NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports97,950 miles · May 13, 2021
Engine
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR DID NOT SEEM TO BE HANDLING ANY DIFFERENT THEN NORMAL, ASIDE FROM A RECENT RATTLING SOUND ON START UP THAT WOULD LESSEN AFTER IDLING/RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE CODE READ, AND WAS GIVEN A CODE INDICATING THE TIMING CAM WAS OFF. ONCE I GETS TOOK IT INTO T…
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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR DID NOT SEEM TO BE HANDLING ANY DIFFERENT THEN NORMAL, ASIDE FROM A RECENT RATTLING SOUND ON START UP THAT WOULD LESSEN AFTER IDLING/RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE CODE READ, AND WAS GIVEN A CODE INDICATING THE TIMING CAM WAS OFF. ONCE I GETS TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP IT WAS DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS FOUND IN MY OIL FILTER AND PAN. THE OIL WAS ALSO NOTED TO BE VERY LOW, DESPITE ME HAVING PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGES AT PROPER INTERVALS. I SINCE HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THE ENGINE RECALLS FOR THE SAME YEAR, BUT IN THE SMALLER 4 CYLINDER 2.0 AND 2.4L ENGINES. UPON LEARNING ABOUT THIS AND LOOKING FURTHER INTO IT, I HAD READ THAT ON SEVERAL CONSUMER WEBSITES THAT OTHERS WITH THE SAME YEAR AND LARGER 3.3L V6 ENGINE AS MINE WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE OF ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS FOUND DESPITE ALSO PERFORMING PROPER MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE. SO MY ISSUE IS NOW I NEED A MEW ENGINE AS HAVE OTHERS, BUT IT IS NOT RECOGNIZED AS PART OF THE ISSUE WITH THE SMALLER ENGINE 2015 SORENTO'S.
NHTSA ODI #11416387
87,000 miles · May 3, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
MONITOR THAT DISPLAYS DEFOGGER & DEFROSTER IS NOT DISPLAYING INFORMATION.......... THIS MONITOR IS PART OF THE VEHICLE'S "MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM"......WHICH DISPLAYS :: GPS, RADIO CHANNELS, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONS, DEFROSTING-DEFOGGER..... I PAID $700.00 & $65. 10/05/2018 TO REPLACE THIS SAME "NAVIGATION/ MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM".....V…
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MONITOR THAT DISPLAYS DEFOGGER & DEFROSTER IS NOT DISPLAYING INFORMATION.......... THIS MONITOR IS PART OF THE VEHICLE'S "MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM"......WHICH DISPLAYS :: GPS, RADIO CHANNELS, HEATING, AIR CONDITIONS, DEFROSTING-DEFOGGER..... I PAID $700.00 & $65. 10/05/2018 TO REPLACE THIS SAME "NAVIGATION/ MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM".....VEHICLE MILEAGE THEN WAS 48,600.... THIS UNIT STOPPED WORKING/ NO LONGER DISPLAYING INFORMATION JANUARY 2021. THEN MILEAGE OF 87,000.. ELK GROVE KIA SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PERSONALLY PAY TO HAVE THE MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM REPLACE. THE NEW SYSTEM ONLY LASTED APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS..... I ASKED THE KIA DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE OR OFFER DISCOUNT TO REPLACE THIS NEEDED SYSTEM.....THE ANSWER WAS NO ! I SAID TO KIA DEALER THAT OBVIOUSLY THE PRODUCT INSTALLED WAS INFERIOR..(LASTING LESS THAN A YEAR....THE REPLY WAS THE DEALER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTS INSTALLED IN KIA VEHICLES. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE BBB NATIONAL PROGRAMS- AUTO LINE...RE: KIA2115737....BBB SAID MY COMPLAINT DOES NOT QUALIFY PER THEIR GUIDELINES.. I AM STILL WITHOUT VISUAL ASSIST OF THE "MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM".....DEFOGGER/ DEFROSTER.., GPS,
NHTSA ODI #11415038
91,000 miles · Apr 30, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND APPROACHING A HIGHWAY EXIT, THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN. AFTER ENTERING THE EXIT RAMP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SLOWLY DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND APPROACHING A HIGHWAY EXIT, THE CONTACT SLOWED DOWN. AFTER ENTERING THE EXIT RAMP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SLOWLY DRIFTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO MYRTLE BEACH KIA (4811 US-501, MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29579, (843) 444-8000) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
NHTSA ODI #11414632
25,000 miles · Apr 30, 2021
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ADEQUATELY ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY, CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALLACE KIA LOCATED AT 3131 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34994 WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ADEQUATELY ILLUMINATE THE ROADWAY, CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALLACE KIA LOCATED AT 3131 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34994 WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BE UPGRADE TO LED LIGHTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
NHTSA ODI #11414579
124,000 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Structure
