NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reports38,000 miles · Feb 6, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-50 MPH, THE RPM REVVED SUDDENLY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO SPIN AND THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (339 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLSTON WEST VA) THERE THE TRAN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20-50 MPH, THE RPM REVVED SUDDENLY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT WHEELS TO SPIN AND THE VEHICLE TO INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLESTON (339 MACCORKLE AVE SW, SOUTH CHARLSTON WEST VA) THERE THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR WAS RESET HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #11307549
16,000 miles · Jan 28, 2020
Service BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, MY ENGINE ACCELERATED AS IF IT HAD A MIND OF IT'S OWN AND HIT A POST. I PUSHED HARD ON THE BRAKE WITH NO RESPONSE. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN WITH $5,500 DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.
NHTSA ODI #11302554
50,000 miles · Jan 23, 2020
EngineFire
ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE
NHTSA ODI #11301464
20,000 miles · Dec 13, 2019
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT OCCURRING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GLASS SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #11288914
Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2019
Tires
THOUGH SOLD AS "ALL SEASON" M+S RATED TIRES, THE MILESTAR MS932XP+ HAS DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION ON EVEN MINOR SNOW ACCUMULATIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT PAVED STATE ROAD THAT HAD 1/4 INCH OR LESS FRESH SNOW AND MINIMAL/NO TREATMENT, IN A LATE MODEL AWD CROSSOVER SUV WITH 245/45R-19 TIRES, THE MILESTAR TIRES HAD DANGEROUSLY POO…
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THOUGH SOLD AS "ALL SEASON" M+S RATED TIRES, THE MILESTAR MS932XP+ HAS DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION ON EVEN MINOR SNOW ACCUMULATIONS. WHILE DRIVING ON A FLAT PAVED STATE ROAD THAT HAD 1/4 INCH OR LESS FRESH SNOW AND MINIMAL/NO TREATMENT, IN A LATE MODEL AWD CROSSOVER SUV WITH 245/45R-19 TIRES, THE MILESTAR TIRES HAD DANGEROUSLY POOR TRACTION. ANY ACCELERATION, NO MATTER HOW SLOW, RESULTED IN WHEELSPIN AND LATERAL MOVEMENT OF THE VEHICLE WITH TRACTION/STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGEMENT. EVEN MINIMAL BRAKING PRESSURE RESULTED IN FULL ABS ENGAGEMENT. BRAKING DISTANCES WERE EXTREMELY LONG. THE PERFORMANCE OF THESE TIRES WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH ANY OTHER ALL-SEASON M+S RATED TIRE I'VE USED, AND WAS MORE CONSISTENT WITH A "SUMMER" TIRE. SELLING THESE TIRES AS "ALL SEASON M+S" IS MISLEADING AND DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #11287098
54,000 miles · Nov 1, 2019
Electrical System
POWER WINDOW MOTORS FAILING. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 55,000 MILE ONE IT AND ONLY 2 YEARS OLD BUT THREE OUT OF THE FOUR POWER WINDOW MOTORS HAVE FAILED IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI #11277468
60,700 miles · Oct 30, 2019
Structure
WITH 60,700 MILES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR LOCKS AND UNLOCKS, BUT WILL NOT OPEN. DEALERSHIP STATED I WAS OVER WARRANTY BY 700 MILES. I EXPLAINED THAT I THOUGHT THIS SHOULD BE TREATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF THE VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, REAR OCCUPANTS CAN NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE
NHTSA ODI #11277144
37,000 miles · Oct 29, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
SOMETIMES WHEN WE ACCELERATE THE CAR STALLS & REVS UP, THEN IT WILL ACT FINE, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON FOR A BIT. THEN GOES OFF AND IT ACTS NORMAL. THIS IS ALL WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING OVER A FEW MONTHS,,,IT'S JUST EVERY SO OFTEN.
NHTSA ODI #11276909
3,000 miles · Oct 7, 2019
EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO DETECTED FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED, AND WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MUL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY JERKED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO DETECTED FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED, AND WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM SHORKEY KIA (12900 US-30, IRWIN, PA 15642, (724) 241-0176) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ENGINE AND FLOORMAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN TO THE DEALER, NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA ODI #11266883
57,000 miles · Sep 26, 2019
Power Train
07/25/2019 TOOK CAR TO HILLTOP KIA BECAUSE AUTO TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING, THEN STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. COULD NOT MANUALLY SHIFT TO CHANGE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SWITCH PLATE/SENSOR. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 8/15/2019. 9/19 RETURNED CAR TO DEALER AS TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN, SHIFTING ROUGH AND THEN ACCELERATIN…
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07/25/2019 TOOK CAR TO HILLTOP KIA BECAUSE AUTO TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN SLIPPING, THEN STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. COULD NOT MANUALLY SHIFT TO CHANGE. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SWITCH PLATE/SENSOR. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 8/15/2019. 9/19 RETURNED CAR TO DEALER AS TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AGAIN, SHIFTING ROUGH AND THEN ACCELERATING TO GET ON FREEWAY RPMS FLEW UP AS CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL. I LUCKILY STAYED TO RIGHT AS TRUCK BEHIND ME SWERVED LEFT. CAR THEN WENT INTO GEAR, I GOT OFF FREEWAY. DEALER HAD ME RIDE WITH MECHANIC AND PROBLEM OF SLOW UPSHIFTING, ROUGH SHIFTING AND DELAYED SHIFTING WAS DUPLICATED. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PULL ANY CODES. THIS IS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I OPENED KIA CASE NUMBER 13369527. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE, CHRIS, STATED PER HIS MANAGER JADA WOULD ESCALATE. CHRIS ALSO STATED THERE WAS NO RECORD OF PREVIOUS NHTSA COMPLAINT 11231076 FILE 07/11/2019
NHTSA ODI #11258358
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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