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2017 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

181 reports with mileage · 218 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports27 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

399 reports
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2025
Engine

The car is going through oil at a ridiculous rate. I have checked and it is not leaking. It is causing poor acceleration and driving performance. I make sure there is also oil in there but I should not have to do it as often as I do.

NHTSA ODI #11664080

80,000 miles · May 7, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the oil level was lower than expected; however, oil was being constantly added. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned of…

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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the oil level was lower than expected; however, oil was being constantly added. There were no warning lights illuminated. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11659484

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2025
Engine

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed while driving ([XXX])—specifically, the engine seized and became inoperable while driving on the interstate. Yes, the engine is still available for inspection upon request. (Currently at the dealership - due …

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1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed while driving ([XXX])—specifically, the engine seized and became inoperable while driving on the interstate. Yes, the engine is still available for inspection upon request. (Currently at the dealership - due to overheating while driving (after engine had been replaced on 3/26/2025) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On [XXX], the engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, causing a sudden loss of power and steering assist. This placed me and other drivers at serious risk, especially since it happened on the interstate and I was unable to maneuver or accelerate safely. On [XXX], the engine overheated in severe, bumper to bumper traffic. The owner’s safety was put at risk due to the high volume of traffic and little options to pull over. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the engine failure has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and a Kia dealership. They diagnosed the engine as seized and non-repairable without a full engine replacement. Engine was replaced by Kia on March 26-28, 2025 and returned to the owner on March 28,2025. At the dealership's recommendation the owner replaced all the hoses and belts. Owner was assured all fluids had been refilled and engine repair was complete. Engine overheated while driving in Atlanta on [XXX]. Vehicle was towed back to the dealership due to the overheating and the noises coming from the engine compartment while running. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? So far, the engine has been inspected by the Kia dealership's service department and the engine was replaced on March 26-28,2025 To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. All inspections were performed by th INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5

NHTSA ODI #11654361

Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2025
Engine

On August 17, 2024, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost power on the highway. The check engine light came on seconds before the engine seized completely. I was able to pull into the breakdown lane because I was already in the exit lane. It was a very frightening moment and could have been dangerous if I had been in a different la…

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On August 17, 2024, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost power on the highway. The check engine light came on seconds before the engine seized completely. I was able to pull into the breakdown lane because I was already in the exit lane. It was a very frightening moment and could have been dangerous if I had been in a different lane or in heavier traffic. Component that Failed: The engine seized. The dealership found burned holes in the valves of cylinders 2 and 4. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection. Safety Risk: Sudden loss of power on a highway placed me and others at risk of a serious accident at high speeds. Confirmed by Dealer: The dealer confirmed valve damage and misfire codes. Root cause was not confirmed. Inspected: The vehicle was not fully inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Kia observed burned valves and did not investigate further into the engine to identify the cause. Warnings Prior to Failure: The check engine light came on minutes before the failure. No prior symptoms. Assessment: Rod bearing failure is suspected due to the sudden engine seizure. During the first visit to the dealership, a diagnostic fee was paid, but Kia stopped investigating after discovering burned valves. On the second visit, the dealership attempted but did not complete the bearing clearance test. They also chose not to open a Techline case, which is required under Kia’s own NHTSA-documented bearing clearance test procedures (TSB SST067 Rev 2) when the test cannot be completed. Kia has provided incomplete diagnostics and avoided further investigation, leaving me without answers. I was told I need a new engine, but I have never been told what actually caused the failure.

NHTSA ODI #11650940

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2025
Engine

Kia when producing the engine left metal shavings that they didn't blow out. This lead them to put a KSDS sensor in. The sensor just let's you know of a catastrophic engine failure. It did not fix the problem. This is leading to engine failures and kia finding loop holes to not replace them. This is kia neglect not the consumer.…

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Kia when producing the engine left metal shavings that they didn't blow out. This lead them to put a KSDS sensor in. The sensor just let's you know of a catastrophic engine failure. It did not fix the problem. This is leading to engine failures and kia finding loop holes to not replace them. This is kia neglect not the consumer. They are finding ways to blame the consumer for maintenance records to deny an engine replacement.

NHTSA ODI #11645448

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

I have had this car not even two years and until 8 months ago I never had issues but now it has been burning/draining the engine oil like crazy. I mean every three days I have to put about 4 quarts with how bad it goes. I've already checked for leaks and anything burning from the exhaust and there's nothing. I've called Kia and …

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I have had this car not even two years and until 8 months ago I never had issues but now it has been burning/draining the engine oil like crazy. I mean every three days I have to put about 4 quarts with how bad it goes. I've already checked for leaks and anything burning from the exhaust and there's nothing. I've called Kia and they want me to pay $200 just for them to diagnose it and not fix anything. It puts me and my sisters safety on the line because it jerks whenever it is low and then whenever it is idle. This hasn't been recreated/replicated by a dealer as I don't have the funds for them to check. There aren't any warning lights or sensors telling me anything. It's gotten to a point where I'm just not sure what else to do and I've done research where in the past, this car specifically has this kind of problem yet it shows no current recalls of it.

