NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
40 reportsClear category filter56,994 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Power TrainSeat Belts
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP …
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AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERMITTENTLY, SLIPPING GEARS BUT SEEMS TO RESOLVE ON IT'S OWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. NOW ALSO INTERMITTENTLY ITS NOT SHIFTING GEARS AT ALL ALSO WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. AUTOMATIC TRANNY STUCK IN 4TH AND UNABLE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY SHOWS ESP ON (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM) INDICATOR AND DBC ON (DOWNHILL BRAKE CONTROL) INDICATORS WHEN STUCK IN GEAR. SAFETY ISSUE AS UNABLE TO MOVE WITH NORMAL ACCELERATION, BUT SLOW CRAWL TO GET OUT OF ROADWAY. REAR SEATBELT WONT LATCH WHEN CAR IS STATIONARY.
NHTSA ODI #11231076
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2019
Power TrainStructureInjury
2017 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE AND AIRBORNE MOLD WITHIN CABIN. *AS THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING SICK FROM THE SUBSTANCE FORMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAD TO RECIEVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM URGENT CARE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SLIP WITHOUT ANY ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE TRANSMIS…
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE AND AIRBORNE MOLD WITHIN CABIN. *AS THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING SICK FROM THE SUBSTANCE FORMING ON THE DASHBOARD AND HAD TO RECIEVE MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM URGENT CARE. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SLIP WITHOUT ANY ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED.*JS
NHTSA ODI #11206714
10,000 miles · Mar 5, 2019
Power TrainVisibility/wiper
AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT SYSTEM LEAKS AIR ONTO FRONT WINDSHIELD CAUSING FOG ON THE INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF FRONT GLASS. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE FULL TIME WHILE IN MOTION. WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, THE ENGINE WILL RACE AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL BECOME DISENGAGED, WITHIN 20-90 SECONDS THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGES AND YOU CAN PROCEED. TH…
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AIR CONDITIONING / HEAT SYSTEM LEAKS AIR ONTO FRONT WINDSHIELD CAUSING FOG ON THE INSIDE/OUTSIDE OF FRONT GLASS. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE FULL TIME WHILE IN MOTION. WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, THE ENGINE WILL RACE AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL BECOME DISENGAGED, WITHIN 20-90 SECONDS THE TRANSMISSION RE-ENGAGES AND YOU CAN PROCEED. THIS HAPPENS SOMETIME WHILE YOU ARE ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM AN ON RAMP AS YOU ACCELERATE INTO MOVING TRAFFIC. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED WITH A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AGO AND THE VEHICLE IS STARTING, TO SHOW THESE SAME SYMPTOMS AGAIN. IT HAPPENED WHILE ON 1-95 IN THE ALEXANDRIA AREA OF VIRGINIA, ROUTE 66 SOUTH, ROUTE 29 EXPRESSWAY IN LYNCHBURG, VA JUST LAST WEEK. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANUFACTURER WITHOUT ACTION. THIS MALFUNCTION IS A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY. WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IT IS POSSIBLE TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #11184330
67,000 miles · Feb 17, 2019
EnginePower Train
HAD MOTOR REPLACED ON 2017 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 65K ON IT. NEW MOTOR LASTED TO ABOUT 67K ON IT. BEEN WAITING ALMOST 2 MONTHS FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11180630
30,000 miles · Feb 4, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL …
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SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS VERY ISSUE) AND THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT ESSENTIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, AND WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR OUT TO RE-CREATE THE ISSUE, NOTHING HAPPENED. I'VE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A CASE NUMBER, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. MY RPMS CONTINUE TO OCCASIONALLY SPIKE, AND IT'S VERY CONCERNING THAT KIA IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11173931
30,000 miles · Nov 29, 2018
Power Train
WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR DROPS OUT OF GEAR, THE ENGINE REVS. YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS FOR THE CAR TO GO BACK INTO DRIVE AND YOU CAN CONTINUE DRIVEING. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #11154737
4,645 miles · Jun 4, 2018
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. ALSO, WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND MADE A TAPPING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COVINA VALLEY K…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. ALSO, WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND MADE A TAPPING NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURES RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COVINA VALLEY KIA (626 S CITRUS AVE, COVINA, CA 91723, 626-736-4275) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE ANY FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,645.
NHTSA ODI #11099600
10,000 miles · Jan 9, 2018
EnginePower Train
MY CAR HAS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN TO DEALER TUESDAY AND THEY SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT A WEEK LATER ON TUESDAY, BUT MY CAR BREAKDOWN ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON HIGHWAY, RADIATOR OVERHEAT AND START LEAKING, DAMAGE SOME OTHER PARTS AND NOW DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO FIX MY CAR AND WANT ME TO PAY $2800.00. MY CAR WAS ON MOTION ON THE…
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MY CAR HAS SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, WHEN TO DEALER TUESDAY AND THEY SCHEDULE ME AN APPOINTMENT A WEEK LATER ON TUESDAY, BUT MY CAR BREAKDOWN ON FRIDAY NIGHT ON HIGHWAY, RADIATOR OVERHEAT AND START LEAKING, DAMAGE SOME OTHER PARTS AND NOW DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO FIX MY CAR AND WANT ME TO PAY $2800.00. MY CAR WAS ON MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 TO 70MILE PER HOUR. KIA HAS A RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM I HAD ON KIA SORENTO 2017.
NHTSA ODI #11061515
19,987 miles · Dec 24, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
ENGINE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS - 2X IN ONE WEEK. TOWED BOTH TIMES. DEALER UNABLE TO DETECT PROBLEM, SAID TO JUST DRIVE IT AND CALL IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. GAS SMELL WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11056310
10,000 miles · Oct 25, 2017
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherCrash
CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT KEYS WERE TAKEN AND CAR LOCKED AT 8PM AT 530 AM HEARD CRASH CAR ROLLED INTO TREE AND DOORS WERE STILL LOCKED CAR CAME OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED AFTER 9.5 HOURS OF SITTING CAR HAD TO BE IN PARK FOR KEY FOB TO LOCK DOORS AFTER IT ROLLED THE DOORS WERE LOCKED BUT GEAR WAS IN REVERSE
NHTSA ODI #11039649
Official recalls
4Sep 19, 2022
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.
Mar 4, 2021
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.
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.
Nov 30, 2016
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
2AQ23002 · 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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