NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter100,700 miles · May 16, 2018
Engine
VEHICLE WAS UNDER LIGHT LOAD TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND ON A STATE ROUTE AND SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT HAD A LOAD BANGING/CLACKING SOUND AND SCREECHING THEN SEIZED UP BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP BEFORE I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROADWAY. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,700. VEHICLE W…
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VEHICLE WAS UNDER LIGHT LOAD TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND ON A STATE ROUTE AND SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT HAD A LOAD BANGING/CLACKING SOUND AND SCREECHING THEN SEIZED UP BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP BEFORE I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROADWAY. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,700. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND SERVICE DETERMINED THE ENGINE REPAIRABLE AND IN NEED OF COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY COVERAGE HAS BEEN DENIED. COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ARE $5000 FOR A USED ENGINE TO OVER $6000 FOR A REBUILT/RE MANUFACTURED REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11094099
53,500 miles · Apr 20, 2018
Engine
BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FOR OVER 8 MONTHS. EATS OIL LIKE NO ONES BUSINESS. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. EVERY TIME I RUN THE ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC, IT HAS ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEMS EXIST. TODAY, MY HUSBAND COMES HOME FROM AN APPOINTMENT, AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH, SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR. …
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BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FOR OVER 8 MONTHS. EATS OIL LIKE NO ONES BUSINESS. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. EVERY TIME I RUN THE ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC, IT HAS ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEMS EXIST. TODAY, MY HUSBAND COMES HOME FROM AN APPOINTMENT, AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH, SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR. WE CHECK THE OIL EVERYDAY AND WE'VE TRIED GOING TO TWO DIFFERENT KIA DEALERS FOR OUR OIL CHANGES, AND THEY NEVER TELL US ANYTHING IS WRONG. NOW, THIS COMES UP TODAY. I DO THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC AND IT READS. "POSSIBLE CONDITION(S) WITH YOUR ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN DETECTED." SCHEDULE A FULL SYSTEM CHECK WITH YOUR NEARBY KIA DEALER SOON. THE CAR SHAKES HORRIBLY. UP UNTIL THIS TIME, NO SHAKING, SOME WHITE EXHAUST WHEN STARTING THE CAR, BUT NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON, UNTIL TODAY. WE HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. IT EVEN PASSED SMOG TESTING. SO NOW, AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I WORRIED, I WON'T BE GETTING MY CAR FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11089185
69,000 miles · Apr 6, 2018
Engine
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, CAR DECELERATED AND THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING. ABLE TO PULL OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD. ENGINE IS BEING REPLACED UNDER 100K WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11083679
92,000 miles · Apr 3, 2018
Engine
WHEN MY WIFE AND I STARTED OUR FAMILY WE WERE SO HAPPY TO PURCHASE THE 2015 SORRENTO , 92,000 MILES AND 3 YEARS LATER THE ENGINE LOCKS UP OUT OF NOWHERE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 60 ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A WEIRD RATTLING NOISE LESS THAT 10 SECONDS LATER THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING THE BRAKES WERE NOT VERY RESP…
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WHEN MY WIFE AND I STARTED OUR FAMILY WE WERE SO HAPPY TO PURCHASE THE 2015 SORRENTO , 92,000 MILES AND 3 YEARS LATER THE ENGINE LOCKS UP OUT OF NOWHERE. I WAS GOING ABOUT 60 ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A WEIRD RATTLING NOISE LESS THAT 10 SECONDS LATER THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING THE BRAKES WERE NOT VERY RESPONSIVE. AFTER A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE OF TRYING TO NAVIGATE TO THE SAFETY OF THE EMERGENCY LANE, I BEGAN TO LOOK UP THIS ISSUE. KIA HAD A RECALL ON THE ENGINES FROM 2011-2014 FOR THE SAME ISSUE. EVERY POST OR REVIEW I READ, THE CUSTOMERS HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE AS MY 2015. THE PEOPLE THAT HAD 2015 OR NEWER WHO EXPERIENCED THESE SAME ISSUES WAS TOLD THAT THE BEST WARRANTY IN THE BUSINESS WILL NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE HAD ALL OIL CHANGES DONE AT A KIA DEALERSHIP OR HAVE ALL RECEIPTS OF MAINTENANCE DONE TO THE CAR. IF THEY DID HAVE ALL RECEIPTS THEY WERE TOLD BECAUSE THE OIL CHANGES WERE NOT DONE BY KIA THE WARRANTY WILL NOT APPLY. CATCH 22? MY 2005 EXPEDITION HAS 218,000 MILES AND STILL RUNS GREAT. MY 93 CADILLAC SEDAN DEVILLE HAVE 157,000 MILES AND STILLS RUNS GREAT. BUT SOME HOW THE NON AMERICAN CAR I PURCHASED DIED IN 3 YEARS AND 92,000 MILES. AS A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER EVERY STUDENT I COME IN CONTACT WITH FOR THE NEXT 15 YEARS WILL BE SCARED AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. IM DOWNTRODDEN BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE CORPORATE ENTITY CALLED KIA IS GOING TO FIGHT TOOTH AND NAIL TO SAY THERE ENGINE IN THE 2015 IN NOT FAULTY AND I ALMOST DIED BECAUSE THEY HAVE FAULTY ENGINES. I MADE SURE TO ALWAYS CHANGE THE OIL IN THIS CAR BEFORE THE DUE DATE BECAUSE IT TRANSPORTED MY WIFE AND CHILD. MY FAMILY HAS HAD A LOT OF CARS FROM ALL SORTS OF MAKES, NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN TO A CAR SO QUICKLY AND WITHOUT WARNING!
