NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports68,405 miles · Feb 19, 2021
EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND A NO SERVICE MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SUNTRUP KIA SOUTH (6263 S LIND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER MOTHER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AN AUDIBLE ENGINE FAILURE WARNING AND A NO SERVICE MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SUNTRUP KIA SOUTH (6263 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63123) FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V519000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL COULD NOT BE SERVICED SINCE THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS WERE DOWN. THE CONTACT THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS WERE DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO STOP DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS THERE WAS POTENTIAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,405. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11396952
80,000 miles · Feb 18, 2021
Engine
WENT GOT MY OIL CHANGED.THE TECH SAID YOU HAVE A ROD KNOCK THE SORENTO ONLY 80.000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11396877
60,000 miles · Feb 16, 2021
Structure
STARTING A YEAR AGO, THE PAINT ON MY 2015 VEHICLE (LESS THAN 60K MILES) BEGAN TO FLAKE OFF. I HAVE THE KIA PEARL WHITE COLOR AND MY STORY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER CASES ONLINE. THE PAINT FLAKES OFF WITH PRESSURE FROM A GARDEN HOSE. I KEEP MY CAR CLEAN AND DETAILED (TWICE A YEAR). THERE ARE NO DENTS OR MARKS AT AN…
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STARTING A YEAR AGO, THE PAINT ON MY 2015 VEHICLE (LESS THAN 60K MILES) BEGAN TO FLAKE OFF. I HAVE THE KIA PEARL WHITE COLOR AND MY STORY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HUNDREDS OF OTHER CASES ONLINE. THE PAINT FLAKES OFF WITH PRESSURE FROM A GARDEN HOSE. I KEEP MY CAR CLEAN AND DETAILED (TWICE A YEAR). THERE ARE NO DENTS OR MARKS AT ANY OF THE LOCATIONS VALIDATING THAT THIS ISN'T DAMAGE FROM A ROCK OR ROAD DEBRI. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO SEVERAL PAINT AND BODY SHOPS AND THEY ALL RECOMMEND THE PAINT BE REMOVED COMPLETELY AS MY ONLY OPTION OF REPAIR BECAUSE THE ORGINAL PAINT IS NOT BONDED PROPERLY TO THE BODY. KIA REFUSES TO ADMIT THAT THIS IS A DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #11396479
77,000 miles · Feb 7, 2021
Exterior Lighting
CAR WAS DRIVEN A NIGHT AND HEADLIGHT WERE TERRIBLE. VAGUELY LIGHTS A A ROAD SIGN ON A DARK STREET AT 100 YARDS. BOTH BULBS HAVE BEEN RECENTLY REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON WITH THESE CARS. CONTACTED KIA AND GOT NO HELP OTHER THAN TAKE TO DEALER AND PAY SERVICE FEE. OTHERS HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP. USUAL ARE TOLD IT IS JUST THE …
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CAR WAS DRIVEN A NIGHT AND HEADLIGHT WERE TERRIBLE. VAGUELY LIGHTS A A ROAD SIGN ON A DARK STREET AT 100 YARDS. BOTH BULBS HAVE BEEN RECENTLY REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE VERY COMMON WITH THESE CARS. CONTACTED KIA AND GOT NO HELP OTHER THAN TAKE TO DEALER AND PAY SERVICE FEE. OTHERS HAVE RECEIVED NO HELP. USUAL ARE TOLD IT IS JUST THE WAY THESE LIGHTS ARE. THESE LIGHT WILL NOT LIGHT A CLOSED GARAGE AT NIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11395068
88,000 miles · Jan 31, 2021
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
MY CAR SHOWS AIRBAG SIGNAL HOWEVER I NEVER INVOLVE IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT AND ALSO WHEN I TURN ON AC IT BLOW HOT AIR AND MY BACKUP CAMERA NOT WORKING
NHTSA ODI #11390886
53,000 miles · Jan 28, 2021
Structure
GOT HOME AFTER DRIVING 20 MINUTES FROM WORK AND I NOTICE A GOOD PORTION OF THE WHITE PAINT HAS PEELED OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE A-PILLAR BY THE WINDSHIELD. UPON CLOSE INSPECTION, THE PAINT LOOKS LIKE IT'S CHIPPING OFF AND EVENTUALLY GETTING PEELED FROM THE BODY BY THE WIND WHILE DRIVING. NOTHING APPEARS TO HAVE HIT THE AREA AND …
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GOT HOME AFTER DRIVING 20 MINUTES FROM WORK AND I NOTICE A GOOD PORTION OF THE WHITE PAINT HAS PEELED OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE A-PILLAR BY THE WINDSHIELD. UPON CLOSE INSPECTION, THE PAINT LOOKS LIKE IT'S CHIPPING OFF AND EVENTUALLY GETTING PEELED FROM THE BODY BY THE WIND WHILE DRIVING. NOTHING APPEARS TO HAVE HIT THE AREA AND IT WAS A CLEAN PEEL OF THE PAINT
NHTSA ODI #11390584
80,000 miles · Jan 27, 2021
Exterior Lighting
