One day as I was turning at a green light the car completely stopped on me. I had to turn it off and then restart it and it worked fine. About a week later I had to drive to my cousin's house 45 minutes away and the car would not go, it acted like it was stalling and It didn't want to go over 2000RPMs and it was really sluggish …
Read full complaint
One day as I was turning at a green light the car completely stopped on me. I had to turn it off and then restart it and it worked fine. About a week later I had to drive to my cousin's house 45 minutes away and the car would not go, it acted like it was stalling and It didn't want to go over 2000RPMs and it was really sluggish like it didn't want to shift into the next gear. I finally got on the highway and it would not go past 60 miles an hour and then also if you try to drive it, it will slow down like its shutting off on you. I've had a new battery replaced, 4 new tires a windshield, and wipers replaced. I took the car to AutoZone and also to another guy and both of them used their computers and said that it's the engine and they called it rod knocking. I called customer service and they said yes their is a recall and that they would replace the engine. I tried to call kia in mesquite Texas because that is the closest one to me and I left a voicemail they did not call me back I am carless I'm a single disabled mother I need a working car.
NHTSA ODI #11749087
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2026
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
have a 2017 Kia Sportage and there is something unusual in the airbag compartment on the console in front of the front passenger seat. Although there are no apparent signs of damage or impact, it seems that the airbag has been partially deployed. After seeking input from multiple individuals, they all agreed that this is proba…
Read full complaint
have a 2017 Kia Sportage and there is something unusual in the airbag compartment on the console in front of the front passenger seat. Although there are no apparent signs of damage or impact, it seems that the airbag has been partially deployed. After seeking input from multiple individuals, they all agreed that this is probably a manufacturing defect. Unfortunately, when I contacted Kia, they let me know that they are unable to help me because the vehicle's warranty has expired. I have been a dedicated Kia customer for more than 15 years, having owned five different models throughout that period. I've never come across a manufacturing defect like this in any of my Kia vehicles before.
NHTSA ODI #11733068
80,495 miles · Aug 2, 2023
Air BagsInjury
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, during which he fell asleep as he was returning home from a Dialysis appointment, he rear-ended another vehicle that was at the stop light, and the air bag did not deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured ch…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, during which he fell asleep as he was returning home from a Dialysis appointment, he rear-ended another vehicle that was at the stop light, and the air bag did not deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured chest. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,495.
NHTSA ODI #11536151
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2023
Air Bags
Airbag light came on. Was inspected by dealership. They informed me that the front side airbag needs to be replaced, as it is not grounded properly, and it could randomly deploy, or not deploy if accident occurs.
NHTSA ODI #11525600
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2022
Air BagsEngineSeat Belts
I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I A…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED ANOTHER HALF QUART AT 74K IT WAS A QUART LOW AT 75K WHEN I GOT THE NEXT OIL CHANGE ALSO, I HAD TO ADD A QUART AT 77K, 78K AND 79K JUST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CORPORATE CASE # 14755737 I AM GOING INTO GUNTHER KIA NEXT WEEK TO GET MY 80K OIL CHANGE I LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE WITH SERVICE MANAGER ANTHONY DECARLO AS WELL ENGINE OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON COULD THIS ALSO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE FIRE ISSUES ?
NHTSA ODI #11460734
66,000 miles · Jan 31, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of her vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a family membe…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 30-35 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear end of her vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of a family member. The contact sustained a concussion, jaw and back injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the air bags do not always deploy in the event of a crash; therefore they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #11449584
Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2022
Air Bags
Passenger airbag malfunction light came on and has stayed on. We are 30 days pass warranty and were given a quote of over $2600 to replace the airbag by the Kia dealership where we purchased this 2017 Kia Sportage. There are only 26,000 miles on it with no accidents. This is a safety issue and puts any passengers riding in that …
Read full complaint
Passenger airbag malfunction light came on and has stayed on. We are 30 days pass warranty and were given a quote of over $2600 to replace the airbag by the Kia dealership where we purchased this 2017 Kia Sportage. There are only 26,000 miles on it with no accidents. This is a safety issue and puts any passengers riding in that seat at a very high risk. A recall needs to be issued asap. My research on this problem revealed other recalls in the past on Kia airbags.
NHTSA ODI #11448392
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Air Bags
While driving heard a loud cracking noise, when I made ot to my destination I noticed that the dash infront of the passenger seat were the airbag is has two v cracks in it
NHTSA ODI #11437397
71,246 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Air Bags
2017 KIA SPORTAGE GOING ON 2 YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE 71256 MILEAGE NO ACCORDING ACCIDENTS ..AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED SOLID .. AFTER SCANNING ALL SYSTEMS FOR POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES I DID GET A B1375 .. WHICH REFERS TO A PASSENGER DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT OR FURTHER TESTING WHAT CONCERNS ME IS IF IN …
Read full complaint
2017 KIA SPORTAGE GOING ON 2 YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE 71256 MILEAGE NO ACCORDING ACCIDENTS ..AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED SOLID .. AFTER SCANNING ALL SYSTEMS FOR POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES I DID GET A B1375 .. WHICH REFERS TO A PASSENGER DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT OR FURTHER TESTING WHAT CONCERNS ME IS IF IN AN ACCIDENT WILL THIS AIRBAG FUNCTION ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY IN THIS ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE I CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP NOT UNDER ANY KIND OF WARRANTY I EXPLAINED WHAT IT MIGHT BE THEY QUOTED A PRICE OF OVER 1000 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THIS TIME CANNOT AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSE I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE WITH AIRBAG ISSUES AT ALL KIA MOTORS SHOULD ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY THIS EXTREMELY SAFETY DEFECT
NHTSA ODI #11412755
62,999 miles · Aug 27, 2020
Air Bags
THE AIRBAG SAFTY LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF.. THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYS THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG IS NOT WORKING OR IS MALFUNCTIONING.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A 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 inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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.
Illustration