NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reports26,000 miles · Jul 9, 2018
Air BagsEngineStructureCrashInjury
I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM END TO END, HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DOING ABOUT 45-50MPH AND HER AIRBAGS DID …
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I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, RESULTING IN MY SUV BEING TOTALED. I WAS STATIONARY IN THE DOUBLE TURNING LANE OF A CITY STREET. THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS PUSHED NEARLY INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM END TO END, HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE THAT HIT ME WAS DOING ABOUT 45-50MPH AND HER AIRBAGS DID DEPLOY ALTHOUGH SHE HAD SIDE IMPACT/DAMAGE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. I HAVE A CONCUSSION RESULTING IN MEMORY LOSS AND PAINFUL SWELLING BEHIND MY EYE. I AM ALSO BEING TREATED FOR MULTIPLE BACK INJURIES. MY 17M OLD WAS IN THE VEHICLE AS WELL BUT WAS IN HIS REAR FACING CAR SEAT, NOT YET SHOWING ANY SIGNS OF INJURY.
NHTSA ODI #11110355
27,500 miles · Jun 28, 2018
Engine
I HAVE A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE SX TURBO MY CAR HAS NOT RUN RIGHT EVER SINCE I LEASED IT. THERE WERE TIMES WHERE IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WASN'T GOING TO START, CRANKING, BUT NOT TURNING OVER. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HEAR A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN I ACCELERATE, WHICH SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR IS ABOUT TO BREAK. …
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I HAVE A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE SX TURBO MY CAR HAS NOT RUN RIGHT EVER SINCE I LEASED IT. THERE WERE TIMES WHERE IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WASN'T GOING TO START, CRANKING, BUT NOT TURNING OVER. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I HEAR A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN I ACCELERATE, WHICH SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR IS ABOUT TO BREAK. AND THEN I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY SPARK PLUGS. THE SPARK PLUG ON CYLINDER 3 HAS BURNT OUT AND CAUSED MISFIRES IN MY ENGINE 3 TIMES NOW, STARTING AS SOON AS 9,000 MILES. BEFORE, THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO BLAMED IT ON POOR GASOLINE OR TOO MUCH OIL IN MY VEHICLE AND NEVER FIXED THE ISSUE AFTER BEING AT THE DEALERSHIP 3 DIFFERENT TIMES BECAUSE OF THE MISFIRING I WAS EXPERIENCING. THE FIRST TIME I WENT TO SUMMIT PLACE KIA, THEY PUT ME BACK INTO A FAULTY VEHICLE WITHOUT FIXING ANYTHING. MY CAR THEN FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MISFIRING AND NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATING. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY SAFELY AND TOWED TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS. MY CAR STARTED MISFIRING AGAIN, AND SUMMIT PLACE KIA REPLACED THE CYLINDER 3 SPARK PLUG AND BLAMED THE ISSUE ON "TOO MUCH OIL." NOW MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE FOURTH TIME AFTER FAILING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING, SEVERELY MISFIRING, CAUSING THE CAR NOT TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY OR DRIVE WELL AT ALL WHILE DRIVING IT. KIA MOTORS, INC. AND FELDMAN KIA IN NOVI HAVE DECIDED TO REPLACE THE SHORT BLOCK OF MY ENGINE, STILL NOT KNOWING EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING ON OR CAUSING THE 3RD CYLINDER SPARK PLUG TO BURN OUT. I AM NOT CONFIDENT THAT SIMPLY REPLACING THE SHORT BLOCK WILL FIX THIS, UNLESS THEY KNOW SOMETHING THAT IS NOT BEING DISCLOSED TO ME. I FEEL THAT THERE IS SOMETHING INHERENTLY WRONG WITH THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE OF THIS CAR, AND THIS PROBLEM WILL AFFECT THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11104496
30,216 miles · Jun 13, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE I…
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AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE INTERMITTENT IN THEIR OPERATION. RANDOMLY WHEN SITTING STILL THE SENSORS WILL ALERT OR WHEN CROSS TRAFFIC (FRONT OR REAR) THE SENSORS FAIL TO DETECT. THIS WAS A DEFINITE CHANGE OF BEHAVIOR SINCE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY CHECKED IT AND AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING DECLARED IT TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. THIS RANDOM BEHAVIOR OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.. ATTACHED IS A CAR FAX REPORT OF OUR VEHICLE REFLECTING THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11101573
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
16,000 miles · May 22, 2018
