NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
154 reports75,000 miles · Sep 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
DURING ACCELERATION, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COMES ON, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON, AND I LOSE POWER SIMULTANEOUSLY. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, THE ESC OFF LIGHT DOES NOT COME BACK BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ON DURING MY HOUR COMMUTE TO WORK. IF I WAS IN A PASSING SITUATION OR WE…
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DURING ACCELERATION, THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT COMES ON, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT COMES ON, AND I LOSE POWER SIMULTANEOUSLY. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT, THE ESC OFF LIGHT DOES NOT COME BACK BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ON DURING MY HOUR COMMUTE TO WORK. IF I WAS IN A PASSING SITUATION OR WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSING TRAFFIC, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10425220
Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON MY 07 KIA SORENTO AND LOSES POWER. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY SPEEDS. I EXPERIENCED THIS FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPAIRED THE THROTTLE POSITIONER TWO TIMES AND NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME, DEALER WILL CHARGE YOU IF MILEAGE IS +60K. I BELIEVE THIS I…
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ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON MY 07 KIA SORENTO AND LOSES POWER. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY SPEEDS. I EXPERIENCED THIS FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPAIRED THE THROTTLE POSITIONER TWO TIMES AND NOW FOR THE THIRD TIME, DEALER WILL CHARGE YOU IF MILEAGE IS +60K. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DEFECT THAT KIA IS TRYING TO BE MUM ABOUT IT. THERE ARE PLENTY OF CONSUMERS ON THE KIA FORUM EXPRESSING DISGUST ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS THAT CAN HAPPEN. I DEMAND AN INVESTIGATION ON THIS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10418624
31,556 miles · Aug 7, 2011
Interior Lighting
I JUST PURCHACED A 2007 KIA SORENTO 2 DAYS AGO . I GOT INTO THE CAR EARLY THIS MORNING TO GO TO WORK , IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS CAME ON SO DID ALL OF MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNLESS I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS OFF. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVE TO WORK. I ARRIVED VERY UPSET AND WENT ON LINE A…
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I JUST PURCHACED A 2007 KIA SORENTO 2 DAYS AGO . I GOT INTO THE CAR EARLY THIS MORNING TO GO TO WORK , IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS CAME ON SO DID ALL OF MY INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS THEY WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNLESS I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS OFF. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DRIVE TO WORK. I ARRIVED VERY UPSET AND WENT ON LINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS LIGHT PROBLE THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE AND THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS CAN BE FIXED AT THIER EXPENCE. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THERE HASNT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10417825
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
22,750 miles · May 13, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ABOUT TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD WARPED ROTORS ON THE FRONT BRAKES ON MY KIA. THIS PROBLEM HAVE COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR THE INEXPERIENCED DRIVER AND OR DEADLY FOR THE INATTENTIVE DRIVER. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE FRONT WHEELS WOBBLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 WHEN APPLY BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI #10401863
40,000 miles · Apr 17, 2011
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2007 KIA SORENTO...ESC LIGHT COMES ON, THEREBY DISABLING THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO "LIMP" MODE, MEANING YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND YOU HAVE NO POWER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST YEAR. IT HAS OCCUR AT LOW SPEEDS AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RECENTLY, IT OCCURRED WHILE MAKING…
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2007 KIA SORENTO...ESC LIGHT COMES ON, THEREBY DISABLING THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VEHICLE GOES INTO "LIMP" MODE, MEANING YOU DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR AND YOU HAVE NO POWER. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING REPEATEDLY OVER THE LAST YEAR. IT HAS OCCUR AT LOW SPEEDS AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RECENTLY, IT OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, EXPOSING THE VEHICLE INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. LUCKILY, THE OTHER VEHICLES WERE ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP. EVERY TIME IT HAPPENS, WE HAVE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, PUT IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF. EVEN THEN, IT WILL HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES DURING THE SAME TRIP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396555
60,456 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WOULD INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUF…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WOULD INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD RETURN HIS CALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,456.
NHTSA ODI #10384268
55,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
I AM AN OWNER OF A 07 KIA SORENTO EX. A FEW MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AT RANDOM INSTANCES AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS OF CONCERN TO MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER KIA OWNERS I HAVE COME ACROSS. REASON BEING, WHEN THE "ESC OFF" …
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I AM AN OWNER OF A 07 KIA SORENTO EX. A FEW MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AT RANDOM INSTANCES AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS OF CONCERN TO MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER KIA OWNERS I HAVE COME ACROSS. REASON BEING, WHEN THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT ENGAGES AND STAYS ON, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE CHANGING LANES AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE, I WAS STUCK AT A SPEED OF 50MPH WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AT 65MPH OR FASTER. ASSUMING THAT I WAS GOING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME HAD TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES INSTEAD. WHEN I TOOK MY KIA TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM I WAS INFORMED THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND THAT THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN POSTED REGARDING THE "ESC OFF" LIGHT ILLUMINATING AND VEHICLE THROTTLE LOSS. THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK READ, THAT THERE IS A TRANSFER CASE DECODER MOTOR FAULT. I WAS TOLD KIA WAS OFFERING TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER 60000MI WARRANTY BUT THAT I CAME IN AT 62000 AND DID NOT COMPLY WITH RECOMMENDED TRANSFER CASE SERVICES LISTED IN THE MANUAL, THEY WOULD NOT COVER UNDER ANY WARRANTY. KIA BELIEVES THAT MY LACK OF TRANSFER CASE SERVICE TO MY VEHICLE IS THE REASON FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CAN'T HELP BUT TO THINK, THAT BASED ON HOW MANY KIA SORENTO CONSUMERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM THERE MAY BE A DEFECT IN KIA'S "ESC" SYSTEM. IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS ISSUE I CAN SAY THAT I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366470
63,400 miles · Sep 30, 2010
EquipmentVisibility
AIRCONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE ACCOMPANIED BY NOISE CAUSED BY THE (2)CABIN AIR FILTER ELEMENTS COMING LOOSE FROM FILTER ELEMENT HOUSING AND LODGING IN THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR UNIT LOCATED BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE KIA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE FILTER ELEMENTS DURING INSPECTION OF THE EVAPORATOR UNIT WHILE DIAGNO…
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AIRCONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR FAILURE ACCOMPANIED BY NOISE CAUSED BY THE (2)CABIN AIR FILTER ELEMENTS COMING LOOSE FROM FILTER ELEMENT HOUSING AND LODGING IN THE AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR UNIT LOCATED BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE KIA DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND THE FILTER ELEMENTS DURING INSPECTION OF THE EVAPORATOR UNIT WHILE DIAGNOSING THE SOURCE OF THE NOISE. THE KIA DISTRICT MANAGER FOR FLORIDA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN AND DOES NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY CONCERN. THE COST TO FIX THIS ITEM IS $280.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358543
94,000 miles · Sep 26, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
2007 KIA SORENTO ENGINE BLOWN UP. NO WARNING SIGNS HAD OCCURRED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. UPON AN INSPECTION THE OIL HAD TURNED TO SLUDGE. OIL ONLY HAD APPROX. 900 MILES. NEEDED TO HAVE NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357711
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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