Power Train. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports6 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

258 reports

48,945 miles · Jul 17, 2014

EngineVehicle Speed Control

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ON MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014, MY WIFE RODE HER SANTA FE ON A STRAIGHT ROAD ACCELERATING SLIGHTLY UPHILL WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. ON THURS. DEC. 5, 2013, I HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE, WHICH I REPORTED TO YOU AT THE TIME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR. AGAIN NOBODY TOUCHED THE IGNITION KEY WHICH HAS NOTHING HANGING ON IT EXCEPT THE ALARM AND DOOR LOCK DONGLE. MY WIFE ALSO SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES, AND LUCKILY THERE WAS NO OTHER TRAFFIC, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. SHE WAS ABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A SAFE STOP AND THEN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND CONTINUE HER TRIP. THE 2010 CAR HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS AND HAS ABOUT 50000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. IT'S AWD AND HAS A 6 CYL. ENGINE. COULD THIS BE RELATED TO THE IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED SO MANY GM CARS? NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE WORRIED DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE IF THIS INCIDENT OCCURS AT HIGH SPEED, A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD BE THE RESULT. DO YOU KNOW OF ANY SIMILAR EXPERIENCE? WHAT DO YOU ADVISE? [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611285

52,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014

Engine

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I HAVE HAD THE ENGINE STALLMENT ISSUE WITH MY 2010 SANTA FE LIMITED SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2010. MY LAST 4 INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE NOR FIND ANY CODES FOR IT. THEY HAVE PERFORMED THE FOLLOWING FIXES ON MY CAR IN 4 SEPARATE ATTEMPTS WITH NO LUCK: - REPLACE THROTTLE BODY (2013) - REPLACE MAIN POWER CABLE - REPLACE COMPUTER'S MAIN BOARD - UPDATE SOFTWARE THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE. LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A DOWNHILL RAMP TO ENTER THE FREEWAY WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. I CAN STILL HEAR THE CONCRETE TRUCK'S BRAKE SOUND IN MY EARS WHEN IT DESPERATELY MANAGED TO STOP AND AVOID COLLISION. I DON'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR ANYMORE. I HAVE ALSO LOST MY CONFIDENCE IN THE DEALER'S ABILITY TO PERMANENTLY FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610396

83,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014

Electrical System

THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR SHUTS OFF WHEN IT RAINS. WARM AIR BLOWS THROUGH THE VENTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607603

39,600 miles · Jun 21, 2014

Engine

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WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN AND HIGH HUMIDITY, GOING SOUTH ON ROUTE 95, A/C COOLING STOPPED WORKING AND ONLY WARM AIR WAS BLOWING THROUGH THE VENTS. STOPPED WORKING FOR OVER AN HOUR, UNTIL I STOPPED FOR GAS IN FT. PIECE. WHEN I RESTARTED, IT BEGAN TO WORK AND WORKED FOR ANOTHER 20 MINUTES BEFORE IT STOPPED. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER ON JUNE 3. DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM AND WOULD DO NOTHING. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JUNE 13 WHILE DRIVING. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HE AGAIN SAID HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT AND WOULD DO NOTHING. I REPORTED IT HYUNDAI WOULD SAID IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED AND WOULD DO NOTHING. I FOUND NUMEROUS INSTANCES, ON THE INTERNET, OF PEOPLE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM, BUT WAS TOLD UNLESS I COULD REPRODUCE ON MY VEHICLE, NOTHING WOULD BE DONE. I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND HOPE THE CAR DEALER IS OPEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10604953

30,800 miles · Jun 12, 2014

Engine

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH NO WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS NOT ABLE TO NEITHER REPLICATE NOR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,800. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 08/19/14

NHTSA ODI #10597887

50,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014

Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTE FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…

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NHTSA ODI #10596575

77,000 miles · May 28, 2014

Power Train

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V261000 (POWER TRAIN). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #10594634

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2014

Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

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EVENT HAS OCCURRED ON 2 OCCASIONS. FIRST EVENT: WHILE BACKING UP IN A PARKING LOT, WITH NO FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND VERY SLIGHT FORCE ON GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SURGED MUCH MORE THAN TYPICAL WITH SUCH A LIGHT CONTACT WITH THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR ACCELERATED BACKWARD SUDDENLY, UNTIL THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. SECOND EVENT: WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT VERY LOW SPEED. THE SAME EVENT OCCURRED, BUT THIS TIME WHILE IN FORWARD DRIVE. WITH NO FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND VERY SLIGHT FORCE ON GAS PEDAL, THE CAR SURGED MUCH MORE THAN TYPICAL WITH SUCH A LIGHT CONTACT WITH THE GAS PEDAL. THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD SUDDENLY, UNTIL THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592212

