NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
360 reportsClear category filter30,649 miles · Feb 15, 2017
Engine
THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION 35MPH WHEN SUDDENLY ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE PANEL FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH ENGINE FAILURE . THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE DAMAGE UNDER WARRANTY AND CLAIM THAT IS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE EVEN THOUGH WE PROVIDED THEM WITH SERVICE RECORDS. THIS IS A FA…
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THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION 35MPH WHEN SUDDENLY ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE PANEL FLASHED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH ENGINE FAILURE . THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE DAMAGE UNDER WARRANTY AND CLAIM THAT IS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE EVEN THOUGH WE PROVIDED THEM WITH SERVICE RECORDS. THIS IS A FAULTY ENGINE AND KIA IS REFUSING TO STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT.
NHTSA ODI #10954804
350,000 miles · Dec 28, 2016
Engine
LEASED A 2015 KIA SORRENTO, IN MY THIRD YEAR OF LEASE, REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 3 MONTHS, HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND IN ENGINE AT APPROX. 35,000 MILES ON MY WAY HOME FROM MY SON'S HOCKEY GAME ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALER AND IMMEDIATELY THE SALES PERSON INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE CONNECTOR…
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LEASED A 2015 KIA SORRENTO, IN MY THIRD YEAR OF LEASE, REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 3 MONTHS, HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND IN ENGINE AT APPROX. 35,000 MILES ON MY WAY HOME FROM MY SON'S HOCKEY GAME ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. TOOK IT TO THE KIA DEALER AND IMMEDIATELY THE SALES PERSON INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE CONNECTOR ROD FAILURE WITHOUT EVEN WORKING ON THE CAR. SHOWED KIA ALL MY RECEIPTS FOR OIL CHANGES, WAITED TWO WEEKS TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM, FINALLY I CALLED AND THEY OFFERED TO PAY FOR ENGINE BUT I WOULD BE ON THE HOOK FOR 1200 ON LABOR. NOT SURE WHY I AM ON THE HOOK FOR LABOR ON A FAULTY ENGINE. THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. LOOKED ONLINE AND SAW A RECALL FOR OPTIMA ENGINE CONNECTING ROD FOR KIA IN WHICH THEY ARE EXTENDING THEIR WARRANTY FROM 100,000 MILES TO 120,000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE SAME CONNECTING ROD PROBLEM. SO THEY KNOW THEY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THIS PART BUT STILL WANTS ME TO PAY FOR SOME OF THE COST. I DON'T HAVE 1200 TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, ITS NOW GOING ON 3 WEEKS WITHOUT THE VEHICLE WHILE THEY REVIEW MY CLAIM, NO RENTAL VEHICLE, AND I AM EXPECTED TO PAY ON A LEASE OF A VEHICLE I DON'T HAVE. VEHICLE IS STILL IN REPAIR SHOP.
