NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
20 reportsClear category filter45,000 miles · Oct 11, 2017
Power TrainSuspension
WE HAD AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE CAR AND IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES FROM HOME. THERE THE DEALER NOTICED THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR END ON HAD RUSTED AWAY AND IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE CAR HAS AROUND 45,000 MILES ON IT AND I FEEL THAT AN ISSUE LIKE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL AS I HAVE SINCE FO…
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WE HAD AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE CAR AND IT WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES FROM HOME. THERE THE DEALER NOTICED THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE REAR END ON HAD RUSTED AWAY AND IT WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE CAR HAS AROUND 45,000 MILES ON IT AND I FEEL THAT AN ISSUE LIKE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL AS I HAVE SINCE FOUND IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND WAS RECALLED IN EUROPE FOR THE SAME THING. MY DAUGHTER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN A KIA DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES SO FAR THIS YEAR FOR AN OIL LEAK ISSUE AND THEY SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THIS ISSUE. THE WARRANTY RAN OUT IN MAY AFTER THE LAST VISIT UP TO THIS ONE. THE DEALER EVEN SAID THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11032964
110,000 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #10819315
47,760 miles · Sep 10, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
I OWN A 2007 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 47,760 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY (TODAY'S DATE 09/10/2014). THE FIRST SYMPTOMS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AGO WHERE MY CAR WOULD HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR I WOULD BE TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BEGIN BUCKING/JERKING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS WAS VERY INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM. IF I T…
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I OWN A 2007 KIA SORENTO LX WITH 47,760 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY (TODAY'S DATE 09/10/2014). THE FIRST SYMPTOMS HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS AGO WHERE MY CAR WOULD HESITATE UPON ACCELERATION AND/OR I WOULD BE TRAVELING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH AND THE CAR WOULD BEGIN BUCKING/JERKING FOR A FEW SECONDS. THIS WAS VERY INTERMITTENT AND RANDOM. IF I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL, THEN REAPPLIED THE GAS THE CAR WOULD BE FINE. THEN THAT SYMPTOM WENT AWAY AND I GAINED A NEW SYMPTOM. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN MY ECS OFF LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY, AND I INSTANTLY LOST POWER/ACCELERATION. IT APPEARS THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR GOES INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE? IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE TO ME IN THE PAST 3 DAYS. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE LOSS OF POWER/ACCELERATION IS INSTANT, IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING, AND IT DOES NOT MATTER HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE IF IT HAPPENS ON A HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS BEGAN TO APPEAR RIGHT AFTER I HAD THE RECALLS DONE ON MY VEHICLE (I.E. BRAKE SWITCH AND ECM UPGRADE). MY CAR WAS FINE BEFORE I HAD THE RECALLS DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632129
71,885 miles · Apr 7, 2014
Power TrainService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE DRIVING 45 MPH THE BRAKE SYSTEM LOCKED FAILED TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE GEAR SHIFT TO FAIL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME. THE…
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
NHTSA ODI #10577846
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2011
Power Train
THIS CAR WAS PURCHASE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE I HEARD A "WHINE" NOISE IN THE REAREND SO I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER INSPECTION THEY SAY I NEED A NEW REAR END FOR $2000 AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE ON PREVIOUS WORK THEY MENTION…
