NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
621 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Engine
ENGINE FAILED, CHECK OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. HAD TO PUT A NEW MOTOR IN THE CAR AND KIA WOULD NOT FIX. PRODUCT UPDATE CAME ON THE CAR PRIOR TO US BUYING IT, SO WE HAD NO IDEA. CAR STOPPED ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING, LUCKILY NOONE WAS INJURED. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSU…
Read full complaint
ENGINE FAILED, CHECK OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. HAD TO PUT A NEW MOTOR IN THE CAR AND KIA WOULD NOT FIX. PRODUCT UPDATE CAME ON THE CAR PRIOR TO US BUYING IT, SO WE HAD NO IDEA. CAR STOPPED ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING, LUCKILY NOONE WAS INJURED. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER IT WAS ALREADY CLOSED SO NOTHING WE CAN DO. KIA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE THEY SHOULD BE RESPONISBLE FOR FIXING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11451035
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2022
Engine
Without warning, my car died while I was driving it. The engine locked up. The engine is toast. No reason for this to have had happened. I'm now without a vehicle as a single mom. Thank God I wasn't turning in front of a semi when it just randomly died!
NHTSA ODI #11450582
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
My check engine light came on Sunday January 23rd. Upon Contacting my local Kia Dealership, I was told that my vehicle has recall # SC212 at which time was advised to bring my vehicle into the Kia dealership for diagnosis. On Friday, January 28th I dropped my vehicle off at my local Kia dealership and within 3 hours received a c…
Read full complaint
My check engine light came on Sunday January 23rd. Upon Contacting my local Kia Dealership, I was told that my vehicle has recall # SC212 at which time was advised to bring my vehicle into the Kia dealership for diagnosis. On Friday, January 28th I dropped my vehicle off at my local Kia dealership and within 3 hours received a call from my Service Advisor who stated the following issues were found: 1. Oil leak; REPLACED: Valve cover gasket, high pressure fuel line, and high-pressureSe fuel pump bolts. 2. Recall SC212; REPLACED: Multi-Fuse and Fuse Box Cover per campaign instructions. 3. Serpentine Belt; REPLACED: Drive Belt 4. Brake Pads; REPLACED: Front Brake Pads and Machined Rotors. 5. Brake Pads; REPLACED: Rear Brake Pads, in addition to Replacing both rear rotors. 6. REPLACED: Cabin Air Filter 7. REPLACED: Engine air filter 8. Oil and Filter Change; Performed LOF, set tire pressures, and topped off all fluids. Less than 72 hours after the above repairs were complete, and a hefty $1,500.00 repair bill, my check engine light is BACK ON! My vehicle lacks acceleration when depressing the gas pedal and I am fearful my vehicle may have the defective Theta II Engine in it. I am a single parent with a 7 year old child and this has caused us to not feel safe driving our vehicle, not to mention I have had to miss multiple days of work and my daughter has missed several days of school now because we do not have a safe vehicle to commute to school and work in. Also, when searching my vehicles VIN number, it says the recall was not fulfilled? VERY CONCERING! I have the vehicle diagnostic data in my UVO Services account, in addition to itemized repair bill from Kia.
NHTSA ODI #11449827
126,620 miles · Jan 20, 2022
EngineFire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH on a one-lane road, the vehicle inadvertently began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact attempted to jump-start the vehicle with …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25-30 MPH on a one-lane road, the vehicle inadvertently began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off the vehicle but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact attempted to jump-start the vehicle with the assistance of her friend however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact’s friend informed her that he smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the battery, the starter, and the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for diagnosis. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,620.
NHTSA ODI #11448269
144,000 miles · Jan 20, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s mother’s residence and then to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s mother’s residence and then to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a software update had not been completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided due to a discrepancy. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
NHTSA ODI #11448153
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2022
Engine
The piston and valve are failing and yes it is available for inspection. My vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. I took it to the dealer and they said there was loss of compression in number 3, and there was cylinder scaring which they then said the valve malfunctioning. They then sent my claim to Kia motors and the…
Read full complaint
The piston and valve are failing and yes it is available for inspection. My vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. I took it to the dealer and they said there was loss of compression in number 3, and there was cylinder scaring which they then said the valve malfunctioning. They then sent my claim to Kia motors and they said they aren’t going to put it under the warranty. There was no warning or any type of message before the incident.
