NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
154 reports82,000 miles · Jul 6, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED A LOAD CLICKING SOUND UPON CLOSING THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT OPENED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED A LOAD CLICKING SOUND UPON CLOSING THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLE. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SAME CLICKING SOUND UPON CLOSING THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR. THE DOOR HANDLE ALSO FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA ODI #10464476
90,022 miles · May 11, 2012
Tires
TIRE BLOW OUT NO INJURY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10458106
121,000 miles · Apr 24, 2012
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
SUNDAY MORNING, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 45 MPH. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AND "ESC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. AT THE SAME TIME, MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT CHANGE OUT OF 2ND GEAR. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND WAITED FOR ONE MINUTE. I RESTARTED THE VEH…
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SUNDAY MORNING, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SPEED OF LESS THAN 45 MPH. THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT AND "ESC OFF" LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY. AT THE SAME TIME, MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT CHANGE OUT OF 2ND GEAR. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, AND WAITED FOR ONE MINUTE. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT CRANKED JUST FINE. I PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND WENT NO MORE THAN 30 YARDS WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON AND MY VEHICLE LOST POWER COMPLETELY - NO RESPONSE WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I COASTED INTO A LOADING AREA WHERE I WAS FORCED TO CALL AAA TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST CAR REPAIR CENTER. I COMMUNICATED WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THE DAY MONDAY, AND THE END RESULT WAS THIS: MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CHARLOTTE KIA DEALERSHIP AND A TEST WAS DONE TO READ AND DETERMINE THE ERROR. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAULTY "TRANSFER CASE DECODER MOTOR", SOMETHING I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF. THE REPAIR IS GOING TO COST APPROXIMATELY $1,000 BECAUSE OF ASSOCIATED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND THE PART ITSELF COSTING $570. ACCORDING TO WHAT I READ ON THE INTERNET, THERE IS A "SERVICE" FOR THIS COMPONENT THAT IS TO BE DONE AROUND 45,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE SAME KIA DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THIS COMPONENT HAS NEVER BEEN ADDRESSED. NOT ONCE WAS THE "SERVICE" MENTIONED TO ME BY THE SERVICE TEAM. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH IF IT OCCURRED ON AN INTERSTATE OR IN AN INTERSECTION. THANKFULLY, I WAS IN A SAFE AREA AND NO ONE WAS AT RISK OF ACCIDENT OR INJURY. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AMONG KIA VEHICLES - THE SERVICE MANAGER AT AAA STATED HE HAS A 2007 KIA SEDAN IN THERE RIGHT NOW WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL KIA IS AT FAULT AND NEGLIGENT FOR THIS MALFUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10456300
120,000 miles · Apr 18, 2012
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HER VISION BECAME BLURRED AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN OFF INTO A DITCH AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BLOCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, HER VISION BECAME BLURRED AND SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN DRIVEN OFF INTO A DITCH AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BLOCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MAJOR INJURIES TO HER BACK AND SUSTAINED A FRACTURED RIB. THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. ..UPDATED 05/23/12 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10455640
8,000 miles · Feb 19, 2012
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR IN MY 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2009. IT FAILS AT LEAST 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT (SOMETIMES >200 LBS.) UPON COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. …
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THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR IN MY 2007 KIA SORENTO HAS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2009. IT FAILS AT LEAST 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT (SOMETIMES >200 LBS.) UPON COMPLAINING TO THE DEALER, THEY CONTINUED TO INSIST THAT THE PASSENGER WAS NOT SITTING PROPERLY IN THE SEAT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. I KNOW OF NO OTHER CARS WHERE THAT IS AN ISSUE. THE DEALER SAYS TO GET OUT AND BACK IN AGAIN, BUT THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY GOING 65 MPH AND REALIZE THE AIRBAG IS NOT ON. SO, THEN THEY SAY TO LIFT YOUR BUTT UP FOR 10 SECONDS AND THEN SIT BACK DOWN. IT SOMETIMES WORKS, BUT TAKES A FEW TRIES. AND, DO YOU KNOW HOW EMBARRASSING THAT IS TO ASK A GUEST (PARTICULARLY IF A BUSINESS GUEST) TO DO THAT? AGAIN, IT IS JUST SO RIDICULOUS THAT I FEAR OWNERS WILL IGNORE IT THUS PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS AT RISK. SO, I WAS THRILLED TO SEE THAT THERE WAS FINALLY A RECALL OF THE 2007 SORENTO PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE FALL OF 2011. FINALLY, THEY ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THEN THE DEALER SAYS THAT MY VIN IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. REALLY??? THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. I AM TAKING MY CAR BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK AND IF IT IS NOT REPLACED BY KIA, I WILL BE CALLING THE KIA HEADQUARTERS LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO COMPLAIN. IF YOU CAN HELP GET THIS RECALL EXPANDED SO THAT I AND OTHERS DO NOT HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS, I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448472
14,000 miles · Jan 26, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WEIGHED 115 POUNDS OR LESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE DIFFER…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER AN OCCUPANT WAS POSITIONED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND WEIGHED 115 POUNDS OR LESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED AND ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE SIDE AIR BAG DETENTION SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER EACH REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
NHTSA ODI #10445471
39,325 miles · Jan 13, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) BUT WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM COULD NOT DETERMINE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AND WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATE THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V473000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,736 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,325.
NHTSA ODI #10443703
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
70,436 miles · Oct 11, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WOULD NEED REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ESC AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE BRAKE SWITCH AND THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,436.
NHTSA ODI #10429434
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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