WENT TO TURN ON THE CAR THE CAR HAD ACCELERATED WHILE IN PARK. FROM THERE THE SAME THAT THE ELECTRICAL PART IN THE CAR STOP WORKING. THE TIRE SENSOR WAS ALSO ON THE ENGINE SENSOR WAS ALSO ON MAJOR ISSUES
2015 Kia Sorento
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Sorento years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento are substantially higher than the model-year median of 242.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
341 reports with mileage · 409 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 360 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reportsHEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT. I HAVE REPLACED THREE BULBS IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS AND HAVE ONLY FOUND COUNTLESS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WILL BURN OUT AND INHIBI…
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HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS CONTINUE TO BURN OUT. I HAVE REPLACED THREE BULBS IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR ANSWERS AND HAVE ONLY FOUND COUNTLESS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS WILL BURN OUT AND INHIBIT YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE SAFELY AT NIGHT.
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WHILE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. SHE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY WARNING, NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE, AND NONE OF THE CHECK/OIL LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASH. SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO GET IT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFOR…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WHILE IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. SHE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY WARNING, NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE, AND NONE OF THE CHECK/OIL LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASH. SHE WAS FORTUNATE TO GET IT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BEFORE IT STOPPED. WHEN I ARRIVED TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG THERE WASN'T ANY OIL IN THE ENGINE. I HAD JUST CHECKED THE OIL 10 DAYS PRIOR WHILE FILLING UP FOR GAS AND THE OIL WAS FULL. I ADDED OIL AND TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. TOWED THE VEHICLE HOME AND DISCOVERED THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DIED. I REPLACE THE BATTERY AND THE ENGINE STARTED BUT I WAS HEARING A CONSTANT TICK-TICK-TICK AND ONCE PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR THERE WAS A VERY LOUD RATTLE, THEN IT ALMOST DIED. NEXT DAY I CONTACTED KIA TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY OPENED THE ENGINE. THE HEAD MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A SIGN OF LACK OF MAINTENANCE BECAUSE THERE WAS MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SLUDGE AND KIA WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER IT. I INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT I COMPLETE ALL MY OIL CHANGES BUT DON'T SAVE THE RECEIPTS AND COULDN'T PRODUCE THEM. SUGGESTED BY THE MECHANIC TO CALL CONSUMER LINE AND I RECEIVED A BUNCH OF RUN-AROUND AND SAID SINCE I DON'T HAVE MAINTENANCE RECORDS THEY WILL NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. AFTER DETAILED RESEARCH I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE FROM OTHER CONSUMERS THAT OWN A 2015 KIA SORENTO AS WELL, INCLUDING THIS SITE. I BELIEVE A COMPLETE RECALL IS IN ORDER FOR ALL 2015 KIA SORENTO'S FOR ENGINE TROUBLE AND KIA NEEDS TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY!
HEAD LIGHTS TOO DIMMED/I HAVE TO USE HIGH LIGHTS OFTEN DURING MY DRIVING./HAPPENS DURING THE NIGHT. IT HAS HAPPENS ANY TIME I USE THE CAR AT NIGHT. I HOPE HIS CAN CHANGE. NOT SAFE FOR DRIVING AT NIGHT.
ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED MY SORENTO I NOTICE THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD STRAY TO THE LEFT ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER CORRECT AND ALMOST GO INTO THE RIGHT LANE. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN AND WAS STEERING ON ITS OWN. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP THR…
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ABOUT A WEEK AFTER I PURCHASED MY SORENTO I NOTICE THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD STRAY TO THE LEFT ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE STEERING THE VEHICLE WOULD OVER CORRECT AND ALMOST GO INTO THE RIGHT LANE. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN AND WAS STEERING ON ITS OWN. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. I FILED A COMPLIANT WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND HAD A HEARING WITH KIA MOTOR OF AMERICA AND A ARBITRATION JUDGE AGAIN THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. I WAS ADVISED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS PROBLEM UNTIL KIA COULD FIND A SOLUTION AND COMPLETE A RECALL PROCESS. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER KIA SORENTO STEERING COMPLAINTS ON FILE ALREADY. SO I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER MY COMPLAINT TODAY. MY SORENTO WAS ALWAYS IN MOTION AND AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. AND ON THE HIGHWAY THE PROBLEM ALWAYS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40 AND 70 MPH.
ROOF RAIL DETACHED ON HIGHWAY WHILE HAULING KAYAK, SPEED 30 MPH. GUST OF CROSSWIND. RAIL IS PLASTIC AND THE FLANGES ON THE END ARE HELD ON BY TWO SCREWS AT EACH END ON THE OUT SIDE EDGE ONLY.PLASTIC AT THAT POINT IS PAPER THIN. INSIDE EDGE OF FLANGE IS NOT ATTACHED AT ALL. THIS ALLOWS THE RAIL TO ROLL OFF TO THE OUTSIDE WITH V…
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ROOF RAIL DETACHED ON HIGHWAY WHILE HAULING KAYAK, SPEED 30 MPH. GUST OF CROSSWIND. RAIL IS PLASTIC AND THE FLANGES ON THE END ARE HELD ON BY TWO SCREWS AT EACH END ON THE OUT SIDE EDGE ONLY.PLASTIC AT THAT POINT IS PAPER THIN. INSIDE EDGE OF FLANGE IS NOT ATTACHED AT ALL. THIS ALLOWS THE RAIL TO ROLL OFF TO THE OUTSIDE WITH VERY LITTLE PRESSURE, RIPPING OUT THE SCREWS ON THE OUTER EDGE. I TRIED THE RAIL ON THE OTHER SIDE AND BY PULLING OUT I COULD LIFT UP THE INNER EDGE AND COULD HAVE RIPPED IT OFF BY HAND WITH A LITTLE MORE PRESSURE. FORTUNATELY NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS HIT. I FEEL THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE. RAIL IS RATED AT 220 LBS BY KIA. TOTAL WEIGHT OF KAYAK WAS 70LBS.
