NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports12,000 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Unknown Or Other
DRIVING ON MILD SUMMER DAY (~70). LIGHTLY-PACKED CARTOP CARRIER AFFIXED PROPERLY/SAFELY TO KIA CROSSBARS (INSTALLED BY KIA). DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH "PASSING LANE" TRAFFIC (ABOUT 75MPH). RUNNING AC AT ABOUT 70 INSIDE, WITH ALL WINDOWS UP. PANORAMIC SUNROOF CLOSED, WITH INNER SOFT SUNSHADE ALSO CLOSED. ABOUT THREE HOUR…
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DRIVING ON MILD SUMMER DAY (~70). LIGHTLY-PACKED CARTOP CARRIER AFFIXED PROPERLY/SAFELY TO KIA CROSSBARS (INSTALLED BY KIA). DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH "PASSING LANE" TRAFFIC (ABOUT 75MPH). RUNNING AC AT ABOUT 70 INSIDE, WITH ALL WINDOWS UP. PANORAMIC SUNROOF CLOSED, WITH INNER SOFT SUNSHADE ALSO CLOSED. ABOUT THREE HOURS INTO FIVE HOUR DRIVE. SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY VISUAL WARNING (E.G., ROCK, SHARD), WE HEAR AN *EXPLOSION* SOUND FROM ABOVE, ALONG WITH THE SOUND OF GLASS CLANGING EVERYWHERE AND THE RUSH OF HIGHWAY AIR. I QUICKLY SWITCH MY HAZARDS ON, DECELERATE, AND PULL OFF THE ROAD AS QUICKLY AS I CAN. I NOTICED THAT NO NEIGHBORING VEHICLES AS MUCH AS FLINCHED DURING THE INCIDENT, NOR DID ANYONE STOP ... AS IF NOTHING APPEARED TO HAVE HAPPENED EXTERNALLY FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW. WHEN WE GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE, WE SAW THAT THE FRONT MAJOR PANE OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED CENTER-OUT, PROBABLY ABOUT 2SQFT OF GLASS MISSING. NOTABLY, SEVERAL EDGES AROUND THE NEWLY-FORMED HOLE WERE UPTURNED. THOSE ARE ALL THE DETAILS I CAN REMEMBER. MY VERY STRONG BELIEF IS THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL DEBRIS INVOLVED. THE POSITION OF THE CARTOP CARRIER RELATIVE TO THE HOLE, MY VEHICLE'S POSITION RELATIVE TO OTHER CARS/TRUCKS (NOT TERRIBLY CLOSE), THE FACT THAT I SAW NO OBJECT HURTLING TOWARD THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE FACT THAT NO OBJECT WAS FOUND IN BETWEEN THE ROOF AND THE INNER SUNSHADE, THE FACT THAT NO OTHER CARS/TRUCKS BEHIND ME REACTED ... ALL THE SIGNS POINT TO SOMETHING SIMPLY BEING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10730492
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2015
StructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S FOOT INADVERTENTLY STRUCK THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT RAIL WHICH WAS MOVED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION ON ONE OF THE TOES AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S FOOT INADVERTENTLY STRUCK THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT RAIL WHICH WAS MOVED BACKWARDS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A LACERATION ON ONE OF THE TOES AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10724569
2,235 miles · May 17, 2015
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE WITH MY FOOT JUST BARLEY ON THE BRAKE WHENTHE CAR ACCELERATED VERY FAST AND CAUSE ME TO HIT A CONCRET WALL. I TRIED TO STOP IT BUT IT DIDN'T STOP UNTIL IT HIT THE WALL KNOCKING ME ALMOST OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPEN BEFORE SINCE I HAVE HAD THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10716930
35,000 miles · May 13, 2015
Engine
HAD OIL LIGHT GO ON WHEN I WOULD TAKE OFF FROM A STOP BUT WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I STOP. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL FILTER WAS PUT IN WRONG. THE DEALER PUT A NEW ONE ON AND DID ALL THE TEST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS WORKING PROPER. NINE DAY LATER I HAD A OIL LEAK AND CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS TOLD T…
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HAD OIL LIGHT GO ON WHEN I WOULD TAKE OFF FROM A STOP BUT WOULD TURN OFF WHEN I STOP. I CALLED THE DEALER AND TOOK IT IN AND WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL FILTER WAS PUT IN WRONG. THE DEALER PUT A NEW ONE ON AND DID ALL THE TEST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS WORKING PROPER. NINE DAY LATER I HAD A OIL LEAK AND CALLED THE SAME DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO COME BACK IN. THE SERVICE MANAGER THEN TOLD ME THE BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE HAD DONE OTHER OIL CHANGES ON THE CAR I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY REPAIRS IF THE OTHER PLACE WOULD NOT. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE PART BEING UNDER WARRANTY THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THIS PART WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE ALSO TOLD ME THAT EVEN IF THE DEALER DID THE OIL CHANGE AFTER THE FIRST ONE THAT KIA WOULD NOT WARRANTY IT. SO NOW I WILL GET A BILL OVER 900 DOLLARS AND STILL NOT KNOW IF I HAVE A ENGINE THAT WILL WORK .
