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2015 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sorento years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Kia Sorento are substantially higher than the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

341 reports with mileage · 409 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 360 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 100 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports14 fire reports13 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

91 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacce…

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The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacceptable and a severe safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11761812

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2026
Exterior Lighting

I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go ou…

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I’m tired of replacing my headlight bulbs every month!!! Both high and low beam go out all the time! It’s expensive. Also it is a safety concern. The low beams are dim to begin with and having one go out I have to drive with high beams on due to inability to see. I even upgraded bulbs in hopes of brightening but they also go out all the time.

NHTSA ODI #11724298

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2026
Exterior Lighting

Formal Complaint on Seized Headlight Sockets and Kia’s Obstruction of Essential Safety Maintenance 1. Incident & Discovery of Defect: I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Sorento. Recently, one of my headlights failed. Upon attempting a routine bulb replacement, I discovered a critical hardware defect: the bulb socket is physically s…

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Formal Complaint on Seized Headlight Sockets and Kia’s Obstruction of Essential Safety Maintenance 1. Incident & Discovery of Defect: I am the owner of a 2015 Kia Sorento. Recently, one of my headlights failed. Upon attempting a routine bulb replacement, I discovered a critical hardware defect: the bulb socket is physically seized. It cannot be rotated or removed by any standard manual force. This is not a simple wear-and-tear issue; it is a mechanical seizure of a component that must remain accessible for safety maintenance. 2. Kia’s Refusal of Technical Guidance: To resolve this without damaging the entire assembly, I contacted Kia America (Case #[XXX]) specifically requesting technical instructions or any written explanations to safely disengage the seized unit. Despite multiple attempts via phone and email, Kia explicitly refused to provide any technical guidance, flatly stating they are "not technically trained" or authorized to share such information. 3. Obstruction of "Right to Repair" & Safety Risk: I firmly believe that a vehicle owner has a fundamental "Right to Repair," especially for essential safety components like headlights. By withholding basic maintenance instructions, Kia is intentionally obstructing my ability to maintain a street-legal, safe vehicle. Driving with a non-functional headlight is a Critical Safety Hazard that severely impairs visibility and creates an immediate risk of fatal accidents—yet Kia has chosen to leave me in this dangerous situation. 4. Exploitative Business Practice & Systemic Failure: This appears to be a deliberate and Exploitative Business Practice. By failing to provide a manual and refusing technical support for a defective, seized part, Kia is effectively forcing consumers into a "forced monopoly" where we must pay for expensive replacements at authorized dealerships for what should be a low-cost, simple bulb change. 5. Request for Investigation: I request that the NHTSA initiate a formal investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

NHTSA ODI #11715653

Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2026
Exterior LightingForward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion System

Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know t…

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Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and went the same exact distance and didn’t have to get any fuel until I was about half way back. Something has to give. I love my Kia as I have owned 2. But something is really wrong. Please help. Thanks

NHTSA ODI #11713407

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
Exterior Lighting

The low beam headlights do not illuminate the highway sufficiently to drive safely. I lowered the aim of my high beam to be able to drive at night and not blind approaching drivers. This is unacceptable for a modern vehicle to be permitted to be sold in this condition.

NHTSA ODI #11712657

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2025
Exterior Lighting

Low beam headlights would work and some times not work and then one day they stopped working completely. We've had everything checked out and there is no explanation as to why this is happening. Replaced headlights, relays, and checked wiring.

NHTSA ODI #11685823

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2025
Exterior Lighting

My problem is with the headlights, in that the condenser lens for the low beam lights has clouded so badly that driving at night has become so dangerous. I have changed the bulbs twice in an effort to correct the problem to no avail. And with the sealed unit not able to be disassembled to clean the lens, my only option is to rep…

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My problem is with the headlights, in that the condenser lens for the low beam lights has clouded so badly that driving at night has become so dangerous. I have changed the bulbs twice in an effort to correct the problem to no avail. And with the sealed unit not able to be disassembled to clean the lens, my only option is to replace the units at approximately $800 each. This condition in my opinion should not have occurred.