NHTSA ODI #10938321
62,000 miles · Oct 25, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LOW OIL MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LOW OIL MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10918847
27,000 miles · Oct 21, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH IN MY SORRENTO THE CAR HESITATED AND STALLED WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS TO PASS A CAR NEXT TO ME. ITHE FELT LIKE A SLIP. I WASN'T SURE WHAT TO MAKE OF IT, BUT OVER THE NEXT 4 DAYS IT STARTED HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I WENT TO TURN IT ON THE 4TH MORNING AND A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY TAI…
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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50MPH IN MY SORRENTO THE CAR HESITATED AND STALLED WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS TO PASS A CAR NEXT TO ME. ITHE FELT LIKE A SLIP. I WASN'T SURE WHAT TO MAKE OF IT, BUT OVER THE NEXT 4 DAYS IT STARTED HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. I WENT TO TURN IT ON THE 4TH MORNING AND A CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF MY TAILPIPE. I DECIDED IT NEEDED TO GO TO KIA IMMEDIATELY. MY SORRENTO IS A 2015 WITH 27XXX MILES ON IT. THIS IS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM A NEW CAR. I BROUGHT IT TO KIA AND WAS CALLED 10 MINUTES AFTER I RECEIVED MY COURTESY RIDE BACK. I WAS TOLD A DIAGNOSIS WAS SLUDGE AND THEY NEEDED MAINTENENCE RECORDS. I BROUGHT MY RECEIPTS (WHICH I HAD TO HAVE MY MECHANIC TYPE BACK OUT AS I HADN'T SAVED ANY RECIEPTS). WHEN WE BROUGHT THOSE IN I HAD A SPARE KEY TO MY CAR AND NOTICED IT WAS IN THE PARKING LOT. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD ONLY TO DISCOVER THEY HADN'T EVEN PULLED THE VALVE COVER ON THE CAR (I KNOW THIS BECAUSE THERE WAS A DEAD WASP FROZEN TO THE TOP OF THE BOLT YOU NEED TO TAKE OFF TO REMOVE THE COVER THAT WAS THERE WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN). THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY OPENED THE CAP AND THAT'S HOW THEY KNEW EVEN THOUGH INITIALLY ON THE PHONE THEY SAID THEY PULLED THE VALVE COVER. THEY TOOK MY SERVICE PAPERS AND CALLED ME THE NEXT DAY TO SAY KIA WON'T COVER IT AND REJECTED MY RECORDS. MY MECHANIC IS A LICENSED MECHANIC. NO REASON GIVEN FOR THE REJECTION. THEY SAY WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT BUT STILL CAN'T GIVE US A DIAGNOSIS OTHER THAN "SLUDGE". SO MUCH FOR THEIR "BEST WARRANTY IN THE BUSINESS". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10917741
70,000 miles · Sep 15, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT SLUDGE WAS PRESENT IN THE OIL RESERVOIR, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JERKED AND STALLED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT SLUDGE WAS PRESENT IN THE OIL RESERVOIR, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE STATE OF RESIDENCE AND THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT IMPROPER OIL CHANGES WERE PERFORMED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10906816
25 miles · Sep 6, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
THE SUV HAS BEEN HAVING WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAILPIPE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING. IT MAKES UGLY NOISE WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY AND PULLS. THE OIL LIGHT ISN'T COMING ON TO TELL US WHEN THE OIL IS LOW EVEN IF IT'S NOT TIME FOR A PIL CHANGE. WE SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THE CAR IS BURNING OIL MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A N…
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THE SUV HAS BEEN HAVING WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAILPIPE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING. IT MAKES UGLY NOISE WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY AND PULLS. THE OIL LIGHT ISN'T COMING ON TO TELL US WHEN THE OIL IS LOW EVEN IF IT'S NOT TIME FOR A PIL CHANGE. WE SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THE CAR IS BURNING OIL MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A NORMAL VEHICLE. ALSO NOTICE SLUDGE WHEN WE CHECK THE OIL EVEN IF WE HAD JUST HAD A OIL CHANGE IT SEEMS TO COME BACK. THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY TELL ME THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
NHTSA ODI #10904210
40,000 miles · Aug 24, 2016
Engine
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY 4 CHILDREN IN THE CAR AT 45 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS OVER A 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND MY 4 KIDS UNDER 6 HAD TO SIT AND WAIT ON A RIDE IN THE HEAT. THE CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD 7 OIL CHANGES, O…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY 4 CHILDREN IN THE CAR AT 45 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS OVER A 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND MY 4 KIDS UNDER 6 HAD TO SIT AND WAIT ON A RIDE IN THE HEAT. THE CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD 7 OIL CHANGES, OF WHICH I HAVE PROVIDED THE RECEIPTS FOR. THERE IS ENGINE SLUDGE DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE OIL WAS CHANGED MORE FREQUENTLY THAN THE MANUAL SUGGESTED 7500 MILES,