NHTSA ODI #10716343
4,000 miles · Apr 2, 2015
Electrical SystemTires
TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NOT LIGHT UP AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING ON 95 IN RUSH HOUR MORNING TRAFFIC FOREWARNING ME OF ANY PROBLEM WITH MY FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WHICH TIRE SOMEHOW IMMEDIATELY COMPLETELY DEFLATED WHILE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND CALLED FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. THE…
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TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NOT LIGHT UP AT ANY TIME WHILE DRIVING ON 95 IN RUSH HOUR MORNING TRAFFIC FOREWARNING ME OF ANY PROBLEM WITH MY FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WHICH TIRE SOMEHOW IMMEDIATELY COMPLETELY DEFLATED WHILE DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND CALLED FOR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NIGHT LIGHT UP UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER REMOVED THE FLAT TIRE FROM MY VEHICLE. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKE TO MCCAFFERTY IN LANGHORNE, SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED ME THAT I SHOULD HAVE HAD THE TIRE CHECKED OUT AS SOON AS THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIT UP AND IT WOULD HAVE AVOIDED COMPLETE DEFLATION. THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE AT ANY TIME UNTIL THE FLAT TIRE WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. A REPLACEMENT TIRE WILL NOW COST ME $ 159.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703261
7,000 miles · Apr 1, 2015
StructureCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER WAS BEING HELD IN PLACE BY WIRE AND HOT GLUE. THE FRONT BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT BUMPER WAS BEING HELD IN PLACE BY WIRE AND HOT GLUE. THE FRONT BUMPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS BETWEEN THE CONTACT AND THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
NHTSA ODI #10703074
4,884 miles · Mar 31, 2015
Service Brakes
KIA SORENTO LESS THEN 5000 MILES WATER AROUND VIN NUMBER ON DASH ALSO LEAKING INTO THE FLOOR. DEALER TRIED TO SAY BUILD OF LEAVES AROUND WINDSHIELD IS THE CAUSE. IF THAT IS THE CAUSE THEN THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. I BELIEVE THEY ARE SAYING THAT DUE TO THEY CAN'T NOT FIND OUT WHERE THE PROBLEM IS. ALSO WHEN CAR S…
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KIA SORENTO LESS THEN 5000 MILES WATER AROUND VIN NUMBER ON DASH ALSO LEAKING INTO THE FLOOR. DEALER TRIED TO SAY BUILD OF LEAVES AROUND WINDSHIELD IS THE CAUSE. IF THAT IS THE CAUSE THEN THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. I BELIEVE THEY ARE SAYING THAT DUE TO THEY CAN'T NOT FIND OUT WHERE THE PROBLEM IS. ALSO WHEN CAR SITS OVER NIGHT AND IT HAS RAIN THE BRAKES SCRUB LIKE THEY RUSTED OVERNIGHT. BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS WERE TURNED INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH OUT NO DETERMINATION AS TO WHY THEY ARE DOING THIS. ALSO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TRYING TO MAKE UP REASONS FOR THEIR OWN INEPT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702880
1,800 miles · Mar 30, 2015
Seats
WHEN USING THE COOLING SEAT OPTION IT DOES NOT WORK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE WE WERE INFORMED ' THAT IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS'. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR BLOCKS OVER 50% OF THE HOLES IN THE SEAT. THEY ONLY WAY TO FIX WOULD BE TO REMOVE THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THAT IS AGAINST FEDERAL REGULATI…
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WHEN USING THE COOLING SEAT OPTION IT DOES NOT WORK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN WE TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE WE WERE INFORMED ' THAT IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS'. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR BLOCKS OVER 50% OF THE HOLES IN THE SEAT. THEY ONLY WAY TO FIX WOULD BE TO REMOVE THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND THAT IS AGAINST FEDERAL REGULATIONS. WE CAN FEEL NO COOLING WHAT SO EVER ON THAT SIDE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702673
17,000 miles · Dec 29, 2014
Air BagsSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE POST OF A BILLBOARD. THE AIR BAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE POST OF A BILLBOARD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A VERTEBRAE, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES AND HEAD TRAUMAS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF UPDATED 9/11/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10668775
2,020 miles · Dec 10, 2014
Air BagsSteeringVehicle Speed Control
THIS KIA WAS RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE DUE TO MY CAR BEING IN THE SHOP. I FOUND STEERING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ALREADY WHICH I FOUND ODD AS THIS IS SUPPOSEDLY A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. NOT ONLY THAT IT RACES INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES MORE THAN 10 MILES OR SO & AT OTHER IT SLOWS DOWN EVEN THOUGH THE GAS PEDAL…
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THIS KIA WAS RENTED FROM ENTERPRISE DUE TO MY CAR BEING IN THE SHOP. I FOUND STEERING PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM ALREADY WHICH I FOUND ODD AS THIS IS SUPPOSEDLY A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. NOT ONLY THAT IT RACES INTERMITTENTLY SOMETIMES MORE THAN 10 MILES OR SO & AT OTHER IT SLOWS DOWN EVEN THOUGH THE GAS PEDAL IS BEING PRESSED ON. ON DECEMBER 1, 2014 I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER VISITING A FRIEND WHO WAS RETURNING TO OHIO FOR COLLEGE. FOLLOWING THE ROAD, I HAD TO CROSS SOME RAILROAD TRACKS TO AS I WAS VEERING SLIGHTLY LEFT. THIS KIA STEERING LOCKED & ACCELERATED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 OR SO MILES, WENT OFF THE RAILROAD TRACKS & HIT THE MENTAL POSTS HOLDING A BILLBOARD. I WAS NOT DRINKING AT ALL & WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY & DUE TO SEATBELT, MY BACK IS BROKEN & RECEIVED MAJOR LACERATIONS TO MY RIGHT EYE & FACE. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO 2 TRAUMA UNITS. THIS KIA SORENTO HAS HAD STEERING & POWER PROBLEMS SINCE 2013 AND UNFORTUNATE FOR ME, I THOUGHT THESE ISSUES WERE FIXED & REDESIGNED. *TR....UPDATED 06/21/17 *BF UPDATED 9/8/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10663356
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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