KIA. DRIVING HOME FROM MY MECHANIC, I WAS ON THE SURFACE STREETS TO GET ON THE FREEWAY, A KNOCKING NOISE OCCURRED WHEN ACCELERATING, SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO THROW A ROD, WHICH LED ME TO CHECK THE OIL. MY OIL CHANGES ARE COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE AND WAS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER OIL CHANGE FOR 3,000 MILES. THE OIL WAS BONE DRY. I PUT IN 4 QUARTS OF OIL AND DROVE ON SURFACE STREETS, BACK TO MY MECHANIC. MECHANIC SAID IT IS ABOUT TO THROW A ROD AND THAT I NEEDED TO DRIVE IT SLOWLY AND GET IT TO KIA. AS I DROVE THE CAR HOME ON THE FREEWAY, I WAS IN THE NUMBER ONE LANE, PASSING A SEMI-TRUCK IN THE NUMBER TWO LANE, CAR STARTED SHAKING, ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING, THE ORANGE STEERING WHEEL WARNING LIGHT WENT ON AND THE ENTIRE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE FREEWAY. I HAD NO HAZARDS OR BLINKERS. TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND CHECKED MY OIL, HE SAID THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS AND BARELY ANY OIL. TOWED THE CAR BACK TO THE MECHANIC AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY HOME AND IT NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY. PRIOR AND DURING ALL OF THIS, NOT ONE TIME DID ANY WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD GO ON (OTHER THAN THE ONE STEERING WHEEL LIGHT WHEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN).
NHTSA ODI #11402955
8,500 miles · Feb 21, 2021
EngineStructure
I HAVE HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO PAINT CHIPPING IN SEVERAL AREAS.
NHTSA ODI #11397217
68,405 miles · Feb 19, 2021
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND A NO SERVICE MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SUNTRUP KIA SOUTH (6263 S LIND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND A NO SERVICE MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SUNTRUP KIA SOUTH (6263 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63123) FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V519000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL COULD NOT BE SERVICED SINCE THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS WERE DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS WERE DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS THERE WAS POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,405. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11396952
80,000 miles · Feb 18, 2021
Engine
WENT GOT MY OIL CHANGED.THE TECH SAID YOU HAVE A ROD KNOCK THE SORENTO ONLY 80.000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11396877
150,000 miles · Jan 20, 2021
Engine
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP (TRAVELING @~70 MPH) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE SB 5 FWY. I WAS FORTUNATE AS THERE WERE MANY LARGE TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHICH I WAS ABLE TO AVOID. AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. 12 HOURS LATER AND HUNDREDS OF D…
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I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP (TRAVELING @~70 MPH) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE SB 5 FWY. I WAS FORTUNATE AS THERE WERE MANY LARGE TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHICH I WAS ABLE TO AVOID. AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. 12 HOURS LATER AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN TOWING FEES, I HAD MY MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. WHAT!!! I HAD RECENTLY HAD A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE AND WAS NOT DUE FOR A COUPLE OF THOUSAND MILES. THIS ALL OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING: NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOW PRESSURE OIL INDICATOR, OR EVEN OVERHEATING TEMPERATURE. WAITING TO GET IT BACK FROM MY MECHANIC WHERE I WILL PARK IT AND CONTINUED TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT COSMETICALLY LOOKS GREAT BUT IS WORTHLESS. QUICK QUOTE FOR NEW ENGINE AND LABOR IS ABOUT 6 TO 7K. I HAVE A FEELING THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A NIGHTMARE THAT STARTS WITH A K AND END WITH AN IA.
NHTSA ODI #11388958
103,825 miles · Jan 18, 2021
Engine
MY ENGINE DIED WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT, NO KNOCKING SOUNDS, NOTHING. IT JUST DIED. HAD TO GET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE I WAS PASSING AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT IN THE COLD FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT HEAT ON A DESOLATE ROAD WITH NO CELL SERVICE. NO TOWN WITHIN WALKING DISTANC…
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MY ENGINE DIED WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT, NO KNOCKING SOUNDS, NOTHING. IT JUST DIED. HAD TO GET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE I WAS PASSING AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT IN THE COLD FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT HEAT ON A DESOLATE ROAD WITH NO CELL SERVICE. NO TOWN WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. MY MECHANIC SAID THE MOTOR IS LOCKED UP AND I'LL NEED A REPLACEMENT. 103,825 MILES ON IT. WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 100,000 MILES. APPARENTLY THIS IS COMMON IN THESE VEHICLES AND KIA IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS AND OTHER MALFUNCTIONS. CALLED KIA AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I'M A NURSE CARRYING FOR COVID PATIENTS AND HAVE NO VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK. I STILL OWE $13,000+. I BOUGHT IT IN 2018.
NHTSA ODI #11388751
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other
GOSSETT KIA ON MT. MORIAH IN MEMPHIS, TN REPLACED MY ENGINE IN 2019 DUE TO A RECALL BUT AFTER MY ENGINE WAS REPLACE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CONSTANTLY BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE TAKEN MY KIA SORENTO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIME ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I AM NOT PUTTING MY GAS CAP ON RIGHT OR TAT MY GAS CAP NEEDS TO BE REPLACE…
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GOSSETT KIA ON MT. MORIAH IN MEMPHIS, TN REPLACED MY ENGINE IN 2019 DUE TO A RECALL BUT AFTER MY ENGINE WAS REPLACE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CONSTANTLY BEEN COMING ON. I HAVE TAKEN MY KIA SORENTO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIME ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I AM NOT PUTTING MY GAS CAP ON RIGHT OR TAT MY GAS CAP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE PURCHASED 3 GAS CAPS FROM THIS DEALER SHIP. I WILL BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL JUST COME ON. THIS ISSUE DID NOT START UNTIL THEY PUT IN THE NEW MOTOR. HOWEVER NO ONE AT THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED THE CENSOR. I HAVE REPLACE NUMEROUS PARTS ON MY CAR AND ALL THE REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE REQUESTED FROM THE DEALERSHIP A PRINT OUT OF ALL THE REPAIRS TO MY KIA AND AS OF TODAY'S DATE I HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT. I HAVE MAD THE REQUEST 3 TIMES. ONCE OVER THE TELEPHONE AND 2 TIMES IN PERSON . I FEEL DEFEATED BUT I AM NOT GIVING UP. THEY NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I AM 71 YEARS OLD AND THEY SEEM TO THINK I DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I LIVE AT [XXX] MY PHONE # IS [XXX] I HAVE AN APPOINT TO TAKE MY TRUCK TO KIA AGAIN TO CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT 01 08 2020. IF THEY HAD CHECKED THE CENSOR WHEN T HIS FIRST HAPPENED IT WOULD PROBABLY STILL BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. NOW I WILL PROBABLY BE OUT OF POCKET TO REPLACE THE CENSOR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11386673
96,000 miles · Dec 20, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 MONTHS GO. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A RED LIGHT. THE CAR JERKED AND DID NOT WANT TO MOVE WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I CAME TO A SECOND RED LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AS I PRESS THE GAS THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO CRANK AG…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 2 MONTHS GO. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAME TO A RED LIGHT. THE CAR JERKED AND DID NOT WANT TO MOVE WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I CAME TO A SECOND RED LIGHT AND THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AS I PRESS THE GAS THE CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO CRANK AGAIN. I FINALLY GOT HELP FROM SOMEONE WHO HELP PUSH THE CAR TO A NEAR PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI #11384280
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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