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THIS CAR WAS PURCHASE NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER A RECENT OIL CHANGE I HEARD A "WHINE" NOISE IN THE REAREND SO I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER INSPECTION THEY SAY I NEED A NEW REAR END FOR $2000 AND THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE ON PREVIOUS WORK THEY MENTIONED THAT A CHANGE IN FLUID WAS REQUESTED. IF THIS CHANGE IN FLUID WAS SO IMPORTANT WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED. THIS IS LIKE A DOCTOR SAYING IF YOU DO NOT DO THIS YOU WILL DIE. I ALSO HAVE PURCHASED A SECOND KIA FROM THIS DEALERSHIP AND AM VERY LOYAL. NOW I FEEL THAT BOTH KIA AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE THROWN ME UNDER THE BUS. WHO CAN ONE TRUST IN TODAY'S WORLD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434312
15,500 miles · Oct 15, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE POWER FROM ACCELERATOR GREATLY REDUCES. APPEARS TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR, AND VEHICLE ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE AT 5MPH. STOPPED CAR ON SHOULDER, TURNED ENGINE OFF AND PARKED. RESTARTED VEHICLE WITH NO POWER OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. AFTER 5 MINUT…
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AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE POWER FROM ACCELERATOR GREATLY REDUCES. APPEARS TO GO INTO 1ST GEAR, AND VEHICLE ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE AT 5MPH. STOPPED CAR ON SHOULDER, TURNED ENGINE OFF AND PARKED. RESTARTED VEHICLE WITH NO POWER OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. AFTER 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING, REPEAT IN ACTIVITIES. OCCURRED 5 TIMES WITHIN 20 MILE DRIVE. VERY UNSAFE TO HAVE OCCUR ON HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10430318
30,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Power TrainCrash
MY 2007 KIA SORENTO WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS IN 2009-10. BOTH WERE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY 4-WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2007, WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT WHEN THE CAR WAS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND STOPPED TO TURN, IT MADE A JERKING MOVEMENT THAT WAS DANGEROUS. WE WERE TOLD IT OPERATED AS DESIGN…
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MY 2007 KIA SORENTO WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS IN 2009-10. BOTH WERE AS A RESULT OF A FAULTY 4-WHEEL DRIVE MECHANISM. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2007, WE REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT WHEN THE CAR WAS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND STOPPED TO TURN, IT MADE A JERKING MOVEMENT THAT WAS DANGEROUS. WE WERE TOLD IT OPERATED AS DESIGNED. ON FEBRUARY 21, 2010, I WAS TURNING INTO MY GARAGE IN CENTRAL OREGON ON ICE, THE CAR WAS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND IT MADE A SERIES OF LURCHING MOVEMENTS WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SLIDE INTO THE GARAGE WALL. I STILL HAVE THE DENT IN THE PASSENGER DOOR FROM THAT INCIDENT. ON OCTOBER 27, 2009 ON MY WAY TO WORK, I NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS 31 DEGREES, AND PUT MY ("ON THE FLY" 4-WHEEL DRIVE) CAR INTO 4-WHEEL DRIVE. I IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO A 360 SPIN ON A HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES AN HOUR. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FLAT WHEN I LANDED IN THE DIRT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS CAR ISN'T AN "ON THE FLY" 4-WHEEL DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE MANUAL SAYS IT IS. I REPORTED BOTH OF THESE ACCIDENTS TO KIA SAFETY HEADQUARTERS. THEY TELL ME THE CAR OPERATES AS DESIGNED, AND THEREFORE ARE NOT CONCERNED. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE WILL DIE IN ONE OF THESE 2007 KIA'S WHEN USING 4-WHEEL DRIVE. I KNOW THAT KIA REDESIGNED THE SORENTO IN 2008 TO BE ALL WHEEL, AND IT DOESN'T HAVE THIS DESIGN DEFECT . HOWEVER, WHAT ABOUT ALL OF US WHO DRIVE IN COLD, ICY WEATHER MANY DAYS OF THE YEAR AND NEED OUR 4-WHEEL DRIVE? DO WE JUST HOPE THE JERKING MOTION WHEN WE ARE STOPPED AND TURNING WILL NOT CAUSE US TO SLIDE INTO SOMETHING? DO WE STOP EVERY TIME WE NEED TO PUT OUR "ON THE FLY" FOUR WHEEL DRIVE IN PLAY? KIA NEEDS TO FIX OUR CARS SO THEY ARE SAFE FOR THE ENTIRE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD! *KB
NHTSA ODI #10414046
58,000 miles · May 10, 2010
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORRENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY BEGAN JERKING VIOLENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE DEALER'S POSSESSION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORRENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY BEGAN JERKING VIOLENTLY AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE DEALER'S POSSESSION WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000.
