NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter143,670 miles · Jun 10, 2020
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND DEPRESSED AND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 25 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 50 MPH UP HILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LEVER LIMIT BOLT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF CHATTANOOGA (2136 CHAPMAN RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 3742, 423 855-1022) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OF RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE DUE TO THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT NOT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,670.
NHTSA ODI #11328158
68,000 miles · May 24, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
MY CAR STARTED STUTTERING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. GOT THE CODE READ AT A KIA DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. WE REPLACED THE ENGINE AND THE CAR IS STILL STUTTERING AND HAVING GAS MILEAGE ISSUES. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES, MY GAS MI…
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MY CAR STARTED STUTTERING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. GOT THE CODE READ AT A KIA DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. WE REPLACED THE ENGINE AND THE CAR IS STILL STUTTERING AND HAVING GAS MILEAGE ISSUES. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES, MY GAS MILEAGE IS AFFECTED AND WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, MY VEHICLE RUNS NORMAL. MY VEHICLE STARTS STUTTERING AT AROUND 30-35 MPH, WHEN IT'S FIRST STARTED AND DRIVEN, IT STUTTERS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO RANDOMLY START BLINKING WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND LOOSE POWER MOMENTARILY, THEN WHEN I ACCELERATE, IT FEELS LIKE IT'S CHOKING OR SPUTTERING AND STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN SPEED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325684
85,786 miles · May 22, 2020
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED ON MULTIPLY OCCASIONS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL DETECTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (1945 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED ON MULTIPLY OCCASIONS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL DETECTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (1945 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007 (888) 425-6349) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AIR FILTER EXCHANGE HOSE AND ENGINE HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A COOLANT LEAK THAT COULD HAVE IGNITED A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE REOCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,786.
NHTSA ODI #11325584
85,000 miles · May 21, 2020
Engine
NOTICED KNOCKING IN ENGINE AT START, AND WHEN PRESSED GAS PEDAL. STOPPED DRIVING IT IMMEDIATELY. PER MECHANIC, NEW ENGINE NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325364
70,000 miles · May 19, 2020
Engine
I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 SORENTO TO WORK, AND LOOKED DOWN TO NOTICE THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS RUNNING HOT. THEY DAY BEFORE MY AC HAD STOPPED WORKING, AND I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE FAN WAS RUNNING LONGER THAN USUAL WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR. AS SOON AS I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS HOT, I LOOKED FOR A SPOT TO PULL OVER. I WAS ON A …
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2015 SORENTO TO WORK, AND LOOKED DOWN TO NOTICE THAT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS RUNNING HOT. THEY DAY BEFORE MY AC HAD STOPPED WORKING, AND I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE FAN WAS RUNNING LONGER THAN USUAL WHEN I STOPPED THE CAR. AS SOON AS I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS HOT, I LOOKED FOR A SPOT TO PULL OVER. I WAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, SO IT TOOK ME ABOUT 2 MINUTES TO PULL OVER. IN THAT TIME THE CAR STARTING RUNNING ROUGH, AND I NOTICED A TERRIBLE ANTIFREEZE SMELL. I SHUT THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY, AND HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, WHO TOLD ME I NEEDED THE ENTIRE ENGINE REPAIRED, BECAUSE THE HEAD GASKET HAD FAILED, AND THE CYLINDERS WERE WARPED. I HAD ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS, IT HAD AROUND 70K MILES ON IT. I HAD NO INDICATION LIGHTS APPEAR TO LET ME KNOW ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I'M AMAZED MY CAR CAN TELL ME IF MY TIRES ARE LOW, AND IF I'M GOING TO SWITCH LANES IN TO SOMEONE, AND WHEN I NEED AN OIL CHANGE, BUT SHOWED NO INDICATION OF A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THIS SEEMS RIDICULOUS IN A CAR THAT IS 5 YEARS OLD. THERE ARE NO RECALLS, AND KIA WILL NOT REPAIR IT, AS I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, SO THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY DOES NOT TRANSFER TO ME. I WAS TOLD I NEED A NEW ENGINE, REPAIR COST BEING 5300. I WILL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT A CAR CAN FAIL SO BAD, AND I'M HELD ACCOUNTABLE, DESPITE BEING A RESPONSIBLE CAR OWNER. I ALSO AM UPSET THAT IT GAVE ME NO WARNING. I HOPE THIS IS LOOKED IN TO FOR OTHER OWNERS, AND AM SAD TO BE OUT 5300 DOLLARS. I WILL NOT RECOMMEND KIA TO ANYONE, OR BUY ANY KIA EVER AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11325180
27,000 miles · Apr 4, 2020
