IllustrationVehicle has low visibility on low beam, even with aftermarket LEDS there is still low visibility with the low beams, car need to be driven on high beam and it is illegal to drive with high beams as you blind cars driving on opposite direction, and a fine could be impose as well.
2015 Kia Sorento
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sorento years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento are substantially higher than the model-year median of 242.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
400–25K
3725–50K
9350–75K
7575–100K
77100–150K
19150K+
341 reports with mileage · 409 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 360 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports14 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
750 reportsOn May 10th 2021 the engine ceased on my 2015 Kia Sorento. The car was towed by AAA to Grand Prairie, Texas. Note, the cadillac converter was stolen at this location and Christian Brothers did replace it. They notified us that the engine needed to be replaced. I then had it towed on May 19, 2021 to my local mechanic at in Richar…
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On May 10th 2021 the engine ceased on my 2015 Kia Sorento. The car was towed by AAA to Grand Prairie, Texas. Note, the cadillac converter was stolen at this location and Christian Brothers did replace it. They notified us that the engine needed to be replaced. I then had it towed on May 19, 2021 to my local mechanic at in Richardson, Texas. I have used this mechanic for several years. It was confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. I then had the car towed on May 20, 2021 to Kia in Plano, Texas. On May 27, 2021 Kia called me and said the motor needed to be replaced and they are contacting Kia to see how this will be taken care of. I did not receive a return call for several day and I was assuming the vehicle was being taken care of. On June 8, 2021 I called for an update. I received a return call from the Kia service man who then informed me that the computer engine was not updated in 2019 and Kia was not going to uphold their recall on the engine because of this. There is no notification given on the vehicle that this was coming due or even past due. Kia has now refused to replace the motor that is in a current recall due to the motor ceasing. On June 9, 2021 I contacted my finance company and insurance for advice. June 10, 2021 I called to talk to service department at 9:45am was told they would return my call. At 3:50 I called again since service mailbox is full and I can’t leave a message. I called again at 5:00pm and was told the service manager will call me June 11th Friday morning. I did not receive a call from her in the morning. I called at 1:10pm June 11, 2021. I was directed to two mailboxes that were full. I called a third time and was told they will have the service manager call me. Emely returned my call and said I need to talk to Kia Consumer Affairs. Consumer Affairs at Kia again said the letter was enough notification. I went to Kia on June 12, 2021 and they wanted me to trade it in.
car re-experienced power loss and steering failure as previously reported to NHTSA ID: 11244200. this time we narrowly missed a tree and only the right passenger tire made an impact on side of the road/mountain. side curtain airbags deployed I have been in contact with Kia about the ongoing issues repairs were made previously un…
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car re-experienced power loss and steering failure as previously reported to NHTSA ID: 11244200. this time we narrowly missed a tree and only the right passenger tire made an impact on side of the road/mountain. side curtain airbags deployed I have been in contact with Kia about the ongoing issues repairs were made previously under warranty. car was returned with engine power loss/ intermittent loss of power and unresponsive steering. my son required 2 stitches. and my military injuries have been aggravated. Car insurance claim started after the incident. the symptoms have been intermittent and dealership refused the car yesterday stating an open case with kia pending a buyback. car has been towed to a geico authorized repair facility for inspection and repair.
On June 23rd my 2015 Kia Sorento with a 3.3 l engine V6 started making noises and I called a dealership and they asked if it sounded like knocking noises and I said no it sounded more like exhaust noise within an hour my car was losing power it was idling very rough and I took it into the dealership and they said that I need ed …
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On June 23rd my 2015 Kia Sorento with a 3.3 l engine V6 started making noises and I called a dealership and they asked if it sounded like knocking noises and I said no it sounded more like exhaust noise within an hour my car was losing power it was idling very rough and I took it into the dealership and they said that I need ed an entire new engine. However I had been in there on June 14th and they told me that my oil level was good and there were no leaks but on June 23rd suddenly I had 0 oil in my engine and they were claiming that it was my issue however it is The exact issue that Kia has had with this model and make but different engine. My car has 91000 miles on it I use full synthetic oil I had it changed 6000 miles ago it was fine then I have had the maintenance done on my car and there were 0 warning lights on my - for either oil or engine that is why I checked electrical I was told by the dealer that there Oil lights and engine lights often don't come on when they have a problem with the car. This is a huge safety issue and if it's starting to happen on the 3.3 engine this needs to be looked at immediately I know someone who owns the exact same year exact same engine and they have been dealing with this type of thing as well
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the oil level was inspected. The contact was informed that there was too much oil in the engine. The vehicle wa…
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle loss motive power without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the oil level was inspected. The contact was informed that there was too much oil in the engine. The vehicle was then towed to Nucar Kia of Tilton (40 Tilton Rd lot a, Tilton, NH 03276) and diagnosed that the failure was related to a manufacturer's recall for the Occupant Detection System (ODS). The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer declined to provide the recall repair since the contact had not gotten the manufacturer's recall for the ODS software update. The contact stated that the manufacturer’s recall letter stated that if the air bags functioned properly, there was no need to contact a Kia dealer for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 53,000. Consumer stated knock sensor recall was not received although dealer states otherwise. Lawsuit states without knock sensor Kia is not responsible for warranty coverage.