NHTSA ODI #10329660
5,000 miles · Aug 27, 2008
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE PURCHASING DEALER 7 TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES INCLUDING TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS FELL DOWN INTO THE DASH, POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THE MAJOR ISSUE HAS BEEN THE RANDOM, BUT DAILY ESC OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. THE DEALER SEEMS EITHER …
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I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE PURCHASING DEALER 7 TIMES FOR MULTIPLE ISSUES INCLUDING TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER DIFFICULTY SWITCHING GEARS, THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS FELL DOWN INTO THE DASH, POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE. THE MAJOR ISSUE HAS BEEN THE RANDOM, BUT DAILY ESC OFF LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF. THE DEALER SEEMS EITHER UNWILLING OR INCAPABLE OF CORRECTING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE FILED A CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUEST WE KIA TWO WEEKS AGO, RANDY EXT 45295 KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSURED ME HE WOULD 'GET BACK TO ME' IN TWO BUSINESS DAYS. TODAY IS THE SEVENTH BUSINESS DAY AND NO REPLY. IT'S MY OPINION THAT THE ESC ISSUE, WIRING HARNESS, AND POOR BRAKING ARE ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESS IN VIA RECALL SINCE KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WARRANTY COMMITMENT ARE MEANING LESS TO KIA CORPORATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10239898
111,000 miles · Aug 6, 2008
Power Train
I BOUGHT THIS 2007 SORENTO OCTOBER 10, 2007. TRANSMISSION WAS MESSED UP FROM THE START. I HAVE POSTED EARLIER ABOUT MY PROBLEMS (ODI ID NUMBER : 10222227). SOME OF MY PROBLEMS WERE FIXED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE UP-SHIFTING AND DOWN-SHIFTING AT THE SAME TIME WERE FIXED. BUT I STILL HAVE TO MUCH PLAY IN DRIVE-LINE WHEN SHIFTING FR…
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I BOUGHT THIS 2007 SORENTO OCTOBER 10, 2007. TRANSMISSION WAS MESSED UP FROM THE START. I HAVE POSTED EARLIER ABOUT MY PROBLEMS (ODI ID NUMBER : 10222227). SOME OF MY PROBLEMS WERE FIXED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE UP-SHIFTING AND DOWN-SHIFTING AT THE SAME TIME WERE FIXED. BUT I STILL HAVE TO MUCH PLAY IN DRIVE-LINE WHEN SHIFTING FROM FORWARD TO REVERSE. AND THAT PLAY COMES IN TO EFFECT WHEN OTHER SHIFTS HAPPEN. WHEN GOING DOWN A HILL AND THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CATCH UP WITH EACH OTHER, I CAN FEEL THE KER-KLUNK OR SHUTTER WHEN THEY DO. AND ALSO AT TIMES I FEEL THE SAME THING WHEN THE CAR GET ALMOST TO THE TOP OF A HILL AND IT'S TIME FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO UP-SHIFT, I FEEL THAT SAME SHUTTER. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THOSE PROBLEMS A WEEK OR SO AGO AND THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 9 DAYS. NOW THE CAR DOES A HARD SHIFT INTO ALMOST EVERY GEAR. STARTED WITH FEELING THE HARD SHIFT INTO THE FIRST 2 GEARS AND NOW FEEL IT EVEN IN 5TH GEAR. THESE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM HAVE BEEN GOING ON SINCE OCTOBER 10, 2007. PLUS AS POSTED BEFORE, THE SPORT-A-MATIC PORTION OF THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL SCREWED UP. WHEN TRAVELING AT 65 MILES AN HOUR AND MOVING SHIFTER FROM LEFT TO RIGHT INTO SPORT-A-MATIC POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY DROPS TO 4TH GEAR. I'VE DROVE 3 OTHER MODELS OF THERE CARS AND NONE OF THEM DO THIS. THEY STAY IN THE GEAR THAT THEY WERE IN ON THE LEFT SIDE. THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION ARE REAL POPULAR NOW. I'VE CHECKED WITH ANYBODY I KNOW WITH THAT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION AND THERE'S ALL WORK PROPERLY. KIA TELLS ME SINCE THAT YEAR, THAT MODEL DOES THAT, THAT I HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. ALSO THE CAR HAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION AT TIMES AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10237210
Official recalls
4Feb 14, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Consequence: An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Apr 1, 2013
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. 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: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Sep 7, 2011
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 SORENTO PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 15, 2006 THROUGH NOVEMBER 27, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MAY BE TURNED OFF WHEN AN ADULT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG IS DESIGNED TO BE TURNED OFF IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES INCLUDING WHEN CHILDREN AND SMALL ADULTS ARE SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THERE IS A CHILD RESTRAINT IN THAT SEAT OR THE SEAT IS NOT OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS), WHICH CLASSIFIES THE OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, MAY MISCLASSIFY AN ADULT PASSENGER AS A CHILD OR CHILD SEAT AND IMPROPERLY TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. WHEN THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED THE "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY.