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I JUST RECENTLY MADE A POST HERE YESTERDAY ... AND AFTER READING COMMENTS, I THOUGHT I'D ADD ON. MY COMMENTS HAVE TO DO WITH A 2015 KIA SORENTO WHICH NEEDS A NEW MOTOR BECAUSE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE HEAD TO THE BLOCK ARE STRIPPED (I SMELLED ANTIFREEZE). OBVIOUSLY, NOT MY FAULT. MILEAGE IS 102,000. KIA DOESN'T WANT TO HELP ME FIX TH…
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I JUST RECENTLY MADE A POST HERE YESTERDAY ... AND AFTER READING COMMENTS, I THOUGHT I'D ADD ON. MY COMMENTS HAVE TO DO WITH A 2015 KIA SORENTO WHICH NEEDS A NEW MOTOR BECAUSE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE HEAD TO THE BLOCK ARE STRIPPED (I SMELLED ANTIFREEZE). OBVIOUSLY, NOT MY FAULT. MILEAGE IS 102,000. KIA DOESN'T WANT TO HELP ME FIX THIS. TELLING ME I NEED A NEW MOTOR AT A COST OF $7,000+. AFTER READING THE COMMENTS, I HAD TO ADD ON. TWO WEEKS AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR USED, THE FUEL PUMP WENT. THAT COST WAS COVERED. A SHORT TIME LATER, THE BACK-UP CAMERA WENT. KIA WANTED $1,000 TO FIX THAT; WE HAD IT FIXED FOR $200 OUT OF POCKET. THE ALTERNATOR WENT ON THE CAR (I THINK WE PAID FOR THAT). MY DOOR HANDLE ALSO FELL OFF, WE HAD THAT FIXED OUT OF POCKET. FROM EVERYTHING I'VE READ, KIA DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE CONSUMER OR THEIR SAFETY. I BOUGHT A NEW KIA IN 2004, TRADED IT IN IN 2007 FOR ANOTHER NEW KIA, WHICH I STILL HAVE. IT HAS 278,000 MILES ON IT! WE BOUGHT THE 2015 USED AND IT'S BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. CAN'T SELL IT AS IS, GOTTA FIX IT. I'VE BEEN A LOYAL KIA OWNER SINCE 2004 ...WON'T BE ANYMORE. FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO SELL THIS CAR, IT'S GONE. AND THERE WON'T BE ANOTHER ONE IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHOEVER HEARD THAT A 2015 CAR NEEDS A NEW MOTOR?!?! AND THEIR REFUSAL TO HELP US IS UNBELIEVABLE. I'M SO ANGRY.
NHTSA ODI #11320173
102,000 miles · Apr 3, 2020
Engine
SMELLED ANTIFREEZE AFTER DRIVING. TOOK TO KIA. DIAGNOSED THAT BOLTS THAT HOLD THE HEAD ON THE MOTOR HAD STRIPPED OUT FROM THE BLOCK. CAUSED ANTIFREEZE LEAK. BOUGHT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED, DEALER REFUSES TO HELP US WITH THIS. $7,000 NEW MOTOR NEEDED. 2015, 102,000 MILES, $19,000 OWED ON CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11320111
53,000 miles · Mar 19, 2020
Engine
ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE UPON ACCELERATION AND AT INITIAL STARTUP. ENGINE HAS ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED IT AND IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (LESS THAN 5 MILES). AFTER MUCH RUNAROUND AND…
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ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE UPON ACCELERATION AND AT INITIAL STARTUP. ENGINE HAS ONLY 53,000 MILES ON IT. I DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME, PARKED IT AND IMMEDIATELY MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (LESS THAN 5 MILES). AFTER MUCH RUNAROUND AND LITTLE EXPLANATION, KIA IS TELLING ME THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED DUE TO SLUDGE (SOMETHING I HAVE VERIFIED WITH INDEPENDENT MECHANICS IS VERY UNLIKELY WITH A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE AND REASONABLY LOW MILEAGE). THE OIL AT TIME OF DROP OFF WAS VERIFIED TO BE CLEAN AND FULL PER THE KIA TECHNICIAN. I PROVIDED KIA WITH RECORDS PER THE WARRANTY AGREEMENT AND THEY ARE DENYING MY CLAIM FOR REPLACEMENT. EVERY EXCUSE FOR DENIAL HAS INCLUDED ADDITIONAL TERMS NOT OUTLINED IN THE WRITTEN WARRANTY AGREEMENT (RECEIPTS THAT INCLUDE MINUTE DETAILS OR THE EXCUSE THAT 'DATES DON'T MATCH' WHEN I HAVEN'T PROVIDED ANY DATES NOR IS ANY REQUIRED SERVICE BASED ON TIME (ONLY MILEAGE)). THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY (5 YEARS/60,000 MILE) AND POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (10 YEARS/100,000 MILE). MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, YET KIA IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR EXPAND PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THE SAME MODEL AND ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11318714
79,000 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Engine
I HAVE HAD MY SORENTO FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. IN FEBRUARY MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED THE ENGINE REPLACED FOR 8000. AFTER REVIEWING I SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE ARE RECALLS FOR ALOT OF THEIR ENGINES. SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR USED, THERE IS NO WA…
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I HAVE HAD MY SORENTO FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. IN FEBRUARY MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED THE ENGINE REPLACED FOR 8000. AFTER REVIEWING I SEEN THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE ARE RECALLS FOR ALOT OF THEIR ENGINES. SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR USED, THERE IS NO WARRANTY AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAD SLUDGE EVEN THOUGH I HAD MY OIL CHANGED IN NOVEMBER AND MY CAR IS STILL UNDER 79000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11317564
61,000 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Engine
ENGINE STOP AT RHE LIGTH ALMOST CAUSING AND ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE OF 2015 KIA SORENTO STOP GETTING CLOSED TO LIGTH FOR NO REASON. THE ENGINE IS LOCK AT 61,000 DEALERSHIP WATING TIME ON A DIAGNOSIS IS 4 TO 6 WEEKS
NHTSA ODI #11317529
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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