NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter28,249 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Engine
I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE ON AUGUST 27, 2017 ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 28K MILES. THE ENGINE TYPE IS A THETA II 2.4L GDI. THE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL ACCELERATION CAPABILITIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING DISPLAYS OR UNUSUAL N…
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I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE ON AUGUST 27, 2017 ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 28K MILES. THE ENGINE TYPE IS A THETA II 2.4L GDI. THE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL ACCELERATION CAPABILITIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING DISPLAYS OR UNUSUAL NOISE/MOVEMENT BEFOREHAND. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND AVOID ANY SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES. THE CAR WAS TOWED FOR A NEARBY KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE ENGINE FAILURE. KIA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ENGINE PROBLEM AND THEY PAID FOR A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND CAR RENTAL COSTS FOR A NEARLY TWO-WEEK PERIOD. THE NEWLY INSTALLED ENGINE IS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE, NOT THE DATE OF THE REMANUFACTURED ENGINE INSTALLATION. THE CAR'S SERVICE HAS BEEN UP TO DATE AND I'VE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE CAR. WHY HAS THIS ENGINE PROBLEM NOT YET BEEN RECALLED FOR 2015 SORENTOS? IT'S LIKELY A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM TO THE KIA ENGINE RECALLS EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY INDICATED THAT THEY REPLACE DOZENS OF NEW ENGINES A MONTH, INCLUDING ON MANY NEW 2017 AND EVEN 2018 MODELS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE KILLED FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN?
NHTSA ODI #11022836
104,000 miles · Aug 31, 2017
Engine
VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED ON FREEWAY, CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO LOSE POWER BRAKE AND POWER STEERING ABILITY, WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OFF FREEWAY AND STOP WITHOUT CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT TO SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE EXHIBITS SAME SYMPTOMS ARE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR RECALL FROM KIA AND HYUNDIA BUT DEALER FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE ISSU…
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VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED ON FREEWAY, CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO LOSE POWER BRAKE AND POWER STEERING ABILITY, WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OFF FREEWAY AND STOP WITHOUT CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT TO SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE EXHIBITS SAME SYMPTOMS ARE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR RECALL FROM KIA AND HYUNDIA BUT DEALER FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE IN SAME EXACT ENGINE, BUT ONE YEAR LATER MODEL. THERE IS A RECALL UNDER SC147 FOR 2012-2014 KIA SORENTO AND LIKE TYPE VEHICLES, HOWEVER MINE IS A 2015, AND AS MENTIONED HAS THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS AS PREVIOUS YEAR ENGINES. REQUESTING SC147 TO BE EXTENDED INTO MODEL YEAR 2015 AND 2016 VEHICLES TO HAVE CARS SERVICED BEFORE THIS CAUSES INJURY OR DEATH IN OTHER MOTORISTS.
NHTSA ODI #11020873
73,864 miles · Jul 7, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MYRTLE BEACH KIA IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (MYRTLE BEACH KIA IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY APPLIED TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER ONLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,864.
