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 reports

35,000 miles · Apr 11, 2021

Steering

CLUNKING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, LARGE VIBRATION, AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAYS STEERING SECTOR SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

NHTSA ODI #11407486

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2021

Exterior Lighting

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AFTER REPLACING BULBS, HEADLIGHTS, ESPECIALLY LOW BEAMS, ARE DANGEROUSLY LOW. VERY LOW VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO SEE WHEN THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WHEN IT IS RAINING. THIS MORNING ON MY WAY INTO WORK IT WAS RAINING AND ALMOST MISSED A CURVE IN THE ROAD DUE TO LOW VISIBILITY. I SLOWED TO MAKE THE CURVE AND HIT A PATCH OF WATER (AGAIN, BECAUSE OF THE LOW VISIBILITY I DID NOT SEE) AND HYDROPLANED ALMOST HITTING A VEHICLE COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT OVERCORRECT AND REGAINED CONTROL BEFORE A COLLISION TOOK PLACE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER TIMES WHEN I COULD NOT SEE THE TURN COMING UP OR ENTRANCES TO EXIT RAMPS ON THE HIGHWAY. MY HOPE WAS THAT CHANGING THE BULBS WOULD HELP, BUT EVEN WITH GETTING THE BRIGHTEST BULBS AT THE AUTO PART STORE, THE LIGHTS ARE STILL JUST AS DIM. IN DOING RESEARCH, I AM FINDING THAT THIS IS A COMIN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #11406859

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control

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I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MY WHEEL SPEED SENSOR NEEDS REPLACING. I CHECKED ONLINE AND KIA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS BUT WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN# WASN'T ON THE LIST AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FULL REPAIR. I CHECKED A NUMBER OF ONLINE FORUMS AND THOUGH IT SEEMS THAT KIA HAS ISSUED A RECALL BUT THEN KNOWINGLY REMOVED A NUMBER OF VEHICLES BY VIN# FROM RECALL LIST. THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $310 FOR THE SENSOR AND $270 FOR THE LABOR. THIS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED AND THE COMPANY SHOULD COVER ALL VEHICLES ISSUED AS THEY RAN A CAMPAIGN TO COVER THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR BEFORE CORRUPTION THEN PURPOSELY EXCLUDED VEHICLES FROM GETTING THE REPAIR AND NOW HAS DAMAGE TO THE SENSOR.

NHTSA ODI #11405755

71,200 miles · Mar 30, 2021

Structure

I HAVE A 2015 KIA SORENTO WHITE PEARL FINISH. PAINT STARTED CHIPPING ON IT LAST YEAR AND JUST NOTICED A FEW WEEKS AGO AFTER WASHING IT THAT CHUNKS OF PAINT STARTED COMING OFF ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND ON THE HOOD. I HAD JUST FIXED CHIPPING ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD A WEEK PRIOR.

NHTSA ODI #11405700

117,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021

EngineFire

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEIR SON WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THE CONTACTS SON PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AFTER THE LIGHT TURN GREEN, THEY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACTS SON PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACTS SON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OVER STATED THEY SAW FIRE COMING FROM THE REAR UNDERNEATH OF THE VEHICLE. THE OTHER DRIVER HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE FROM THE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT HOOD AND UNDER THE VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED FROM THE VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID ARRIVE TO THE SCENE BUT THERE WAS NO FIRE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE NEXT DAY THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER MARTIN KIA (289 E CLEVELAND AVE, NEWARK, DE 19711 PHONE: (302) 738-5200) AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACTS INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS MECHANICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #11405056

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2021

Unknown Or Other

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IT STARTED WITH A SMALL SPOTS ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD. THAT SPOT GRADUALLY GREW AND MORE SPOTS STARTED PEELING. THE NEXT CAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE ON THE FRAME OF THE WINDSHIELD THEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. PIECES OF PAINT JUST PEELED OFF. THERE'S ABOUT A GOOD 8" LONG PATCH THAT HAS NO PAINT AND IT'S STILL FLAKING. THE PIECE OF PAINT THAT CAME OFF WAS SO THIN AND BRITTLE, I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. IT JUST SEEMS LIKE THE UNDERCOAT WASN'T GOOD AND DIDN'T FUSE WITH THE PAINT WHEN IT WAS APPLIED. I DON'T KNOW IF I'M GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE THE ENTIRE SUV REPAINTED.

