IllustrationHEADLIGHTS KEEP PREMATURELY BURNING OUT. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN 2.5 YEARS. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH BOTH KIA REPLACEMENTS, AND AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENTS. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE, THEY LAST 6-8 MONTHS. FORTUNATELY BOTH SIDES HAVEN'T BURNED OUT AT THE SAME TIME, IT'S USUALLY 1 SIDE THEN THE OTHER.
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
400–25K
3725–50K
9350–75K
7575–100K
77100–150K
19150K+
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.
20 crash reports14 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
750 reports"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE AROUND 41000 MILES ON OUR 2015 KIA SORRENTO. MY HUSBAND TOOK A POSITION WORKING APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME AND MAKING A DAILY COMMUTE OF 5 HOURS EACH DAY TO WORK. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE OUT OF OUR SORENTO. IN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK HE WAS TRAVELING HOME…
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"TAKATA RECALL" WE HAVE AROUND 41000 MILES ON OUR 2015 KIA SORRENTO. MY HUSBAND TOOK A POSITION WORKING APPROXIMATELY 2.5 HOURS AWAY FROM OUR HOME AND MAKING A DAILY COMMUTE OF 5 HOURS EACH DAY TO WORK. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE OUT OF OUR SORENTO. IN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2017 AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK HE WAS TRAVELING HOME AND WAS ABOUT 1.75 HOURS INTO HIS 2 HOUR COMMUTE WHEN OUR SORENTO STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE. NO LIGHT INDICATORS CAME ON TO INDICATE WHAT COULD POSSIBLE BE GOING WRONG AT THE TIME. HE GOT OVER IN THE SLOW LANE AND DROPPED HIS SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. BEFORE EVERY TRIP HE MADE A POINT TO CHECK THE OIL AND THAT MORNING WAS NO DIFFETENT. ALL OIL LEVELS WERE FINE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. HE GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT AND PUT IN AROUND 1 QUART OF OIL.. STILL NO LIGHTS BUT THE TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE CONINURED. HE SAT FOR A BIT AND LET THE NEW OIL RUN THROUGH AND STARTED TO MAKE HIS WAY HOME AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. HE THEN PULLED OVER AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD OUR CAR TOWED HOME. OUR ENGINE IS COMPLETELY BLOWN. UPON STARTING IT MAKES A TERRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE AND AFTER 15 TO 20 SECONDS TURNS OFF. A MECHANIC CHECKED OUR CAR OVER AND SAID THERE WAS METAL SHAVINGS IN OUR OIL. WE HAVE CONTACTED KIA BUT THEY WE ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING AS WE DID NOT GET ALL SERVICES AND OIL CHANGES AT THE DEALERSHIP.
I HAVE PURCHASED MULTIPLE LIGHTS FOR MY FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS INCLUDING BLINKERS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. I RECENTLY PURCHASED A SET OF LIGHTS FOR $80, TOP TO THE LINE, AND THE FRONT RIGHT LIGHT IS OUT AGAIN. I HAVE REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT AND IT IS OUT AGAIN. REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME AROUND JULY 4TH.
MY FRIEND WAS ON THE HIGHWAY,TRAVELLING ALONG AND HEARD A NOISE. THEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR ALONG SIDE DRIVERS DOOR. THE CAR THEN LOST ACCELERATION AND STOPPED. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND IS TOTALLED OUT. AN OFF DUTY LAWMAN STOPPED TO HELP HER. HE TOLD HER EITHER THE FUEL LINE OR FUEL PUMP BU…
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MY FRIEND WAS ON THE HIGHWAY,TRAVELLING ALONG AND HEARD A NOISE. THEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR ALONG SIDE DRIVERS DOOR. THE CAR THEN LOST ACCELERATION AND STOPPED. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND IS TOTALLED OUT. AN OFF DUTY LAWMAN STOPPED TO HELP HER. HE TOLD HER EITHER THE FUEL LINE OR FUEL PUMP BURST AND TOLD HER WE HAVE GROUNDS FOR LAWSUIT AGAINST KIA FOR FAULTY DESIGN. MY FRIEND IS IN TOTAL DISTRESS OVER THIS INCIDENT AND DESERVES COMPENSATION FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. I FEEL LIKE KIA OWES ME BIG MONEY TOO, BECAUSE I BOUGHT CAR FOR HER TO BE LEGAL IN HAULING HER SIX CHILDREN IN CAR. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE CAR DUE TO HIGH LIEN ON CAR AT TIME OF FIRE, AND YET I FEEL OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE FRIEND WITH LEGAL AND DEPENDABLE CAR FOR THE FAMILY'S USE. WILL THIS AGENCY HELP US GET COMPENSATED FROM KIA PLEASE? THERE ARE RECORDS OF MORE OF KIA'S CARS CATCHING ON FIRE, EVEN IN DEALER LOTS. THANK YOU *JS
I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE ON AUGUST 27, 2017 ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 28K MILES. THE ENGINE TYPE IS A THETA II 2.4L GDI. THE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL ACCELERATION CAPABILITIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING DISPLAYS OR UNUSUAL N…