NHTSA ODI #11003662
19,000 miles · Jun 23, 2017
Air BagsEngineSeat BeltsCrashInjury
(AMENDMENTS TO ODI#S: 10668775 & 10663356 - UPDATE) ON 12/01/2014, I WAS IN A 2015 KIA SORENTO LX (ENTERPRISE INSURANCE RENTAL) TRAVELING ON CRABB RIVER ROAD, (A CITY STREET) SUGARLAND, TEXAS. I FULLY STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS BECAUSE IT WAS RED. ONCE LIGHTS TURNED GREEN, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION BY STEPPING ON THE GAS…
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(AMENDMENTS TO ODI#S: 10668775 & 10663356 - UPDATE) ON 12/01/2014, I WAS IN A 2015 KIA SORENTO LX (ENTERPRISE INSURANCE RENTAL) TRAVELING ON CRABB RIVER ROAD, (A CITY STREET) SUGARLAND, TEXAS. I FULLY STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS BECAUSE IT WAS RED. ONCE LIGHTS TURNED GREEN, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN MOTION BY STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CAR FELT REALLY SLUGGISH SO I GAVE IT MORE GAS IN ORDER TO GAIN ENOUGH SPEED AS I WAS ABOUT TO GO OVER SOME RAILROAD TRACKS (APPROX. 55+ MPH) WHICH WERE ON A ROAD THAT WAS ON AN INCLINE. RIGHT AS THE CAR REACHED THE TRACKS, THE ENGINE STALLED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT DOVE INTO A DITCH; PLOWED DIRECTLY INTO A STEEL BILLBOARD POLE WHICH WAS CEMENTED INTO THE GROUND BECAUSE THE BRAKES BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH PRIOR TO THE CRASH. EVEN THOUGH I WAS FULLY BUCKLED, THE SEATBELT DID NOT PREVENT MY HEAD FROM VIOLENTLY HITTING THE WINDSHIELD AND BOUNCING OFF THE STEERING WHEEL SINCE NONE OF THE 8 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED NEAR FATAL INJURIES INCLUDING A BROKEN BACK (L2 FRACTURE), SPINAL CORD, HEAD, EYE, CHIN, JAWS, NECK AND HIP; BROKEN TEETH, PERMANENT DISFIGURATION (18 STITCHES), SOME VISION & HEARING LOSS FROM NERVE DAMAGE AND PTSD, MENTAL ANGUISH, CHRONIC MIGRAINES, EXTREME STRESS, TERRIBLE RECURRING NIGHTMARES, ETC. I'M A 5'2" WOMAN AND MY CHEST WAS PINNED TO THE STEERING WHEEL UPON THE IMPACT WITH THE POLE AND THE FIRE DEPT. HAD TO FREE ME AND LIFT ME UP TO THE EMTS. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE ER OF A HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND LATER TRANSFERRED TO THE TRAUMA UNIT OF MEMORIAL HERMANN HOSPITAL DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF MY INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI #11000887
37,000 miles · Jun 20, 2017
Engine
37000 MILES , SHORT 120 TRIP, OIL CHECKED BEFORE STARTING, 110 INTO TRIP, LOSS OF POWER,,ROD KNOCK, ENGINE SEIZED, TOWED TO CLOSEST GARAGE. NOM AT LEXINGTON KY. KIA WAITING ON THE BATTLE OF WARRANTY TO BEGAN WAITING FOR THE LO
NHTSA ODI #11000224
69,629 miles · Jun 16, 2017
Engine
DRIVING VEHICLE IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. ENGINE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC AND OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL KIA DEALER WHERE THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP AND THIS ONLY HAPPENS DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE AND SLUDGE BUILDUP IN …
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DRIVING VEHICLE IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. ENGINE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. WAS ABLE TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC AND OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL KIA DEALER WHERE THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THE ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP AND THIS ONLY HAPPENS DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE AND SLUDGE BUILDUP IN ENGINE. THEY DID AN INSPECTION AND FOUND ENGINE TO BE CLEAN AND A ROD BEARING HAD FAILED CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED ENGINE UNDER 100K MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10995465
72,819 miles · Jun 16, 2017
Engine
ENGINE LOCKED UP WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION IT WAS HAPPENING. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO STORE AND PARKED. CAME BACK OUT AND IT WOULDN'T START. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS EXCESS SLUDGE IN ENGINE EVEN WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. VEHICLE HAS 72,819 MILES AND DEALER IS STATING IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER 100K POWER…
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ENGINE LOCKED UP WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION IT WAS HAPPENING. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO STORE AND PARKED. CAME BACK OUT AND IT WOULDN'T START. TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS EXCESS SLUDGE IN ENGINE EVEN WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. VEHICLE HAS 72,819 MILES AND DEALER IS STATING IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER 100K POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. PICTURES OF ENGINE DO NOT INDICATE EXCESS SLUDGE.