NHTSA ODI #11405052

110,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021

Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

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A FEW MONTHS BACK, MAYBE OSEPT/OCT MY ABS LIGHT, TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON (YELLOW) AND I HAD IT CHECKED AND THEY SAID IT WAS A WHEEL SENSIOR AND ITS VERY COSTLY SO AS OF YET IT HASNT BEEN FIXED. NOW YESTERDAY MY BRAKE LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF MY DASH CAME ON (RED) AND ITS A DOUBLE AND SAID BREAK. I DONT KNOW WHY IM HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR BUT IT WILL BE MY LAST KIA. I OWN 2 AND BOTH HAVE HAD PROBLEMS AND I KEEP BOTH SERVICED ON TIME AND GET WHAT IS NEEDED DONE

NHTSA ODI #11404988

71,112 miles · Mar 20, 2021

Structure

I NOTICED MY 2015 KIA SORENTO WITH WHITE PEARL PAINT IS CHIPPING AND COMING OFF IN SEVERAL PLACES. I HAVE FIXED A FEW WITH YHE KIA WHITE PEARL TOUCH UP PAINT. I NOTICED TODAY THREE MORE AREAS THAT ARE CHIPPING. TWO ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND ONE LARGE CHIPPING AREA ON THE HOOD. THE CHIP ON THE HOOD LOOKS LIKE IT IS BUBBLING UP. TH…

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NHTSA ODI #11404064

80,000 miles · Mar 20, 2021

Engine

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AFTER MY 2015 KIA SORENTO SX WAS RECALLED FOR FAULTY ENGINE; IT WAS REBUILT. HOWEVER, MY CAR HAS RECENTLY STALLED WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS ANOTHER ENGINE OIL LEAK. THEY CLAIMED TO REBUILD THE ENGINE, BUT I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES SINCE PURCHASING THIS CAR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FIRE CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM OR WORSE. I AM ASKING FOR ANOTHER RECALL, BECAUSE APPARENTLY THE FIRST TIME THEY ALLEGEDLY FIXED THE FAULTY ENGINE WAS TO NO AVAIL AS I AM HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE AS I HAD PRIOR TO THE ENGINE BEING REBUILT. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. I ALSO READ SEVERAL NEWS ARTICLES WHERE THERE WAS RECENT RECALL ON THE KIA SORENTO MODELS AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHERS. HOWEVER, UPON SEARCHING TO CHECK IF THERE WAS IN FACT ANOTHER RECALL, THERE IS NOT. THIS IS CONFUSING AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON AS SEVERAL NEWS ARTICLES STATE INDEED 2015 KIA SORENTO HAS ANOTHER RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11404001

125,000 miles · Mar 17, 2021

Engine

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VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. DAUGHTER IN-LAW WAS DRIVING VEHICLE. SHE MADE IT HOME WITH VEHICLE. MY SON LOOKED AT VEHICLE WHEN HE GOT HOME FROM WORK. HE FOUND OIL TO BE LOW, OIL WAS CHANGED IN JANUARY. NO SIGNS OF OIL LEAKING. HE REMOVED OIL FILTER AND FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL. MY SON IS A SMALL ENGINE/DIESEL MECHANIC. HE HOOKED UP HIS CODE READER, ERROR READINGS WERE RELATED TO CYLINDER BANK. THEY HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO CLOSET KIA DEALER, ABOUT 70 MILES, VERDICT FROM DEALERSHIP NEEDS NEW ENGINE AT TUNE OF $10,000. MY SON CANNOT AFFORD A $10,000 REPAIR BILL, HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 125,000 MILES ON IT. MY CONCERNS WITH THIS ARE WHY NO WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS? MY SECOND CONCERN IS THAT THE KIA RECALL AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND SUBSEQUENT SETTLEMENT MAYBE SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED THE V6 ENGINES. KIA IS KNOWN FOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. AND MAYBE I CAN'T EVEN BE THE ONE TO ENTER THIS REPORT SINCE I AM NOT VEHICLE OWNER BUT I AM NOT WILLING TO ROLLOVER AND GIVE UP. MY SON JUST WANTS TO BE RID OF VEHICLE AND TRY GET OUT FROM UNDER THE $8,000 HE STILL OWES ON LOAN. I THINK THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF THE ENGINE PROBLEMS KIA HAS.

NHTSA ODI #11403418

Official recalls

21V331000 · 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

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

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

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

AQ23002 · 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

Engine

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.

Go deeper into Kia Sorento problems

Kia Sorento transmission problems →Kia Sorento electrical problems →