NHTSA ODI #10898199
17,000 miles · Jun 29, 2016
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion SystemCrashInjury
HOW CAN NHTSA GIVE A 5-STAR SAFETY RATING TO A 2015 KIA SORRENTO BASED ON A 2013 CRASH TEST DONE ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE WHEN THERE IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE 2014/2015 KIA SORRENTO MODELS. SINCE 2014, THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 2 SERIOUS INJURIES AND OTHER COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS DEFECT AND ITS NON-DEPLOYENT OF A…
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HOW CAN NHTSA GIVE A 5-STAR SAFETY RATING TO A 2015 KIA SORRENTO BASED ON A 2013 CRASH TEST DONE ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE WHEN THERE IS OBVIOUS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IN THE 2014/2015 KIA SORRENTO MODELS. SINCE 2014, THERE HAS BEEN AT LEAST 2 SERIOUS INJURIES AND OTHER COMPLAINTS DUE TO THIS DEFECT AND ITS NON-DEPLOYENT OF AIRBAGS, ETC. (PLEASE LOOK AT THE PHOTOS, VIDEO & SMALL OVERLAY CRASH REPORT AT HTTP://WWW.IIHS.ORG/IIHS/RATINGS/VEHICLE/V/KIA/SORENTO-4-DOOR-SUV/2015)..THE MANUFACTIURER WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS SINCE THEY REDESIGNED THE 2016 MODEL. THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC FOR ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED WITH THESE ISSUES WHICH SHOULD REPAIRED OR RECALLED TO AVOID FURTHER RISK OF SERIOUS INJURIES AND/OR LOSS OF LIFE. IT IS COMPLETELY WRONGFUL, HARMFUL AND NEGLIGENT OF NHTSA TO GIVE AN "5-STAR SAFETY RATING" ON A LATER MODEL VEHICLE BASED ON AN OUTDATED TEST & WITHOUT FULLY AND APPROPRIATEL TESTING; RENDERING FALSE MISREPRESENTATION TO THE VEHICLE SHOPPER.....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF *JS
NHTSA ODI #10881567
35,000 miles · May 13, 2015
Engine
HAD OIL LIGHT GO ON WHEN I WOULD TAKE OFF FROM A STOP BUT WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I STOP. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL FILTER WAS PUT IN WRONG. THE DEALER PUT A NEW ONE ON AND DID ALL THE TEST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS WORKING PROPER. NINE DAY LATER I HAD A OIL LEAK AND CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS TOLD T…
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HAD OIL LIGHT GO ON WHEN I WOULD TAKE OFF FROM A STOP BUT WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I STOP. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL FILTER WAS PUT IN WRONG. THE DEALER PUT A NEW ONE ON AND DID ALL THE TEST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS WORKING PROPER. NINE DAY LATER I HAD A OIL LEAK AND CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO COME BACK IN. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN TOLD ME THE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE HAD DONE OTHER OIL CHANGES ON THE CAR I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS IF THE OTHER PLACE WOULD NOT. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE PART BEING UNDER WARRANTY THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE ALSO TOLD ME THAT EVEN IF THE DEALER DID THE OIL CHANGE AFTER THE FIRST ONE THAT KIA WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT. SO NOW I WILL GET A BILL OVER 900 DOLLARS AND STILL NOT KNOW IF I HAVE A ENGINE THAT WILL WORK .
NHTSA ODI #10716343
14,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
Engine
I PURCHASED A NEW 2015 KIA SORENTO MAY 17, 2014. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LAST NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR JERKED AROUND, SOUNDED LIKE I DOWNSHIFTED (ALTHOUGH IT'S AN AUTOMATIC) AND I GOT THE DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE OF THE "ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM- POSSIBLE ENGINE CONDITION" IT TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER…
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2015 KIA SORENTO MAY 17, 2014. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LAST NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR JERKED AROUND, SOUNDED LIKE I DOWNSHIFTED (ALTHOUGH IT'S AN AUTOMATIC) AND I GOT THE DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE OF THE "ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM- POSSIBLE ENGINE CONDITION" IT TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. THEY SAID TODAY THAT THEY HAD TO ORDER A NEW THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY AND IT WAS TOO DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE. NOT SURE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THESE PROBLEMS YET BUT IT SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING IN A BRAND NEW CAR! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649724
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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