NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
113 reportsClear category filter65,000 miles · Oct 7, 2018
Unknown Or Other
THE EXTERIOR HANDLE CAP FELL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. IT KEEPS THE DOOR HANDLE IN PLACE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN I SEARCHED, HUNDREDS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME WERE BRAND NEW. THE PART IS $10 BUT KIA WANTED TO CHARGE 60 PLUS $100 FOR LABOR. THIS PART FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WHICH EVENTUALL…
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THE EXTERIOR HANDLE CAP FELL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. IT KEEPS THE DOOR HANDLE IN PLACE. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT WHEN I SEARCHED, HUNDREDS OF OTHER KIA OWNERS HAD THE SAME ISSUE, SOME WERE BRAND NEW. THE PART IS $10 BUT KIA WANTED TO CHARGE 60 PLUS $100 FOR LABOR. THIS PART FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WHICH EVENTUALLY CAUSED THE DOOR HANDLE TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11138910
45,000 miles · Oct 4, 2018
Unknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK AFTER A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IT BECAME SLUGGISH AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I WAS JUST COMING OFF A LOCAL HIGHWAY ONTO A SURFACE STREET WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE ICON ON MY DASHBOARD IN MY CAR'S MANUAL. IT TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER - …
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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR TO WORK AFTER A SOFTWARE UPDATE AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP IT BECAME SLUGGISH AND DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I WAS JUST COMING OFF A LOCAL HIGHWAY ONTO A SURFACE STREET WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE ICON ON MY DASHBOARD IN MY CAR'S MANUAL. IT TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE IT SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER - 6 WEEKS AGO! APPARENTLY THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THEY DID TO PROTECT MY CAR DAMAGED IT INSTEAD. I HAVE BEEN IN WEEKLY CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE GETTING VERY LITTLE INFORMATION OR HELP FROM KIA, WHO APPARENTLY CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX MY CAR. I AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGE BEING DONE TO MY CAR SITTING FOR THAT LONG WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN AND NOW I WONDER IF THIS WILL CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. NOT HAPPY WITH KIA'S INABILITY TO FIX MY CAR. I BOUGHT IT USED SO IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW AND I NEED TO KNOW IF I HAVE ANY LEGAL RECOURSE. I HAVE MADE 2 CAR PAYMENTS WITH A THIRD COMING UP SINCE IT HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALER WAITING FOR WHATEVER DECISION THEY END UP MAKING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN GREAT ABOUT IT AND PROVIDED ME WITH A RENTAL, BUT THIS IS ALL GETTING OLD REAL FAST!
NHTSA ODI #11133283
71,880 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other
2015 KIA SORRENTO SXL ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND VEHICLE VERBAL WARNING THAT MY TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK TO RESEARCH AND REPAIR THE ENGINE ISSUE. I PAID OVER $300 FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAS METAL FLAKES AND IT'S NOTHING TH…
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2015 KIA SORRENTO SXL ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND VEHICLE VERBAL WARNING THAT MY TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED. I TOOK MY TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE THREE TIMES IN ONE WEEK TO RESEARCH AND REPAIR THE ENGINE ISSUE. I PAID OVER $300 FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD MY ENGINE HAS METAL FLAKES AND IT'S NOTHING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CAN DO TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD TO LIVE WITH THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT BASICALLY. MY ENGINE HAS LOW TAKE OFF SPEED WHEN GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT RUNS ROUGH.
NHTSA ODI #11119603
5,000 miles · Jul 19, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other
I HAVE 2 CONCERNS, 1 MAINLY I HAVE A NEWER 2015 KIA SORRENTO WITH UNDER 25K MILES, OWNED IT ABOUT 2 YEARS EVER SINCE I OWNED IT THERE HAS BEEN A TICKING IN THE ENGINE AND WHITE SMOKE BLOWING OUT THE EXHAUST. WHICH SHOULD NOT BE THECASE WITH A NEWER CAR, AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. ADDITIONALLY …
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I HAVE 2 CONCERNS, 1 MAINLY I HAVE A NEWER 2015 KIA SORRENTO WITH UNDER 25K MILES, OWNED IT ABOUT 2 YEARS EVER SINCE I OWNED IT THERE HAS BEEN A TICKING IN THE ENGINE AND WHITE SMOKE BLOWING OUT THE EXHAUST. WHICH SHOULD NOT BE THECASE WITH A NEWER CAR, AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. ADDITIONALLY WHEN I TURN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER IT SMELLS LIKE VINEGAR OR DIRTY SOCKS AN AWEFUL SMELL, ONCE AGAIN THE DEALERSHIP STATED NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT SOUNDS LIKE KIA IS COVERING UP OLD DEFICIENCIES WITH THEIR ENGINES AS IT SAID ENGINES MANUFACTURED INTO LATE 2014 WERE RECALLED HOW IS THE 2015 KIA, WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2014 NOT ON THE RECALL LIST? ADDITIONALLY THERE HAVE BEEN MANY MANY OTHER PEOPLE LISTING THE ENGINE SEIZING UP. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR WITH MY SMALL CHILDREN IM WRITING THIS RETRACTIVELY IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPEN. ADDITIONALLY WE GET REGULAR OIL CHANGES DONE. I THINK THIS ENGINE MODEL SHOULD BE RECALLED. AS A NEWER ENGINE SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT BE BLOWING WHITE SMOKE OUT OF THE EXHAUST NOR TICKING LIKE THE COMPONENTS ARE DISPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11112506