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I EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE ON AUGUST 27, 2017 ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 28K MILES. THE ENGINE TYPE IS A THETA II 2.4L GDI. THE COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL ACCELERATION CAPABILITIES. THERE WERE NO WARNING DISPLAYS OR UNUSUAL NOISE/MOVEMENT BEFOREHAND. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND AVOID ANY SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES. THE CAR WAS TOWED FOR A NEARBY KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE ENGINE FAILURE. KIA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ENGINE PROBLEM AND THEY PAID FOR A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND CAR RENTAL COSTS FOR A NEARLY TWO-WEEK PERIOD. THE NEWLY INSTALLED ENGINE IS ONLY UNDER WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE DATE, NOT THE DATE OF THE REMANUFACTURED ENGINE INSTALLATION. THE CAR'S SERVICE HAS BEEN UP TO DATE AND I'VE HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH THE CAR. WHY HAS THIS ENGINE PROBLEM NOT YET BEEN RECALLED FOR 2015 SORENTOS? IT'S LIKELY A VERY SIMILAR PROBLEM TO THE KIA ENGINE RECALLS EARLIER THIS YEAR. THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY INDICATED THAT THEY REPLACE DOZENS OF NEW ENGINES A MONTH, INCLUDING ON MANY NEW 2017 AND EVEN 2018 MODELS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE KILLED FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN?
MY MOM HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUE AFTER ISSUE.. FIRST THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT AND BATTERY AFTER POWER STEERING MAKING NOICES ..BRAKES NOT RESPONDING AND NOW FUEL INJECTION PROBLEMS.
VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED ON FREEWAY, CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO LOSE POWER BRAKE AND POWER STEERING ABILITY, WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OFF FREEWAY AND STOP WITHOUT CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT TO SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE EXHIBITS SAME SYMPTOMS ARE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR RECALL FROM KIA AND HYUNDIA BUT DEALER FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE ISSU…
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VEHICLE ENGINE STOPPED ON FREEWAY, CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO LOSE POWER BRAKE AND POWER STEERING ABILITY, WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OFF FREEWAY AND STOP WITHOUT CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT TO SEVERAL OTHER VEHICLES. ENGINE EXHIBITS SAME SYMPTOMS ARE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR RECALL FROM KIA AND HYUNDIA BUT DEALER FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE IN SAME EXACT ENGINE, BUT ONE YEAR LATER MODEL. THERE IS A RECALL UNDER SC147 FOR 2012-2014 KIA SORENTO AND LIKE TYPE VEHICLES, HOWEVER MINE IS A 2015, AND AS MENTIONED HAS THE SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS AS PREVIOUS YEAR ENGINES. REQUESTING SC147 TO BE EXTENDED INTO MODEL YEAR 2015 AND 2016 VEHICLES TO HAVE CARS SERVICED BEFORE THIS CAUSES INJURY OR DEATH IN OTHER MOTORISTS.
THE CLIPS ON THE REAR PASSENGERS DOOR PANEL HAS BROKEN CAUSING THE PANEL TO STICK OUT. THIS IS MAKING IT SO THAT THE DOOR WON'T OPEN. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET.
KIA DEALERSHIP ROTATED TIRES. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE FLEW OFF VEHICLE WITHIN 2 BLOCKS OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ALL LUGS MISSING. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO REAR END DEALERSHIP CLAIMS ALL LUG NUTS WERE PROPERLY ATTACHED AND THE ATTACHMENT WAS WITNESSED BY 2 TECHNICIANS. IF THIS IS TRUE THE WHEELS CAN FLY OFF OF THIS VEHICLE AT A…
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KIA DEALERSHIP ROTATED TIRES. REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE FLEW OFF VEHICLE WITHIN 2 BLOCKS OF DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT. ALL LUGS MISSING. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO REAR END DEALERSHIP CLAIMS ALL LUG NUTS WERE PROPERLY ATTACHED AND THE ATTACHMENT WAS WITNESSED BY 2 TECHNICIANS. IF THIS IS TRUE THE WHEELS CAN FLY OFF OF THIS VEHICLE AT ANY TIME. I WANT THEM TO VIDEO ALL FUTURE WHEEL SERVICE AND RECALL ALL PREVIOUS WORK. THEY COULD KILL SOMEONE.
OUR VEHICLE HAS 32K MILES ON IT AND THE ROTARS ARE ALREADY WORN DOWN. THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING WHEN MOVIN AND BRAKING. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM A DEALERSHIP. DID WE BUY A CAR WITH DEFECTIVE ROTARS. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE MOVING ON A CITY STREET IT OFTEN MAKES A CRACKING SOUND.
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.