Remedy: KIA WILL UPDATE THE PROGRAMMING IN THE SORENTO OCS CONTROL MODULE AT NO CHARGE. THE RECALL REMEDY IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE UNDER SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC076. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-333-4542.
Apr 17, 2009
HUYNDAI-KIA IS RECALLING 139,844 MY 2006-2007- SEDONA, SPORTAGE, SORENTO AND MY RONDO AND AMANTI VEHICLES. THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY MALFUNCTION. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A STOP LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
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
3DP21003 · 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.
EA09017 · Air Bag Occupant Classification System
Opened Nov 19, 2009 · Closed Sep 26, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags:frontal
The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.
Air Bags
The Sorento's front passenger air bag may be turned off when an adult is seated in the passenger seat. The front passenger air bag is designed to be turned off in limited circumstances including when children and small adults are seated in the front passenger seat, there is a child restraint in that seat, or the seat is not occupied.But the Sorento has misclassified adults sitting in the passenger seat.This causes the passenger side frontal air bag to deactivate and the PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF light to illuminate. On May 12, 2009, Kia launched a Technical Service Bulletin campaign (SC076) to address this problem, installing upgraded occupant classification system (OCS) software in vehicles built prior to the 11/27/2007 production date. ODI and Kia identified 908 owner reports and 927 warranty claims related to this OCS issue.Kia also reported one crash where the passenger frontal air bag did not deploy in a frontal crash due to misclassification.Testing of Sorento vehicles built prior to December 2007 shows that misclassification can occur.As of April 2011, Kia reports that approx. 46,000 of the 57,228 vehicles have been upgraded with the revised software.On September 6, 2011, Kia submitted a defect notice and will recall the affected vehicles that have not been upgraded.Owner notification is scheduled to start in late-September 2011.The recall will upgrade the OCS software.Accordingly the investigation is closed.
PE09034 · Air Bag Ocs
Opened Jul 17, 2009 · Closed Nov 30, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags:frontal
KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.
Air Bags
KIA REPORTS THAT FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE SOFTWARE UPDATE OF 11/27/2007, THE VEHICLES CAN IMPROPERLY CLASSIFY AN ADULT AS A CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT AND THUS ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG OFF WARNING LIGHT AND SUPPRESS THE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG.ON MAY 12, 2009, KIA LAUNCHED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SB076) CAMPAIGN TO RE-FLASH ALL VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.KIA ALSO BELIEVES THAT INTERMITTENT OCCUPANT MOVEMENT AND OUT OF POSITION SEATING CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.905 OF THE 947 COMPLAINTS AND 1,014 OF THE 1,107 WARRANTY CLAIMS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH THE 57,228 VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.THERE WAS ONE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIRBAG NON-DEPLOYMENT CRASH THAT RESULTED IN ONE MINOR INJURY OF A BELTED ADULT PASSENGER OCCUPANT.THIS PRELIMINARY EVOLUTION IS BEING UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-017) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE FOR ALL MY2007-2008 SORENTO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE 11/27/2007 PRODUCTION DATE.
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