53,000 miles · Jul 3, 2018
Unknown Or Other
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO METAL FILINGS IN OIL SAID BY DEALER TO BE RELATED TO BEARINGS. SAME ISSUE THE 2014 KIA SORENTO WAS RECALLED FOR. MY CAR WAS MADE AT THE SAME ALABAMA PLANT IN 2014 BUT IS A 3.3L. NO ONE CAN TELL ME HOW MANY WARRANTIES HAVE BEEN REJECTED OR HONORED FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE FEDS ARE INVESTIGATING IF KIA REC…
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ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO METAL FILINGS IN OIL SAID BY DEALER TO BE RELATED TO BEARINGS. SAME ISSUE THE 2014 KIA SORENTO WAS RECALLED FOR. MY CAR WAS MADE AT THE SAME ALABAMA PLANT IN 2014 BUT IS A 3.3L. NO ONE CAN TELL ME HOW MANY WARRANTIES HAVE BEEN REJECTED OR HONORED FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE FEDS ARE INVESTIGATING IF KIA RECALLED ENOUGH CARS. DID THEY? MY CAR WAS MADE IN THE US..BUT SHIPPED AND SOLD IN CANADA. ASKING FOR INFORMATION ON THIS PROBLEM AS REPORTED. THANK YOU. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11105295
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2018
Unknown Or Other
HORRID SMELL COMING FROM AC. LAST SUMMER IT SMELLED LIKE VINEGAR, THIS SPRING, CAT URINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CLEANED/DEODORIZED FOR $65. SADLY DIDNT HELP. THEY ARE TAKING IT BACK TO DELVE INTO CLEANING THE EVAPORATOR? I HOPE IT DOESNT COST MORE, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY ACCOUNTS OF THIS ON KIA....PEOPLE G…
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HORRID SMELL COMING FROM AC. LAST SUMMER IT SMELLED LIKE VINEGAR, THIS SPRING, CAT URINE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SYSTEM CLEANED/DEODORIZED FOR $65. SADLY DIDNT HELP. THEY ARE TAKING IT BACK TO DELVE INTO CLEANING THE EVAPORATOR? I HOPE IT DOESNT COST MORE, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY ACCOUNTS OF THIS ON KIA....PEOPLE GETTING HEADACHES FROM THE MOLD, AGGRAVATING KIDS'S ASTHMA....TALK OF A LAW SUIT, ETC. KIA HAD BETTER BUCK UP AND FIX THIS! I CALLED KIA CONSUMER COMPLAINTS...THEY ARE "NOT AWARE" OF THE PROBLEM...THO THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TBS) ON OLDER KIA'S ABOUT THIS. BASICALLY, THEY HAVE CONTINUED WITH A BAD DESIGN.....BUT PEOPLE WILL GET SICK HAVING THAT BLOW IN THEIR FACES! PLEASE LOG YOUR COMPLAINT AT: HTTPS://KSUPPORT.KIAUSA.COM/CONSUMERAFFAIRS
NHTSA ODI #11091337
103,000 miles · Mar 8, 2018
Unknown Or Other
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED TO FLASH. WE PROCEEDED TO THE EXIT AND AS WE WERE TAKING THE EXIT ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR STALLED. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BAD …
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WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH OUR SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD NOISE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN STARTED TO FLASH. WE PROCEEDED TO THE EXIT AND AS WE WERE TAKING THE EXIT ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR STALLED. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WAS BAD AND ONE OF THE CYLINDERS WAS NOT OPENING. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EVEN TWO YEARS OLD AND THE ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE FAILING
NHTSA ODI #11078245
69,000 miles · Feb 19, 2018
Unknown Or Other
TAKATA RECALL,BACKUP CAMERA NOT WORKING,
NHTSA ODI #11073627
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2017
Unknown Or Other
CAR WAS PARKED,I LOCKED THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK,ON BACK DOOR NOW IT WILL NOT OPEN,THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11003867
25 miles · Sep 6, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
THE SUV HAS BEEN HAVING WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAILPIPE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING. IT MAKES UGLY NOISE WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY AND PULLS. THE OIL LIGHT ISN'T COMING ON TO TELL US WHEN THE OIL IS LOW EVEN IF IT'S NOT TIME FOR A PIL CHANGE. WE SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THE CAR IS BURNING OIL MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A N…
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THE SUV HAS BEEN HAVING WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM TAILPIPE AND THE CAR HAS BEEN PULLING. IT MAKES UGLY NOISE WHEN WE TRY TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY AND PULLS. THE OIL LIGHT ISN'T COMING ON TO TELL US WHEN THE OIL IS LOW EVEN IF IT'S NOT TIME FOR A PIL CHANGE. WE SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THE CAR IS BURNING OIL MORE FREQUENTLY THAN A NORMAL VEHICLE. ALSO NOTICE SLUDGE WHEN WE CHECK THE OIL EVEN IF WE HAD JUST HAD A OIL CHANGE IT SEEMS TO COME BACK. THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THEY TELL ME THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.
NHTSA ODI #10904210
NHTSA investigations
4AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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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