NHTSA ODI #11082673
59,081 miles · Mar 30, 2018
Engine
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY,I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT,MY ENGINE STALLED,I WAS UNABLE TO GET ENGINE RESTARTED. WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CHECK CAR ON MONDAY.ON MONDAY WAS TOLD ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT KIA THETA 2 ENGINES HAVE BAD CRANK SHAFTS,CAUSING ENGINES TO FAIL. I WANT MY ENGINE REPLACED AT NO …
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DRIVING ON HIGHWAY,I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT,MY ENGINE STALLED,I WAS UNABLE TO GET ENGINE RESTARTED. WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CHECK CAR ON MONDAY.ON MONDAY WAS TOLD ENGINE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT KIA THETA 2 ENGINES HAVE BAD CRANK SHAFTS,CAUSING ENGINES TO FAIL. I WANT MY ENGINE REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME,BECAUSE OF THEIR MISTAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11082118
166,000 miles · Mar 27, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED TWO HOURS LATER AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED TWO HOURS LATER AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED A SECOND TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS COMPLETED WITH RESULTS THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
NHTSA ODI #11081607
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2018
Engine
2015 KIA SORENTO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE ISSUES. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO A SLUDGE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE VALVE COVER. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11041228
63,000 miles · Dec 21, 2017
Engine
TODAYS DATE: 12/21/2017. PURCHASED VEHICLE 11/9/2017. APPROX. 61,500 MILES. I CHECK EQUIPMENT FLUIDS REGULARLY. WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL INDICATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I PULLED OVER, CHECKED. ALMOST BONE DRY. NO FOREWARNING OF ANY KIND. THE DEALER SERVICED IT PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE, SO, I HAVE HAD NO REASON TO SCHEDULE VEHICLE…
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TODAYS DATE: 12/21/2017. PURCHASED VEHICLE 11/9/2017. APPROX. 61,500 MILES. I CHECK EQUIPMENT FLUIDS REGULARLY. WHILE DRIVING, THE OIL INDICATION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I PULLED OVER, CHECKED. ALMOST BONE DRY. NO FOREWARNING OF ANY KIND. THE DEALER SERVICED IT PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE, SO, I HAVE HAD NO REASON TO SCHEDULE VEHICLE SERVICE YET. VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED MARCH 5, 2014 ( 3/5/2014 ) .
NHTSA ODI #11056004
61,000 miles · Dec 12, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOWLY DECELERATE UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (PARKSIDE KIA IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED BECAUSE OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND CHECK OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOWLY DECELERATE UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (PARKSIDE KIA IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED BECAUSE OF SLUDGE, AND A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
NHTSA ODI #11054250
42,000 miles · Oct 17, 2017
Engine
"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE AROUND 41000 MILES ON OUR 2015 KIA SORRENTO. MY HUSBAND TOOK A POSITION WORKING APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME AND MAKING A DAILY COMMUTE OF 5 HOURS EACH DAY TO WORK. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE OUT OF OUR SORENTO. IN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK HE WAS TRAVELING HOME…
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"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE AROUND 41000 MILES ON OUR 2015 KIA SORRENTO. MY HUSBAND TOOK A POSITION WORKING APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME AND MAKING A DAILY COMMUTE OF 5 HOURS EACH DAY TO WORK. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE OUT OF OUR SORENTO. IN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK HE WAS TRAVELING HOME AND WAS ABOUT 1.75 HOURS INTO HIS 2 HOUR COMMUTE WHEN OUR SORENTO STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE. NO LIGHT INDICATORS CAME ON TO INDICATE WHAT COULD POSSIBLE BE GOING WRONG AT THE TIME. HE GOT OVER IN THE SLOW LANE AND DROPPED HIS SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. BEFORE EVERY TRIP HE MADE A POINT TO CHECK THE OIL AND THAT MORNING WAS NO DIFFETENT. ALL OIL LEVELS WERE FINE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. HE GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND PUT IN AROUND 1 QUART OF OIL.. STILL NO LIGHTS BUT THE TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE CONINURED. HE SAT FOR A BIT AND LET THE NEW OIL RUN THROUGH AND STARTED TO MAKE HIS WAY HOME AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. HE THEN PULLED OVER AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD OUR CAR TOWED HOME. OUR ENGINE IS COMPLETELY BLOWN. UPON STARTING IT MAKES A TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE AND AFTER 15 TO 20 SECONDS TURNS OFF. A MECHANIC CHECKED OUR CAR OVER AND SAID THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN OUR OIL. WE HAVE CONTACTED KIA BUT THEY WE ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING AS WE DID NOT GET ALL SERVICES AND OIL CHANGES AT THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11034108
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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