NHTSA ODI #11447773
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System
THIS CAR HAVE PROBLEM ENGINE AND KNOCK SENSOR P1326. FUEL PROPUSION.SYSTEM. I LOST DAYS OF WORK ..AND MONEY TOO.I LOST MY JOB Consumer stated vehicle is still in the dealership.
NHTSA ODI #11447392
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2022
Engine
The engine on my 2015 Kia Optima failed as I was entering a freeway at night time. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the car on the dashboard and it had been running fine for about 15 minutes prior to completely shutting off without warning. When my car was taken into the dealership in Carson, CA, it was insp…
Read full complaint
The engine on my 2015 Kia Optima failed as I was entering a freeway at night time. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the car on the dashboard and it had been running fine for about 15 minutes prior to completely shutting off without warning. When my car was taken into the dealership in Carson, CA, it was inspected and I was advised by the technician that this issue was a recalled one. He stated that he had seen this issue in many cars but could not begin to fix it until it was reviewed by their corporate office. Days later, the corporate office advised that they would not cover fixing this recalled issue and had passed the problem on to the extended warranty company. Then, the inspector from the extended warranty marked the engine's inspection as inconclusive. Kia and their extended warranty partner say that we must pay them $1100 to take the engine apart and take pictures of it. Before the engine failure, there were no indicator lights from the car advising there was maintenance required. The oil has been changed on time and frequently throughout ownership and the records were in the glove box for the various inspectors to view. The brakes have been changed regularly and the battery had to be replaced one time within the first year of purchasing this vehicle. Besides that, there had been nothing to indicate something of this magnitude would happen to this vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11446808
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2022
Engine
I was driving my 2015 optima on 1-5-22 on a 4 lane road going up a hill the car stalled dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Car would not start I was stuck in heavy traffic. I had to have it towed to my house. This vehicle had a recall repair done in 2017 for this same issue. The dealership replaced the engine. I have not taken i…
Read full complaint
I was driving my 2015 optima on 1-5-22 on a 4 lane road going up a hill the car stalled dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Car would not start I was stuck in heavy traffic. I had to have it towed to my house. This vehicle had a recall repair done in 2017 for this same issue. The dealership replaced the engine. I have not taken it to the dealership. Mileage at failure 173,000.Milage at first failure 57,000.
NHTSA ODI #11446801
Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2022
Engine
Wife dropped car off to have oil change done at local mechanic shop we have done business with for years on 1/3/21 during her lunch. Wife picked car up after completion of oil change and drove back to her work approximately 1 mile away. Child seat was in the Optima so when I got off work I went and changed cars with her so I c…
Read full complaint
Wife dropped car off to have oil change done at local mechanic shop we have done business with for years on 1/3/21 during her lunch. Wife picked car up after completion of oil change and drove back to her work approximately 1 mile away. Child seat was in the Optima so when I got off work I went and changed cars with her so I could pick up grandchild. When started it had a ticking sound and about 3/4 of a mile later it started shaking and making a loud rattling sound. I drove another 1/4 mile to home and parked it. No check engine light came on. My immediate thought was that the oil plug might have been left out. I checked the oil and it was full. I called mechanic and asked if it had any issues or sound and start up and he responded that it did not. He told me to bring back over and he would look at. He checked oil and it was full. He drained and replaced filter and oil again to see if that might possibly remedy. It did not fix or help issue. We talked and decided to leave it there for him to look into. At 5:31PM he called me back and stated there were several recalls on Kia. We decided for him to not tear into engine in case this was covered. Bought car 3 months ago from a local dealer and engine only has roughly 116K miles. Calling Kia customer service to see if this is covered due to so many engine issues from 2011-2016 models.
NHTSA ODI #11446593
Official recalls
4Sep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment 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 replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
May 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Aug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
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.
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
4AQ23002 · 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.
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.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Illustration