THE PAINT ON THE VEHICLE IS PEELING RAPIDLY. IT ORIGINALLY APPEARED TO POSSIBLY BE A CHIP BUT IT IS HAPPENING ALL OVER THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUES TO SPREAD. THE VEHICLE IS WASHED REGULARLY AND THERE IS NO REASON THE PAINT SHOULD BE PEELING LIKE THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11414518
138,000 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Structure
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, I NOTICED SMALL OBJECTS HITTING MY WINDSHIELD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED I NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL POINTS ON THE BODY OF MY CAR THAT THE PAINT START PEELING. NO ROCKS OR OTHER OBJECTS WERE HIT DURING THE DRIVE JUST FAULTY PAINT (KIA SORENTO 2015 PEARL WHITE) ON THE BODY OF THE…
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WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN, I NOTICED SMALL OBJECTS HITTING MY WINDSHIELD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED I NOTICED THERE WERE SEVERAL POINTS ON THE BODY OF MY CAR THAT THE PAINT START PEELING. NO ROCKS OR OTHER OBJECTS WERE HIT DURING THE DRIVE JUST FAULTY PAINT (KIA SORENTO 2015 PEARL WHITE) ON THE BODY OF THE CAR. IT HAS SINCE BECOME WORSE IN THESE AREAS WITH RUST STARTING TO FORM IN CERTAIN SPOTS AND CONTINUES TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD DURING DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11414449
143,000 miles · Apr 28, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE FREEWAY GOING 77MPH MY CAR FAILED TO SHIFT WHILE GOING UP A HILL AND STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. THEN OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL THE CAR MADE A LOUD BAG AND POP AND SMOKED. WE PULLED OVER AND THE CAR MOTOR HAD THEN BEEN SEIZED AND WOULD NOT START. KIA MOTOR IS DECLINING TO RE…
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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE FREEWAY GOING 77MPH MY CAR FAILED TO SHIFT WHILE GOING UP A HILL AND STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE WHILE IN CRUISE CONTROL. THEN OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL THE CAR MADE A LOUD BAG AND POP AND SMOKED. WE PULLED OVER AND THE CAR MOTOR HAD THEN BEEN SEIZED AND WOULD NOT START. KIA MOTOR IS DECLINING TO REPLACE MY MOTOR BASED ON THE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN OF 18V907000 BECAUSE THEY STATE THAT I FAILED TO HAVE THE CAR INSPECTED WITH THIS CAMPAIGN. KIA MOTORS TOLD ME THAT THEY SENT THE PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN NOTICE TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER IN 2018 BUT THAT IT WAS STILL MY FAULT THAT THE INSPECTION WAS NOT DONE AND THE KNOCK SENSOR WASN'T ADDED. I LET THEM KNOW I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I NEVER RECEIVED THE LETTER BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SENT TO ME AND I WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND THE CONSUMER AFFAIRS SUPERVISOR SAID IT WAS STILL MY FAULT FOR NOT CALLING KIA WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2015 TO LET THEM KNOW I AM THE NEW OWNER AND TO GIVE THEM MY INFORMATION.
NHTSA ODI #11414372
30 miles · Apr 23, 2021
Exterior Lighting
MY LOW BEAMS ARE VERY DIM AND IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. I CAN'T SEE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11413617
70,000 miles · Apr 14, 2021
Engine
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE ENGINE "SHUT OFF" AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COAST SOMEWHAT OFF THE ROAD AT A ROUND-ABOUT. I HAD MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS VERY COLD. I WAS TOLD LATER THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND THERE WERE METAL SHARDS DISPERSED ALL OVER THE SY…
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WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE ENGINE "SHUT OFF" AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COAST SOMEWHAT OFF THE ROAD AT A ROUND-ABOUT. I HAD MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS VERY COLD. I WAS TOLD LATER THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED AND THERE WERE METAL SHARDS DISPERSED ALL OVER THE SYSTEM. WHEN I LOOKED INTO THIS ISSUE, MANY KIA VEHICLES HAVE HAD RECALLS ON ENGINES WITH THIS EXACT ISSUE, BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THESE RECALLS. MY VEHICLE HAS AROUND 70,000 MILES ON IT AND I STILL OWE 8000$ ON THE VEHICLE, WHILE MY REPAIRS WILL BE AROUND 6500$. I HAVE DONE ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE AND HAD MY OIL CHANGED AND FLUIDS CHECKED TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #11407998
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2021
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE, SHE LOSS CONTROL OF THE STEERING WITH TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE, SHE LOSS CONTROL OF THE STEERING WITH THE WHEELS VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GOSSETT KIA (1900 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11407560
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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