NHTSA ODI #10995460
56,000 miles · May 4, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
V6 ENGINE STALLS RANDOMLY WHEN ACCELERATING INTO OR ACROSS TRAFFIC. . KIA SERVICE DEPT. UNABLE TO FIND CAUSE WITH USING ELECTRONIC TESTING EQUIPMENT. STALLING IS RANDOM AND UNABLE TO REPLICATE WITH SERVICE DEPT PERSONNEL. A REAL SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10983614
32,300 miles · Apr 25, 2017
Engine
WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES.THE CAR WAS PULLING AS WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND SMOKE WOULD BLOW OUT OF THE TAILPIPE. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH THEY STATED WE HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THEY STATED TO MAINTAIN REGULAR OIL CHANGES, BUT WE WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. 4 MONTHS LATER THEY DID AN OIL CHAN…
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WE STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES.THE CAR WAS PULLING AS WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND SMOKE WOULD BLOW OUT OF THE TAILPIPE. WE TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH THEY STATED WE HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THEY STATED TO MAINTAIN REGULAR OIL CHANGES, BUT WE WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. 4 MONTHS LATER THEY DID AN OIL CHANGE AND STATED THE OIL WAS CLEAR OF SLUDGE. WITHIN 2 WEEKS, WE HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE, IT GOT LOUDER AND WAS BARELY GOING 5 MILES/HR. WE WERE ON A MAJOR ROAD AND WERE ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP (CENTRAL KIA OF PLANO). WITHOUT EVEN LOOKING AT IT, THEY SAID IT WAS THE SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND WE NEEDED OUR ENGINE REPLACED ($7000). THEY WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK UNDER THE HOOD UNTIL WE PAID THEM $400 TO OPEN IT UP. THEY STATED THE WORK WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH WE ARE ONLY 2 YEARS INTO IT AND AROUND 30,000 MILES. I CALLED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS (800-333-4542) AND THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THAT'S WHEN THEY FINALLY OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. THEY TOOK PICTURES AND SENT IT TO KIA "TECH" IN WHICH OUR CLAIM WAS DECLINED DUE TO "LACK OF MAINTENANCE". WE PROVIDED RECEIPTS FOR OUR OIL CHANGES. THEY DID NOT ACCEPT 3 OF THEM BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE A "PO#" AND THEY DID NOT ACCEPT 2 OF MY CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS. I TOLD KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS THE 2015'S ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS THE RECALLS 2011-2014. SHE STATED THE DMV IS COLLECTING INFORMATION ON THE 2015'S. EVERYONE CALL CONSUMER AFFAIRS!! THERE IS AN ENGINE PROBLEM WITH THE 2015'S AND KIA IS NOT STANDING BY THEIR WARRANTY. WE HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR. I HAVE ALSO ESCALATED THIS ISSUE TO KIA'S "ESCALATION DEPT" IN WHICH THEY STATED TO GET THEM MORE RECEIPTS AND "TECH" CAN REVIEW THE CASE AGAIN! I HAVE GATHERED MORE RECEIPTS INCLUDING HOW OFTEN WE WERE PUTTING OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.
NHTSA ODI #10980556
32,541 miles · Apr 5, 2017
Engine
WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME, AND WERE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR, AND NO "WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS" CAME ON, WE LOST ALL POWER ABOUT A QUARTER MILE AWAY. COASTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED FOR ROAD-SIDE ASSISTANCE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS ENGINE FAILURE, DUE TO SEIZURE OF EN…
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WE HAD JUST LEFT HOME, AND WERE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR, AND NO "WARNING LIGHTS OR INDICATOR LIGHTS" CAME ON, WE LOST ALL POWER ABOUT A QUARTER MILE AWAY. COASTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CALLED FOR ROAD-SIDE ASSISTANCE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS ENGINE FAILURE, DUE TO SEIZURE OF ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #10970781
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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