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED TO THE LEFT INSTEAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (KIA OF DULUTH, 1701 W MICHIGAN ST, DULUTH, MN 55806, (866) 722-4542), BUT THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE TRAVELED TO THE LEFT INSTEAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (KIA OF DULUTH, 1701 W MICHIGAN ST, DULUTH, MN 55806, (866) 722-4542), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11097301
35,000 miles · May 14, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM THE VEHICLE WILL START TO MOVE AND THEN THE ENGINE RPMS WILL DROP TO IDLE. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE. IT SEEMS TO TAKE FROM THREE TO FIVE SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING PUSHED. THIS SEEMS IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANY LOCATION USUALLY FROM A S…
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WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE FROM THE VEHICLE WILL START TO MOVE AND THEN THE ENGINE RPMS WILL DROP TO IDLE. AT THAT TIME THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE. IT SEEMS TO TAKE FROM THREE TO FIVE SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE WILL RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR BEING PUSHED. THIS SEEMS IT COULD HAPPEN IN ANY LOCATION USUALLY FROM A STOP POSITION. IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME BACKING UP MY DRIVEWAY BUT ALSO ON A CITY STREET WHEN I WAS STARTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11093748
20,900 miles · May 8, 2018
Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY. GAS PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, CAR DECELERATES, TACHOMETER GOES DOWN TO ZERO. IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL, THEN REATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON STRAIGHT ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND WHILE TURNING AT A VARIETY OF …
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VEHICLE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAY. GAS PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, CAR DECELERATES, TACHOMETER GOES DOWN TO ZERO. IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL, THEN REATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON STRAIGHT ROADS, HIGHWAYS, AND WHILE TURNING AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS IE: FROM 15-70 MPH. I CANNOT PREDICT NOR CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN. SOMETIMES I DRIVE FOR WEEKS BEFORE IT HAPPENS, THEN IT CAN HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE SAME DAY, SAME DRIVE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN ONE HOUR. I'M CONCERNED THAT I MIGHT GET REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE NOT NOTICING THAT I'M DECELERATING WITHOUT BRAKING. NO ERROR CODES APPEAR. KIA SERVICE CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR LEFT ON MY LEASE AND JUST UNDER 21,000 MILES. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR. KIA SERVICE BEING VERY PATRONIZING ABOUT THE PROBLEM!
NHTSA ODI #11092481
20,000 miles · Apr 24, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System
THE CAR WAS RUNNING THEN LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL ON A STREET. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THEN SHUT OFF. IT WOULD RESTART, IDLE FOR 10 SECONDS AND DIE.I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT ONLY HAD 20000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11089965
5,400 miles · Feb 25, 2018
Structure
WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON A FREEWAY, WE HEARD A LOAD "BANG" NOISE FROM THE ROOF ABOVE US. WE HAD NOT SEEN ANY PROJECTILE FLYING TOWARDS US PRIOR TO THE NOISE. WE FOUND OUT WHEN WE STOPPED TO LOOK THAT THE TINTED GLASS PIECE THAT STRETCHES ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE CAR AND IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE SUNROOF, HAD SHATTERED ALL…
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WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 60 MPH ON A FREEWAY, WE HEARD A LOAD "BANG" NOISE FROM THE ROOF ABOVE US. WE HAD NOT SEEN ANY PROJECTILE FLYING TOWARDS US PRIOR TO THE NOISE. WE FOUND OUT WHEN WE STOPPED TO LOOK THAT THE TINTED GLASS PIECE THAT STRETCHES ACROSS THE WIDTH OF THE CAR AND IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE SUNROOF, HAD SHATTERED ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE CAR FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER. IT LOOKS LIKE A JAGGED CREVICE AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11074870
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2018
Unknown Or Other
I PURCHASED A USED 2017 KIA FOR MY DAUGHTER WITH 30 THOUSAND MILES WHEN WE RECIEVED THE KEYS NETHIER ONE WILL OPEN YOU HAVE T MANUALLY OPEN BOTH OF THEM THIS IS A SAFTY HAZARD FOR MY DAUGHTERIF SHE WAS IN A SITUTATION WHERE SHE HAD TO GET N HER CAR N A HURRY SHE WOULDNT BE ABLE TOO IS THIS A DEFECT ?
NHTSA ODI #11073284
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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