NHTSA ODI #11645281

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2025
Engine

My Kia engine is blown.Kia engine rod bearing failed due to metal shavings when they made the engine. They didn't blow the shavings out.They are stating it's my fault do to lack of maintenance records they will not replace my engine. This is there loophole in the lawsuit to deny people of there claims.

NHTSA ODI #11645160

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I own a 2017 Kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by Kia Russ Darrow at Odana Rd Madison, WI , the vehicle displayed DTC P001000 – ‘A (Intake)’ Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the E-CVVT motor plug area. It point…

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I own a 2017 Kia Sportage, and I recently experienced a malfunction indicator engine light turning on. Upon diagnosis by Kia Russ Darrow at Odana Rd Madison, WI , the vehicle displayed DTC P001000 – ‘A (Intake)’ Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1). They have noticed oil leakage around the E-CVVT motor plug area. It pointed to camshaft position sensor malfunction and Kia service say what the vehicle needs is a CVVT cover and seals/gaskets relating to the variable valve timing on the camshaft as it’s throwing the camshaft sensor circuit “high” voltage Kia has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) SA305, which acknowledges a similar problem in earlier production models of the same vehicle (built from December 10, 2015 – September 12, 2016). However, my vehicle was manufactured in January 2017, and Kia has not yet included it in the affected range. Despite this, I am experiencing the exact same issue outlined in the TSB. This failure poses a potential safety risk because it can affect engine performance and reliability. If left unaddressed, it could lead to unexpected engine stalling, loss of power while driving, or further engine damage, creating a hazardous situation. I have not yet received confirmation from Kia regarding an official recall or warranty extension for my vehicle, but the symptoms are identical to those covered under SA305. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a mechanic, and I am currently in the process of contacting Kia for further inspection and assistance. There were no prior warning messages, aside from the Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminating when the problem first occurred. This complaint is being submitted to request an investigation into whether this defect extends beyond the current TSB range and to determine if additional 2017 Sportage models should be included in a service action or recall to prevent safety risks. The affected component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI #11644429

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2025
Engine

9 weeks ago, my daughter was driving my car with my [XXX] grandson. While she was driving it, it went into limp mode on her. She was close to home, thank goodness. There were no warning signs prior to the limp mode. We had it towed to Columbia Ford Kia in Columbia, CT. They found there was no compression and a burnt exhaust val…

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9 weeks ago, my daughter was driving my car with my [XXX] grandson. While she was driving it, it went into limp mode on her. She was close to home, thank goodness. There were no warning signs prior to the limp mode. We had it towed to Columbia Ford Kia in Columbia, CT. They found there was no compression and a burnt exhaust valve which these vehicles are notorious for. The 100,000 mile Kia warranty claims it won’t be covered due to normal wear and tear. When we purchased the car, we bought the extended warranty. Currently, the dealership is breaking down the engine to find the reason for the burnt exhaust valve. Then an inspector from the extended warranty will decide if it is covered. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11643958

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Component/System Failure: Multiple issues have occurred with the vehicle, starting with the windows not functioning shortly after purchase. The most severe issue occurred when the engine failed completely, causing it to shut down in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. This left the car non-functional and posed si…

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Component/System Failure: Multiple issues have occurred with the vehicle, starting with the windows not functioning shortly after purchase. The most severe issue occurred when the engine failed completely, causing it to shut down in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour. This left the car non-functional and posed significant safety risks. In addition, the fuel system consistently becomes contaminated, despite following proper fuel maintenance practices like using high-quality fuel and regularly using a system cleaner. Is the Component Available for Inspection Upon Request? It's important to confirm whether the damaged components (like the engine or fuel system parts) are available for inspection by a dealer, an independent service center, or the manufacturer. If you haven't already, request documentation or access to the faulty components so that experts can inspect them and provide insight into what went wrong. Safety Risk: The engine failure in the middle of a busy intersection during rush hour was a major safety risk, not just to you but to other drivers as well. An unexpected engine failure at such a critical time could have led to accidents, making it clear that there’s a serious safety concern that needs addressing immediately. Even if the fuel system issue isn’t as immediately dangerous, it still affects the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by Dealer or Service Center? Has a dealer or an independent service center been able to reproduce or confirm these problems? If not, it may help to schedule an appointment for a detailed inspection. If the dealer or service center has acknowledged the issues, ensure you have written confirmation or a detailed report. Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, or Insurance? Kia dealership finally took it in broke down the engine and wasn't fully clear what is causing the problem, my extended warranty sent a inspection but is taking way more time then what should be allowed

NHTSA ODI #11640197

Official recalls

4

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 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.

21V137000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

16V862000 · Electrical System; Trailer Hitches

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

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.

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