37,000 miles · Apr 28, 2014

Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

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SINCE PURCHASED NEW IN 2011, VEHICLE HAS STALLED, LOSING POWER WITHOUT WARNING IN 6 SEPARATE INCIDENTS. ROAD SURFACES WERE LEVEL AND SPEEDS RANGED FROM 0-50 MPH. DURING EACH MALFUNCTION, SPEED DECREASED TO 0 MPH OR DID NOT ACCELERATE IF ALREADY AT 0 MPH. LOSS OF SPEED IS ACCOMPANIED BY PRESENCE OF ENGINE, BATTERY, AND OIL INDICATOR LIGHTS. I AM ABLE TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK MODE, COMPLETELY TURN OFF ENGINE, AND RESTART IGNITION. VEHICLE APPEARS TO OPERATE NORMALLY AFTER EACH INCIDENT UNTIL NEXT ONE OCCURS. ALL BUT TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY MONTHS APART ON METROPOLITAN INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. TWO MOST RECENT INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON SAME DAY WITHIN MINUTES OF EACH OTHER. EVERY TIME VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR EVALUATION, TYPICALLY WITHIN HOUR OF INCIDENT, TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR DIAGNOSE MALFUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. ACCORDING TO 4 AUTHORIZED DEALERS AND HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS, TROUBLE CODE IS NECESSARY TO REPAIR MALFUNCTION. TWO AUTHORIZED DEALERS HAVE EVALUATED VEHICLE WITHOUT DIAGNOSING MALFUNCTION. NEITHER HAS BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR FIND TROUBLE CODE, DESPITE MAINTAINING POSSESSION OF VEHICLE FOR DAYS. BASED ON MY HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME SAFETY CONCERN, HOWEVER, TECHLINE ADVISED AUTHORIZED DEALER TO REPLACE ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL MOTOR: PROCEDURE DONE IN OCTOBER 2013, YET STALLING/LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED AGAIN--TWICE--IN APRIL 2014. SPORADICALLY RECURRING MALFUNCTION REMAINS UNRESOLVED. I HAVE TWO SEPARATE CASES FILED WITH HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. VEHICLE IS UNDER WARRANTY, UP-TO-DATE ON MAINTENANCE, AND HAS ACCUMULATED RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE TO DATE AT APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES.**4/16/2014**STALLED/LOST POWER TWICE, 2-3 MINUTES BETWEEN INCIDENTS. TOWED TO AUTHORIZED DEALER; CURRENTLY AWAITING INSTRUCTIONS FROM TECHLINE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585396

76,000 miles · Apr 22, 2014

Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 HYUNDAI SANTA FE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE A LOUD CLANKING NOISE FROM THE REAR END. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,0…

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NHTSA ODI #10584154

Official recalls

13V113000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Apr 1, 2013

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

11V261000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Apr 28, 2011

HYUNDAI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SANTA FE 2WD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND 2.4L ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 15, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 5, 2010. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT MAY SUFFER FROM NOISE AND EXCESSIVE WEAR DUE TO A MISALIGNMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WITH THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR. CONTINUING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION LEADS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A WHIRRING/WHINING NOISE AND CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE OUTPUT GEAR AND INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI'S CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-633-5151.

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

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.

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:throttle

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

PE11010 · Transmission Intermediate Driveshaft

Opened Apr 7, 2011 · Closed May 10, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

On April 25, 2011, Kia Motors Corporation submitted a defect notification letter to NHTSA regarding a transmission intermediate driveshaft condition in approximately 12,690 model year (MY) 2011 Kia Sorento 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-258).The recall addresses a defect with the external shape of the engine block which can prevent the intermediate shaft bearing bracket from mating evenly with the engine block.This can cause a misalignment of the intermediate shaft with the right side output gear.Resulting damage could cause a loss of motive power.Additionally, on April 27, 2011, Hyundai Motor Company submitted a defect notification (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-261) for the same issue in approximately 6,169 MY 2010 Sante Fe 2-wheel drive vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and 2.4L engines that use the same components as the recalled Kia Sorento vehicles.This investigation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft