NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter80,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Engine
APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO MY CAR SOUNDED ROUGH SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTHING SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. I PUT OIL IN IT AND SINCE HAVE HAD TO ADD MORE, ALSO NOW MY MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE ALTERNATOR IS GOING. OIL SHOWS UP IN THE TAILPIPE WHICH MEANS THE ENGINE IS USING OIL, IT IS NOT A LEAK. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED AS I BOUGHT I…
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APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO MY CAR SOUNDED ROUGH SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTHING SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. I PUT OIL IN IT AND SINCE HAVE HAD TO ADD MORE, ALSO NOW MY MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE ALTERNATOR IS GOING. OIL SHOWS UP IN THE TAILPIPE WHICH MEANS THE ENGINE IS USING OIL, IT IS NOT A LEAK. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED AS I BOUGHT IT ONLY ONE YEAR AGO AND I USE IT FOR MY LIVING. I AM EXPECTING MORE PROBLEMS AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA ODI #11204655
112,000 miles · Apr 24, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
THE VEHICLES ENGINE JUST STALLS OUT AND SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. KIA KEEPS SAYING CAMSHAFT SENSOR BUT YET THEY HAVE REPLACED IT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. IT'S THE ENGINE AND IT'S NOT SAFE!! I'VE READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STALLED OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF…
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THE VEHICLES ENGINE JUST STALLS OUT AND SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. KIA KEEPS SAYING CAMSHAFT SENSOR BUT YET THEY HAVE REPLACED IT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. IT'S THE ENGINE AND IT'S NOT SAFE!! I'VE READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STALLED OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT KEPT HAPPENING. THIS IS NOT SAFE! I HAVE THREE CHILDREN WITH ME AND I JUST ABOUT GOT HIT BY A SEMI. LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP!
NHTSA ODI #11203312
51,000 miles · Apr 22, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEC 1 2018 AND THE KNOCK SENSOR FAILED ON THE TRIP BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW APRIL 22ND 2019 LESS THAN 5 MONTHS LATER IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND LEFT ME STRANDED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS STUCK IN LIMP MODE. THIS MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND S…
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THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEC 1 2018 AND THE KNOCK SENSOR FAILED ON THE TRIP BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW APRIL 22ND 2019 LESS THAN 5 MONTHS LATER IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND LEFT ME STRANDED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS STUCK IN LIMP MODE. THIS MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST.
NHTSA ODI #11202799
126,000 miles · Apr 14, 2019
Engine
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT NIGHT, MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION. NO WARNING AT ALL !!! THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED BEFORE MAKING IT COMPLETELY TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD TO GET MY CAR PUSHED BY ANOTHER CAR TO AVOID A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR FATALITY. I LEARNED AFTER TOWING MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WASN'T …
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT NIGHT, MY CAR LOST ACCELERATION. NO WARNING AT ALL !!! THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPPED BEFORE MAKING IT COMPLETELY TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD TO GET MY CAR PUSHED BY ANOTHER CAR TO AVOID A MAJOR ACCIDENT OR FATALITY. I LEARNED AFTER TOWING MY CAR TO A REPAIR SHOP THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT I WASN'T INFORMED OF AND MY MOTOR HAS TO BE REPLACED. THANK GOD HE SENT ANGEL'S TO PROTECT US.
NHTSA ODI #11196113
147,000 miles · Apr 7, 2019
Engine
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WITHIN 400 FEET, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHO SAID THE ENGINE 'SEIZED' AND WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF PR…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR SLOWED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WITHIN 400 FEET, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPPED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHO SAID THE ENGINE 'SEIZED' AND WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF PROBLEMS AND THE OIL WAS CHANGED REGULARLY.
NHTSA ODI #11194416
122,000 miles · Mar 31, 2019
Engine
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, I HAD NO SIGNS OF MY CAR NEEDING OIL WASN'T DUE FOR A OIL CHANGE FOR ANOTHER 1,000 MILES, MY ENGINE LIGHT NEVER FLASHED THE CAR NEVER JERKED OR NOTHING JUST SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT TESTART, CALLED THE TOW TRUCK HE ADVISED ME THAT MY MOTOR WAS LOCKED UP, UPON PULLING…
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WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF, I HAD NO SIGNS OF MY CAR NEEDING OIL WASN'T DUE FOR A OIL CHANGE FOR ANOTHER 1,000 MILES, MY ENGINE LIGHT NEVER FLASHED THE CAR NEVER JERKED OR NOTHING JUST SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT TESTART, CALLED THE TOW TRUCK HE ADVISED ME THAT MY MOTOR WAS LOCKED UP, UPON PULLING THE OIL STICK OUT I DIDN'T NOT HAVE 1 DROP OF OIL IN MY CAR, I HAD NO SMOKE OR ANYTHING COMING FROM MY CAR IT IS A 2015 KIA SORENTO HOWEVER ON THE DOOR IT HAS A 2014 MANUFACTURING DATE
NHTSA ODI #11192747
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN I TURN A CORNER, MY KIA SPUTTER TO GET AROUND THE CORNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE IN A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS. I ADVISED THE DEALER BEFORE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD, "MY CAR IS OK". THIS IS NOT OK. ALSO, WHEN ACCELERATING, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION OR SOME OTHER COMPONENT IS SLIPPING. IT RPMS GOES H…
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WHEN I TURN A CORNER, MY KIA SPUTTER TO GET AROUND THE CORNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE IN A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS. I ADVISED THE DEALER BEFORE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD, "MY CAR IS OK". THIS IS NOT OK. ALSO, WHEN ACCELERATING, IT SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION OR SOME OTHER COMPONENT IS SLIPPING. IT RPMS GOES HIGH BEFORE DECREASING BACK DOWN TO GET INTO NEXT GEAR. I'VE EXPRESSED THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AND WAS TOLD ONCE THEY DROVE MY CAR, "THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANY CHANGE". WHEN GOING UP A HILL, I HAVE TO PRESS ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE GAS TO GET UP THE HILL WHICH CAUSES THE RPM TO RAISE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S STUCK IN A GEAR OR SOMETHING. THESE ISSUES NEEDS TO BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR A CAR TO DO THIS. IT FRUSTRATES ME TO TELL THE DEALERSHIP WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CAR AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. I AM THE ONE WHO DRIVES MY CAR EVERYDAY AND I KNOW WHEN SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT. HOW CAN A DEALERSHIP TELL YOU WHAT YOUR SAYING ISN'T CORRECT WHEN THEY DON'T DRIVE YOUR CAR EVERYDAY? FOR ME TO HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR 1 YEAR AND 4 MONTHS AGO WITH ONLY 2,500 MILES ON A 2015 KIA, I REALLY SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THESE MANY PROBLEMS. IT ALMOST MAKE ME FEEL LIKE THE ODOMETER WAS ROLLED BACK. JUST MY OPINION.