Low audible knocking in engine compartment that progressively became louder over the next 2 days. Engine stalled, flashing check engine light appeared. Vehicle is now un-drivable because of a P1326 code that is common in these Hyundai/Kia engines. Oil change was last done less than 2 months ago and an oil change plus facility. A…
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Low audible knocking in engine compartment that progressively became louder over the next 2 days. Engine stalled, flashing check engine light appeared. Vehicle is now un-drivable because of a P1326 code that is common in these Hyundai/Kia engines. Oil change was last done less than 2 months ago and an oil change plus facility. A campaign suggests this is a defect of the engine. There is a class action suite in favor of the owners of this and other vehicles with Hyundai/Kia engines.
Had engine replaced due to recall and now its doing the same thing as it was before the engine replacement by kia. I was going 65mph with cruise control active on the highway and all of a sudden it slowed me down to 20mph, check engine light blinking and went into limp mode. Will not go over 2000rpm and literally shifts like a s…
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Had engine replaced due to recall and now its doing the same thing as it was before the engine replacement by kia. I was going 65mph with cruise control active on the highway and all of a sudden it slowed me down to 20mph, check engine light blinking and went into limp mode. Will not go over 2000rpm and literally shifts like a standard when it is an automatic. This is such bull on having these issues, and doing the same crap as it did before the engine replacement which was done in March/April. I hope I dont have to keep driving it til it throws a rod like before in order to get it replaced and fixed. Kia is not a safe vehicle. I would like a rental.
In July of 2019 I purchased a 2015 Kia Sorento from Haley Toyota of Richmond. About 7 days after purchasing my Sorento, it was cutting off on me while driving and not starting. It was during the hot summer and I would be in the car with my kids sweating stuck hours away from home until the car decided to start up again. It would…
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In July of 2019 I purchased a 2015 Kia Sorento from Haley Toyota of Richmond. About 7 days after purchasing my Sorento, it was cutting off on me while driving and not starting. It was during the hot summer and I would be in the car with my kids sweating stuck hours away from home until the car decided to start up again. It would cut off on us while we were driving!! One day it was almost a terrible accident. Someone almost slammed into the back of us I had to swerve into the ditch!! And ALL of my children were present and my mother. It would start back up like after 30 minutes sometimes hours!! The first time this happened, when we finally got it to the dealer they had it for a while. They said they replaced a computer system and that that should fix it. It didn’t. We kept taking it back they kept not fixing it. And now the car is just not working whatsoever. And I’m still paying for it. The engine shouldn’t be cutting off while the car is in motion. And I’ve looked and there are so many recalls on this car but why isn’t mine included in any engine recalls? The engine is no good. Toyota should not have sold me that car. The vehicle was inspected by Toyota AND Kia and they both acted as though they didn’t know the issue. Then the car just stopped working. We took out in so many times with no resolution. And not I’m stuck paying for a car that doesn’t even run. $333/month plus car insurance. And it was dangerous to drive. No warning Lights or warning signs popped on it would just cut off in the middle of no where. And then after that the engine light would come on, but never before cutting off I never had any warnings. I’ve been given no resolution, and I really need help.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the headlights were dim and failed to produce adequate lighting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mil…
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the headlights were dim and failed to produce adequate lighting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
This is a continuing problem. I have previously reported this issue to KIA and it has fallen in silent ears. For whatever reason my vehicle has been bone dry of oil. There is no warning that the oil is low. No indicator comes on., nothing! This can happen immediately after an oil change. The oil does not leak on the ground and i…
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This is a continuing problem. I have previously reported this issue to KIA and it has fallen in silent ears. For whatever reason my vehicle has been bone dry of oil. There is no warning that the oil is low. No indicator comes on., nothing! This can happen immediately after an oil change. The oil does not leak on the ground and it is known where the oil goes. The only way I know that there’s is no oil is that the car smells as though something is burning. I have spent hundreds of dollars in oil trying to keep up with when it dry’s out. Also, the rear brake light (right) burns out at least twice a month. At one point the light burned into the housing unit and had to be pulled out with needle nose pliers. I have again spent a lot of money on replacing bulbs. This car is extremely unsafe and I feel at anytime the car will catch on fire.
Official recalls
321V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
May 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
20V519000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Aug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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.