The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notifie…
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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
NHTSA ODI #11716724
Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes
When coming to a stop and brake applied car starts to vibrate. Local mechanic who looked at the vehicle believes it's the torque converter. The miles are high but it's under a the recall new engine, which technically has only approximately 60k.
NHTSA ODI #11561565
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2023
Power TrainStructureVisibility
Blind spot. Numerous times the driver mirror is large and close to the window /door frame causing a huge blind spot as to where I've almost hit people crossing in a crosswalk, mostly by making a left turn.
NHTSA ODI #11559800
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2023
EnginePower Train
This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. F…
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This car was driven by a 17 year old high school student. Car with high oil consumption engine resulting in engine seizure 4/2022. Engine unseized and consumption of 1qt oil every 1,000 miles deemed "within normal limits" per Kia of America policy (Ganley Kia in Mentor Ohio). Kia corporate offices contacted with no resolution. From 4/2022 to 8/2023, car was driven only 2.5 non freeway miles to high school and home. It continued to consume oil resulting in adding and checking oil weekly despite low mileage driving. The car finally developed a lower engine knock at complete engine failure 8/2023. We sold it to [XXX] for $700.00. The manufacturer (Kia) of the car is fully aware of the defective engine design, the high oil consumption, and potential eventual engine failure. The car has poor resale and trade in value. Kia should be investigated for safety and ethical concerns. We were lucky there was not a fire, an accident, or a fatality. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11544642
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2021
Power TrainSuspensionUnknown Or Other
the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and conc…
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the car was bought certified used from Galpin Kia which is no longer in business. That location closed down. I had gone 2 times with the same issue and they refused to look under the car & mechanic basically said chill out it’s fine. Sent me to galpin Ford to which I talked to 2 employees and In tears expressed my fear and concern yet was told to relax and nothing was wrong .took to Kia new location 2 times was told to come back and 3rd I refused to leave till it was looked at. Mechanic said it was not in good shape and rep told me to not drive unless a emergency & would email me that night which was Saturday what labor it needed and prices and I’ve yet to hear back I followed up twice since and still no response ..the fact I was told not to drive & it mechanic stated to rep in Spanish, basically something with wheels and tires being eaten away while driving also a ball bearing cracked and they asked if I had receipts as it could be a lemon.. I try to keep all my conversations via chat or email for this very reason i also have emails I’ve communicated with corporate about the situation to which I had no response and most of the repairs that I got were at certified kia service stations. It needed alignment 4-6 within 6 months. Car pulling badly and needed tires changed or alignment each time. Car feels like it’s gonna fall apart and at times the wheel kinda tightens up and I feel i don’t have control. I’ve been dealing with this over a year and no one has even bothered to check after my constant emails, calls voicing my concern & fear of driving. It sits in garage since while trying to get Kia to do something, pandemic hit and coincidentally the warranty conveniently expired. Please help
NHTSA ODI #11445377
145,000 miles · Jul 1, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, EVERYTIME WE WOULD GO GET A OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE FACILITY WOULD TELL US THAT OUR OIL WAS LOW AND WE DIDN'T SEE HOW WHEN WE WOULD HA E IT CHANGED REGULARLY SO WE WAS LOOSING OIL AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE BACK IT WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND IT WASN'T VISIBLE WHEN YOU …
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THE PROBLEM STARTED A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR, EVERYTIME WE WOULD GO GET A OIL CHANGE THE SERVICE FACILITY WOULD TELL US THAT OUR OIL WAS LOW AND WE DIDN'T SEE HOW WHEN WE WOULD HA E IT CHANGED REGULARLY SO WE WAS LOOSING OIL AND DIDN'T KNOW WHERE BACK IT WAS LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND IT WASN'T VISIBLE WHEN YOU WOULD LOOK UNDER THE HOOD SHE WE TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG, IF THE PROBLEM CONTINUE TO BRING IT BACK AND THEY WOULD DO A DIAGNOSTIC ON THE VEHICLE TO GET TO THE PROBLEM SO I CALLED KIA CORPORATE OFFICE THEY TOLD BE THAT THEY WOULD WRITE OUT A INCIDENT REPORT AND TAKE IT TO KIA I INFORMED THEM THAT I DID THAT AND CORPORATE BASICALLY SAID TO FOLLOW THE SHOP RECOMMENDATIONS CAUSE MY VEHICLE DIDN'T HAVE A ACTIVE RECALL ON IT SO I REACHED OUT TO NHTSA TO REPORT THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD AND TO ALSO LET SOMEONE ELSE NO I HAVE HAD ISSUES THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING AND NOT EVEN A MONTH LATER THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO KIA AND THEN AGAIN SAID THAT IT WASN'T NOTHING THEY CAN DO IT WASN'T A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE SO LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON MY WAY TO WORK THE CAR STALLED AND COMPLETELY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY STOPPING TRAFFIC I HAD HELP SAFELY GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT WOULDN'T CRANK SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME THEN CALLED KIA AND SPOKE TO A SERVICE AND THEY STATED THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT FOR MY VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CAMSHAFT, TIMING AND SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE OIL CANISTER, I DON'T SEE WHY THE VEHICLE HAVEN'T BEEN RECALLED IF THEY KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THEM THIS IS A 2016 VEHICLE IT IS FAIRLY NEW AND IT HAS SO MAY ISSUES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11331986
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
THE ENGINE OF THE CAR JUST DIED ON ME WHEN I WAS TURNING RIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION. UNKNOWN CAUSE WHY THE ENGINE JUST DIED ON ME. I TRIED STARTING IT, AND IT WOULD START AND DIE AGAIN. IF I START THE CAR AND STEP ON THE GAS, THE ENGINE DOES NOT DIE BUT ONCE I RELEASE FROM THE GAS, THE ENGINE DIES AND I SMELL A STRONG GAS ODOR.
NHTSA ODI #11289135
28,500 miles · May 20, 2019
EnginePower TrainSteering
THE CAR HESITATED OR CHOKED WHEN ACCELERATING TO CHANGE LANES AND A CLOUDY FUME EMITTED FROM THE REAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE SPAN OF 2 WEEKS, BOTH ON FREEWAY AND SURFACE STREETS. SEVERAL TIMES CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 K900 and 2014-2016 Sportage vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC227.
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
2
AQ23002 · 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.
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