NHTSA ODI #11190429
92,000 miles · Mar 14, 2019
Engine
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP RECENTLY FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, AND BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT IT WAS NOT DRIVING AS SMOOTHLY AS USUAL. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT, THERE WAS A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR WHICH SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED ON MY VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, I WAS OUT O…
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I TOOK MY CAR IN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP RECENTLY FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, AND BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT IT WAS NOT DRIVING AS SMOOTHLY AS USUAL. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT, THERE WAS A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR WHICH SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED ON MY VEHICLE. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, I WAS OUT OF TOWN IN MY VEHICLE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH, THE RPMS WENT DOWN, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARED TO SLIP, AND THE CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY DISABLED. THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT I BROUGHT IT TO EXPLAINED TO MY HUSBAND THAT THE "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN" -- WHERE THE SOFTWARE WAS ADDED TO MY VEHICLE WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT KIA KNOWS THAT THE ENGINES HAVE ISSUES, AND MAY HAVE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE EARLY, AND BECAUSE OF THIS, THEY HAVE DESIGNED SOMETHING TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN A 'LIMP HOME MODE', SO THAT IT IS NOT FURTHER DAMAGED. BECAUSE THIS HAS NOT BEEN CALLED A RECALL -- EVEN THOUGH KIA HAS FULL KNOWLEDGE OF ENGINE ISSUES -- A VAST MAJORITY OF KIA OWENERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE NOT HAD THIS SOFTWARE UPDATE, AND ARE AT RISK OF THEIR ENGINE FAILING AT HIGH SPEEDS, ENDANGERING THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES, AND OTHERS. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, JUST REPLACING THE ENGINES IS NOT ENOUGH, THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE COMPLETELY RECALLED. MANY ARE STILL BEING FINANCED, AND OWNERS OWE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON VEHICLES THAT WILL HAVE TO CARRY A SALVAGE TAG, AND BE WORTH PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR DUE TO HAVING AN ENGINE THAT IT WAS NOT MANUFACTURED WITH. PLEASE HOLD KIA ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR IRRESPONSIBILITY, AND CONSUMER FRAUD.
NHTSA ODI #11186804
101,333 miles · Mar 11, 2019
Engine
ON 3/10/2019, I WAS OUT OF TOWN, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR LOST SPEED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SHUT DOWN AND WOULDN'T START BACK UP. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO NEAR BY SHOP AND HAD TO FIND A WAY BACK HOME, WHICH WAS 2 HOURS AWAY. ON 3/11/2019, SHOP STATED THAT MY ENGINE HAD FROZE. HE COULD UNDERSTAND WHY ENGINE FROZE…
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ON 3/10/2019, I WAS OUT OF TOWN, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR LOST SPEED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR SHUT DOWN AND WOULDN'T START BACK UP. HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO NEAR BY SHOP AND HAD TO FIND A WAY BACK HOME, WHICH WAS 2 HOURS AWAY. ON 3/11/2019, SHOP STATED THAT MY ENGINE HAD FROZE. HE COULD UNDERSTAND WHY ENGINE FROZE BECAUSE IT HAD OIL AND I WASN'T DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE UNTIL ANOTHER 800 MILES. SHOP OWNER INFORMED ME THAT HE HAVE HAD 3 OTHER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND YEAR WHO CAR DID THE SAME THING. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO KIA ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR EVO SYSTEMS READING PROBLEM WITH SYSTEM AND TOLD THEM THAT I HEARD A KNOCKING AND SHAKING IN MY ENGINE. I HAVE READ ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER CASE SIMILAR ONLINE. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINES IN THE 2015 KIA SORENTO THAT YOU ALL AREN'T WILLING TO INVESTIGATE OR ADMIT TOO
NHTSA ODI #11186008
132,000 miles · Mar 10, 2019
Engine
WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE CUT OFF. SUBSEQUENT MECHANIC EVALUATION WAS ENGINE IS INTERNALLY DAMAGED AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT
NHTSA ODI #11185666
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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