LOW BEAM LIGHTS GO OFF/ON RANDOMLY. SOMETIMES WILL WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN ONE OR BOTH LIGHTS WILL GO OUT. WHEN THE DUST COVER IS REMOVED AND THE LIGHT SOCKET ASSEMBLY IS TOUCHED, THEN LIGHT WILL COME ON. HOWEVER, MOVING THE WIRES OR SOCKET ASSEMBLY DOES NOT CAUSE LIGHT TO GO OUT. THEN THE LIGHT LATER RANDOMLY GOES OFF. ALSO, …
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LOW BEAM LIGHTS GO OFF/ON RANDOMLY. SOMETIMES WILL WORK FOR A WHILE AND THEN ONE OR BOTH LIGHTS WILL GO OUT. WHEN THE DUST COVER IS REMOVED AND THE LIGHT SOCKET ASSEMBLY IS TOUCHED, THEN LIGHT WILL COME ON. HOWEVER, MOVING THE WIRES OR SOCKET ASSEMBLY DOES NOT CAUSE LIGHT TO GO OUT. THEN THE LIGHT LATER RANDOMLY GOES OFF. ALSO, I HAVE REPLACED MANY LOW BEAM BULBS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11390238
150,000 miles · Jan 20, 2021
Engine
I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP (TRAVELING @~70 MPH) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE SB 5 FWY. I WAS FORTUNATE AS THERE WERE MANY LARGE TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHICH I WAS ABLE TO AVOID. AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. 12 HOURS LATER AND HUNDREDS OF D…
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I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP (TRAVELING @~70 MPH) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER ON THE SB 5 FWY. I WAS FORTUNATE AS THERE WERE MANY LARGE TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WHICH I WAS ABLE TO AVOID. AS I CAME TO A STOP THE CAR SHUT OFF AND I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART IT. 12 HOURS LATER AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS IN TOWING FEES, I HAD MY MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AND WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. WHAT!!! I HAD RECENTLY HAD A SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE AND WAS NOT DUE FOR A COUPLE OF THOUSAND MILES. THIS ALL OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING: NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOW PRESSURE OIL INDICATOR, OR EVEN OVERHEATING TEMPERATURE. WAITING TO GET IT BACK FROM MY MECHANIC WHERE I WILL PARK IT AND CONTINUED TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT COSMETICALLY LOOKS GREAT BUT IS WORTHLESS. QUICK QUOTE FOR NEW ENGINE AND LABOR IS ABOUT 6 TO 7K. I HAVE A FEELING THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF A NIGHTMARE THAT STARTS WITH A K AND END WITH AN IA.
NHTSA ODI #11388958
103,825 miles · Jan 18, 2021
Engine
MY ENGINE DIED WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT, NO KNOCKING SOUNDS, NOTHING. IT JUST DIED. HAD TO GET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE I WAS PASSING AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT IN THE COLD FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT HEAT ON A DESOLATE ROAD WITH NO CELL SERVICE. NO TOWN WITHIN WALKING DISTANC…
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MY ENGINE DIED WHILE PASSING A VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT, NO KNOCKING SOUNDS, NOTHING. IT JUST DIED. HAD TO GET IN FRONT OF VEHICLE I WAS PASSING AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT IN THE COLD FOR 3 HOURS WITHOUT HEAT ON A DESOLATE ROAD WITH NO CELL SERVICE. NO TOWN WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. MY MECHANIC SAID THE MOTOR IS LOCKED UP AND I'LL NEED A REPLACEMENT. 103,825 MILES ON IT. WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 100,000 MILES. APPARENTLY THIS IS COMMON IN THESE VEHICLES AND KIA IS INVOLVED IN A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS AND OTHER MALFUNCTIONS. CALLED KIA AND THEY WERE NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I'M A NURSE CARRYING FOR COVID PATIENTS AND HAVE NO VEHICLE TO GET TO WORK. I STILL OWE $13,000+. I BOUGHT IT IN 2018.
NHTSA ODI #11388751
224,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Service BrakesFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER CORAL SPRINGS KIA LOCATED AT 9330 …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE SMOKE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER CORAL SPRINGS KIA LOCATED AT 9330 W ATLANTIC BLVD, CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33071 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY INSPECTED UNDER THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 20V519000(SERVICE BRAKES) BUT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AFTER THE RECALL INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 224,000. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11387686
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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