NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports38,000 miles · Oct 31, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS (MAINLY LOW BEAMS) KEEP BURNING OUT AND NEED BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS TO YEAR AND HALF. THIS TIME WHEN I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE LEFT LOW BEAM BULB, I NOTICED THE BULB WAS OUT WHEN I WAS JUMPING THE CAR DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY. A DAY LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN SO I TOOK IT OUT AND HAD IT TESTED. THE DEALERSH…
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HEADLIGHTS (MAINLY LOW BEAMS) KEEP BURNING OUT AND NEED BE REPLACED ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS TO YEAR AND HALF. THIS TIME WHEN I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE LEFT LOW BEAM BULB, I NOTICED THE BULB WAS OUT WHEN I WAS JUMPING THE CAR DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY. A DAY LATER THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN SO I TOOK IT OUT AND HAD IT TESTED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE. CAME HOME AND TESTED THE POWER TO THE HEADLIGHTS BOTH WHEN THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND COMPLETELY OFF (ALL LIGHTS AS WELL AS ENGINE). POWER IS RUNNING TO THE HEADLIGHT EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND NOT ENOUGH THAT THE HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATES BUT ENOUGH TO CONSTANTLY DRAIN MY BATTERY IF THE CAR SITS FOR MORE THAN 8 HOURS!!!! LOOKING AT OTHERS WITH THE SAME HEADLIGHT ISSUES AS WELL AS MANY SAYING WIRES HAD MELTED AND SOME FIRES HAPPENING. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO FURTHER. I WILL UPDATE IF ABLE TO WHEN I FIND THE CAUSE
NHTSA ODI #11144480
92,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR, EVERYTHING FLICKERS LIKE THE BATTERY IS DYING, THEN IT WILL CRANK, BUT NOW ALL OF THE LIGHTS ARE ON AND WON'T GO OFF AND IT IS DINGING LIKE THE KEYS ARE STILL IN THE IGNITION, BUT THEY AREN'T.
NHTSA ODI #11141371
35,000 miles · Oct 12, 2018
Unknown Or Other
I PURCHASED MY KIA IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE BUT COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM. I CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE SMELL AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO PATTERN TO CAUSE THE SMELL TO HAPPEN. I BROUGHT THE KIA IN FOR SERVICE TO F…
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I PURCHASED MY KIA IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. I PULLED OVER TO INVESTIGATE BUT COULD NOT FIND WHERE THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM. I CONTINUED TO NOTICE THE SMELL AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO PATTERN TO CAUSE THE SMELL TO HAPPEN. I BROUGHT THE KIA IN FOR SERVICE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. KIAS MECHANIC SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SMELL AND THEY COULDNT FIND THE PROBLEM.I INSISTED SOMETHING WAS WRONG AND ASKED THEM TO SEARCH FARTHER. I GOT ANOTHER CALL FROM THE MECHANIC SAYING THEY COULDNT DUPLICATE THE SMELL AND TO BASICALLY BRING THE CAR IN IF ITS ACTUALLY SMOKING OR ON FIRE. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND AFTER THEIR INVESTIGATION I GOT A CALL SAYING BASED ON THE DEALERSHIPS REPORT THEY COULDNT DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE BURNING SMELL AND THE CASE WAS CLOSED.I HAVE 3 KIDS 2 IN CAR SEATS. MY SELF AND OTHERS CONTINUE TO SMELL THE BURNING. IAM TERRIFIED EVERYTIME IM IN THE KIA. I FEEL I WAS SOLD A DEATH TRAP AND KIA DOESNT CARE. I FEEL THEY WONT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE CAR IS LITERALLY ON FIRE AND THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE.
NHTSA ODI #11140053
65,000 miles · Oct 7, 2018
Unknown Or Other
THE EXTERIOR HANDLE CAP FELL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. IT KEEPS THE DOOR HANDLE IN PLACE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN I SEARCHED, HUNDREDS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME WERE BRAND NEW. THE PART IS $10 BUT KIA WANTED TO CHARGE 60 PLUS $100 FOR LABOR. THIS PART FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WHICH EVENTUALL…
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THE EXTERIOR HANDLE CAP FELL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. IT KEEPS THE DOOR HANDLE IN PLACE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN I SEARCHED, HUNDREDS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME WERE BRAND NEW. THE PART IS $10 BUT KIA WANTED TO CHARGE 60 PLUS $100 FOR LABOR. THIS PART FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE DOOR HANDLE TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11138910
45,000 miles · Oct 4, 2018
Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK AFTER A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IT BECAME SLUGGISH AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I WAS JUST COMING OFF A LOCAL HIGHWAY ONTO A SURFACE STREET WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE ICON ON MY DASHBOARD IN MY CAR'S MANUAL. IT TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER - …
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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK AFTER A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IT BECAME SLUGGISH AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I WAS JUST COMING OFF A LOCAL HIGHWAY ONTO A SURFACE STREET WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE ICON ON MY DASHBOARD IN MY CAR'S MANUAL. IT TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER - 6 WEEKS AGO! APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THEY DID TO PROTECT MY CAR DAMAGED IT INSTEAD. I HAVE BEEN IN WEEKLY CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE GETTING VERY LITTLE INFORMATION OR HELP FROM KIA, WHO APPARENTLY CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX MY CAR. I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE BEING DONE TO MY CAR SITTING FOR THAT LONG WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN AND NOW I WONDER IF THIS WILL CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. NOT HAPPY WITH KIA'S INABILITY TO FIX MY CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED SO IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND I NEED TO KNOW IF I HAVE ANY LEGAL RECOURSE. I HAVE MADE 2 CAR PAYMENTS WITH A THIRD COMING UP SINCE IT HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALER WAITING FOR WHATEVER DECISION THEY END UP MAKING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT ABOUT IT AND PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL, BUT THIS IS ALL GETTING OLD REAL FAST!