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY GOING SPEED LIMIT OF 75 THE KIA STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN. IT WOULD NOT GO PAST 40MPH IN A 75. ONCE'S IN TOWN THE CAR WAS OK BECAUSE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS BELOW 40.
VEHICLE WAS UNDER LIGHT LOAD TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND ON A STATE ROUTE AND SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT HAD A LOAD BANGING/CLACKING SOUND AND SCREECHING THEN SEIZED UP BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP BEFORE I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROADWAY. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,700. VEHICLE W…
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VEHICLE WAS UNDER LIGHT LOAD TRAVELLING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON LEVEL GROUND ON A STATE ROUTE AND SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. IT HAD A LOAD BANGING/CLACKING SOUND AND SCREECHING THEN SEIZED UP BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP BEFORE I COULD SAFELY PULL OFF THE ROADWAY. MILEAGE AT THE TIME WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,700. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND SERVICE DETERMINED THE ENGINE REPAIRABLE AND IN NEED OF COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. WARRANTY COVERAGE HAS BEEN DENIED. COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ARE $5000 FOR A USED ENGINE TO OVER $6000 FOR A REBUILT/RE MANUFACTURED REPLACEMENT.
HORRID SMELL COMING FROM AC. LAST SUMMER IT SMELLED LIKE VINEGAR, THIS SPRING, CAT URINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CLEANED/DEODORIZED FOR $65. SADLY DIDNT HELP. THEY ARE TAKING IT BACK TO DELVE INTO CLEANING THE EVAPORATOR? I HOPE IT DOESNT COST MORE, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY ACCOUNTS OF THIS ON KIA....PEOPLE G…
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HORRID SMELL COMING FROM AC. LAST SUMMER IT SMELLED LIKE VINEGAR, THIS SPRING, CAT URINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CLEANED/DEODORIZED FOR $65. SADLY DIDNT HELP. THEY ARE TAKING IT BACK TO DELVE INTO CLEANING THE EVAPORATOR? I HOPE IT DOESNT COST MORE, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY ACCOUNTS OF THIS ON KIA....PEOPLE GETTING HEADACHES FROM THE MOLD, AGGRAVATING KIDS'S ASTHMA....TALK OF A LAW SUIT, ETC. KIA HAD BETTER BUCK UP AND FIX THIS! I CALLED KIA CONSUMER COMPLAINTS...THEY ARE "NOT AWARE" OF THE PROBLEM...THO THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TBS) ON OLDER KIA'S ABOUT THIS. BASICALLY, THEY HAVE CONTINUED WITH A BAD DESIGN.....BUT PEOPLE WILL GET SICK HAVING THAT BLOW IN THEIR FACES! PLEASE LOG YOUR COMPLAINT AT: HTTPS://KSUPPORT.KIAUSA.COM/CONSUMERAFFAIRS
BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FOR OVER 8 MONTHS. EATS OIL LIKE NO ONES BUSINESS. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. EVERY TIME I RUN THE ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC, IT HAS ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEMS EXIST. TODAY, MY HUSBAND COMES HOME FROM AN APPOINTMENT, AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH, SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR. …
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BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR FOR OVER 8 MONTHS. EATS OIL LIKE NO ONES BUSINESS. WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. EVERY TIME I RUN THE ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC, IT HAS ALWAYS SAID NO PROBLEMS EXIST. TODAY, MY HUSBAND COMES HOME FROM AN APPOINTMENT, AND TELLS ME THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING REALLY ROUGH, SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR. WE CHECK THE OIL EVERYDAY AND WE'VE TRIED GOING TO TWO DIFFERENT KIA DEALERS FOR OUR OIL CHANGES, AND THEY NEVER TELL US ANYTHING IS WRONG. NOW, THIS COMES UP TODAY. I DO THE ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC AND IT READS. "POSSIBLE CONDITION(S) WITH YOUR ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN DETECTED." SCHEDULE A FULL SYSTEM CHECK WITH YOUR NEARBY KIA DEALER SOON. THE CAR SHAKES HORRIBLY. UP UNTIL THIS TIME, NO SHAKING, SOME WHITE EXHAUST WHEN STARTING THE CAR, BUT NO MAJOR PROBLEMS. NO ENGINE LIGHTS ON, UNTIL TODAY. WE HAVE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. IT EVEN PASSED SMOG TESTING. SO NOW, AFTER READING SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I WORRIED, I WON'T BE GETTING MY CAR FIXED.
Official recalls
321V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
May 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
20V519000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Aug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Dec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
DP21002 · Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 26, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
Engine
In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi
DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities
Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
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