NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reports73 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I…
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ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I BEING CHARGE? ON THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST TO THE COSTUMER. AM I BEING SCAM?
NHTSA ODI #11407154
64,000 miles · Apr 2, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSED THE RPM TO SURGE TO 5,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 75 MILES, DUE TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE, THE VEHICLE USED UP A HALF TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING EXCESSIVE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL CONSUMPTION CAUSED THE RPM TO SURGE TO 5,000 RPMS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT AFTER DRIVING 75 MILES, DUE TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION FAILURE, THE VEHICLE USED UP A HALF TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHUCK OLSEN CHEVROLET OF SEATTLE (17037 AURORA AVENUE N, SHORELINE, WAS 98133, (206)607-8743) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS ASKED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER 1,000 MILES TO PERFORM AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #11406127
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2021
EngineService BrakesFire
TL* THE CONTACTS SON OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD MOVEMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN …
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TL* THE CONTACTS SON OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD MOVEMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE MARSHALS WERE CALLED TO SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW LOT WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11404989
50,000 miles · Mar 20, 2021
Unknown Or OtherCrash
AS I WAS DRIVING THE ENGINE BOGGED DOWN AND WHEN NOT ACCELERATE SO WHEN I PUSHED DOWN HARD ON THE GAS IT FINALLY KICKED IN SUPER HARD CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO A POLE.
NHTSA ODI #11404037
88,000 miles · Mar 13, 2021
Structure
PASSENGER DOOR WILL ONLY OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE IF THE DOOR UNLOCKS FROM BEING PUT IN PARK. IF I UNLOCK FROM INSIDE THE CAR OR THE KEY FOB THE EXTERNAL PASSENGER HANDLE WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11402804
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SMELL OF GAS WHEN YOU LIFT HOOD
NHTSA ODI #11402607
95,000 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Exterior LightingService BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury
RECENTLY I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT , MY CAR BREAKS FAILED TO STOP WHEN I WAS DRIVING, MY KIA WAS GIVING ME ALERTS WITH TIRES PRESURES, NEEDS A LT S IDE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED IN MULTIPLE TIMES, BRAKES ROTATORS BEEN CHANGED, SMELL OF BURNT CABLE INSULATION, CAN YOU INVESTIGATE IF IT COULD BE RELATED TO THE RECALLS NKS TWICE,*DT*JB
NHTSA ODI #11400198
78,000 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS MALFUNCTIONED AND DO NOT WORK. PREVENTS WINDOWS AND GOING UP AND DOWN. UNABLE TO ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11400083
36,000 miles · Mar 9, 2021
EnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED, CAR WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, THE RPMS WILL REV HIGH AND THEN TRANSMISSION WILL RE-ENGAGE. THIS USUALLY LASTS 20-30 SECONDS, IT IS VERY RANDOM. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND BECAUSE NO CODES ARE SHOWING AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS…
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WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED, CAR WILL SUDDENLY DISENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION, THE RPMS WILL REV HIGH AND THEN TRANSMISSION WILL RE-ENGAGE. THIS USUALLY LASTS 20-30 SECONDS, IT IS VERY RANDOM. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN AND BECAUSE NO CODES ARE SHOWING AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO RECREATE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IT IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS IF I'M DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND THIS OCCURS IT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND CANNOT DOCUMENT ANYTHING AS IT IS OVER BEFORE I CAN AS I AM DRIVING WHEN IT HAPPENS
NHTSA ODI #11399976
82,148 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Engine
THE ENGINE HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE 2019. I TOLD THE SERVICE DESK AND THEY SAID A QT EVERY 1000 MILES IS NORMAL. IT STARTED TO WORSEN. IN JANUARY 2021 THE DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I DRIVE TO CAR FOR 957 MILES AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE CAR WAS DOWN 2 QTS OF OIL. THEY SAID THEY RUN THE TEST AGAIN. THEY FILLED THE CAR WI…
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THE ENGINE HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE 2019. I TOLD THE SERVICE DESK AND THEY SAID A QT EVERY 1000 MILES IS NORMAL. IT STARTED TO WORSEN. IN JANUARY 2021 THE DID AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. I DRIVE TO CAR FOR 957 MILES AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE CAR WAS DOWN 2 QTS OF OIL. THEY SAID THEY RUN THE TEST AGAIN. THEY FILLED THE CAR WITH WHAT THEY SAID WAS THE RIGHT AMOUNT.THE NEXT MORNING AFTER GETTING MY CAR BACK I CHECKED THE DIPSTICK THREE TIMES. THE OIL WAS A 1/2 INCH OVER THE FILL MARK I RETURN THE CAR WITH LESS THE 1000 MILES AND THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS ONLY DOWN A QT. AND IT WAS IN MANUFACTURERS SPEC FOR CONSUMPTION . I TOLD THEM IT WAS OVER FILLED SO THEY SAID WE WILL TEST IT AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY TOLD ME TO BRING IT BACK AT 1500 MILES. I HAVE NOT REACHED THAT AMOUNT OF MILES YET . I WORRIED ABOUT HAVING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE I'M DRIVING . THEY HAVE ALREADY INSTALLED TWO TRANSMISSION THAT WERE DEFECTIVE.I WILL SUPPLY ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS YOU NEED .
NHTSA ODI #11399677
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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