NHTSA ODI #11133283
990,000 miles · Sep 27, 2018
Engine
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY ENGINE STOP RUNNING, IM TOLD BY KIA THE ENGINE SEIZE UP AND IT IS NOT COVERED
NHTSA ODI #11132021
72,000 miles · Sep 13, 2018
SeatsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE BASE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARDS A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH PUSHED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER'S SEAT SEPARATED FROM THE BASE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE BACKWARDS AND FORWARD, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S BODY TO STRIKE THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SEAT RAILINGS, THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, DRIVER'S DOOR, AND DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE NECK, HEAD, AND FACE. THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND SUFFERED SEAT BELT BRUISES AND LOWER BACK PAIN. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION SHOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #11129315
88,000 miles · Aug 21, 2018
Engine
PURCHASED A USED 2015 KIA SORENTO FROM A USED CAR LOT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2018. I'VE EXPERIENCED NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL AUGUST 19, 2018 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AND ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. WE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND TRIED OUR BEST TO GET IT TO RESTART. IT HAD TO …
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PURCHASED A USED 2015 KIA SORENTO FROM A USED CAR LOT ON FEBRUARY 15, 2018. I'VE EXPERIENCED NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL AUGUST 19, 2018 WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AND ACCELERATING, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. WE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND TRIED OUR BEST TO GET IT TO RESTART. IT HAD TO BE TOWED HOME. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THE KIA HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE ENGINE SEIZING. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR INSPECTION DOCUMENTATION (CURRENTLY AT WORK AND UNABLE TO UPLOAD THE RECEIPT).
NHTSA ODI #11121504
71,880 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other
2015 KIA SORRENTO SXL ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND VEHICLE VERBAL WARNING THAT MY TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK TO RESEARCH AND REPAIR THE ENGINE ISSUE. I PAID OVER $300 FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAS METAL FLAKES AND IT'S NOTHING TH…
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2015 KIA SORRENTO SXL ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND VEHICLE VERBAL WARNING THAT MY TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK TO RESEARCH AND REPAIR THE ENGINE ISSUE. I PAID OVER $300 FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAS METAL FLAKES AND IT'S NOTHING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CAN DO TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD TO LIVE WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BASICALLY. MY ENGINE HAS LOW TAKE OFF SPEED WHEN GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT RUNS ROUGH.
NHTSA ODI #11119603
60,909 miles · Aug 4, 2018
Engine
PURCHASED THIS 2015 VEHICLE FROM A REGIONAL PA/NJ RESELLER NAMED CARSENSE IN NOVEMBER 2015 WITH 15,000 MILES. MAINTAINED REGULAR SERVICE AND OIL CHANGES, ALTHOUGH NOT ALWAYS WITH CASTROL OIL, AS REQUIRED FOR THE CARSENSE EXTENDED WARRANTY. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY RETURNING FROM THE BEACH WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED A SLIGHT KNOCK W…
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PURCHASED THIS 2015 VEHICLE FROM A REGIONAL PA/NJ RESELLER NAMED CARSENSE IN NOVEMBER 2015 WITH 15,000 MILES. MAINTAINED REGULAR SERVICE AND OIL CHANGES, ALTHOUGH NOT ALWAYS WITH CASTROL OIL, AS REQUIRED FOR THE CARSENSE EXTENDED WARRANTY. DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY RETURNING FROM THE BEACH WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED A SLIGHT KNOCK WHEN ACCELERATING. STOPPED AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL WHICH WAS FINE. JUST AT 3,000 MILES ON THE OIL AT THE TIME. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DROVE FURTHER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE ENGINE STALLED. TOWED TO A KIA DEALER AND TOLD ENGINE WAS SEIZED. AS I AM A SECOND OWNER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY DID NOT APPLY. VEHICLE WAS 909 MILES OVER THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY AND NOT COVERED. ESCALATED WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHO I CHASED FOR OVER A WEEK WITH ESCALATION REQUESTS. FINAL ANSWER ... WE ARE SORRY BUT THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. WOULD NOT OFFER ANY RELIEF ON EITHER PARTS OR LABOR. REPLACING THE ENGINE TO THE TUNE OF $5,400.00 INCLUDING REPLACING A STARTER WHICH MYSTERIOUSLY "BURNED UP". WE HAVE FOUND MANY SIMILAR STORIES WITH ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT ARE MOST LIKELY RELATED TO THE 2012-2014 2.4L ENGINE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11115737
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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