NHTSA ODI #11685783

120,000 miles · Apr 21, 2025
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at night, the front low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate and was very dim. The headlight bulbs had been replaced approximately four times, but the failure returned after replacing the bulbs. The manufacturer was notified …

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving at night, the front low-beam headlights failed to properly illuminate and was very dim. The headlight bulbs had been replaced approximately four times, but the failure returned after replacing the bulbs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #11655898

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2025
Exterior Lighting

In the last year I have had to replace my headlight bulbs at least 3 times on each side. My yearly mileage is only around 9,000-10,500. The body shop has tried different brands of bulbs, tried not having the automatic light setting on and only turning on when needed, etc. Nothing seems to correct the issue and once I had them bo…

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In the last year I have had to replace my headlight bulbs at least 3 times on each side. My yearly mileage is only around 9,000-10,500. The body shop has tried different brands of bulbs, tried not having the automatic light setting on and only turning on when needed, etc. Nothing seems to correct the issue and once I had them both go out within the same week. They go out so frequently that the shop has an extra set on hand now for when I call. I'm worried if I don't notice one out because I don't drive at night every day that I'll be without either headlight until I can get into the body shop yet again to have changed out.

NHTSA ODI #11649435

115,000 miles · Jan 23, 2025
Exterior Lighting

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions the front low-beam headlights failed and were no longer illuminated. The headlight bulbs were replaced but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and the driver’s and passenger’s sid…

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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions the front low-beam headlights failed and were no longer illuminated. The headlight bulbs were replaced but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and the driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that on one occasion there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front passenger’s side headlight had failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the passenger’s side headlight assembly had melted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11638010

Official recalls

3

21V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

May 10, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

20V519000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Aug 27, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

18V907000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 19, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

DP21002 · Engine Oil Pressure Switch Leak

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 26, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:pressure/temperature Sensor

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi

Engine

In a letter dated September 30, 2021, Mr. Gerald James (the petitioner) requested that NHTSA conduct an investigation of the Model Year (MY) 2015-2017 Kia Sorento equipped with 3.3L V6 ?Lambda? engines for ?severe oil leaks? from the oil pressure switch (OPS) that could ?lead to engine failure? with little warning to the driver. Mr. James based this request on his own experience and data found in NHTSA?s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) database. NHTSA reviewed the material cited by the petitioner, information submitted by Kia, NHTSA?s testing, and other pertinent information in NHTSA databases.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed an analysis that included evaluation of the petitioner?s vehicle, searches of ODI complaints from vehicle owners, non-dealer field reports, manufacturers? supplemental information relating to design of the component, and component testing performed by ODI.On December 16, 2021, ODI and Kia North America performed a joint inspection on the petitioner?s vehicle. ODI and Kia agreed the OPS was leaking oil and observed oil in the crevices atop the engine block. The vehicle received a new replacement OPS and was delivered back to the petitioner. The original part that was removed from the subject vehicle was retained by ODI for further analysis.As of December 30, 2022, for the MY 2015-2017 Kia Sorento population of 161,519 vehicles with 3.3L engine, NHTSA reviewed internal data and has identified no consumer complaints or field reports in its database, with unique Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN), citing engine failure or stalling related to the petition?s allegation of defective OPS. When combined with the supplemental warranty and technical analysis from the manufacturer, field report and customer complaint data in response to the Information Request letter sent, NHTSA identified no unique VINs alleging engine failure or stalls caused by OPS leaking on the subject vehicles named in the petition.On April 4, 2022, the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) performed testing of the petitioner?s component (OPS) based on testing protocol consistent with Kia?s specifications for the subject vehicle. The testing involved the petitioner?s original OPS in a controlled system to replicate the subject vehicle?s oil pressure, flow, and temperature. VRTC determined that a vehicle would have to miss more than a dozen oil change intervals to reach low engine oil capacity. Testing also revealed the OPS would operate, as manufacturer intended, illuminating the vehicle?s MIL to alert the driver of lower oil pressure.In April of 2022, Kia North America issued a warranty extension that extended the coverage of the Oil Pressure Switch from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles on MY 2014-2018 Sorento, MY 2014-2016 Cadenza, and MY 2015-2018 Sedona vehicles, all equipped with the 3.3L Lambda engine. The extended warranty coverage includes diagnosis, repair, and applies to customers experiencing engine oil leaking from the engine or if the engine oil pressure warning light stays illuminated after the engine is turned on.After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, testing performed by VRTC, technical information provided by Kia, the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that an engine failure due to the alleged defect is likely and does not warrant a formal investigation. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be publi

DP21003 · Throttle Control System Vulnerabilities

Opened Nov 12, 2021 · Closed Jun 20, 2023

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

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

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