IllustrationTHE PEARL WHITE PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF OF MY KIA SORENTO ON THE WINDSHIELD PILLARS, ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD AND THE HOOD AND VARIOUS OTHER LOCATIONS.... THE PAINT FINISH IS FAULTY AND WAS NOT PROPERLY APPLIED
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sorento years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
400–25K
3725–50K
9350–75K
7575–100K
77100–150K
19150K+
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
Unknown Or Other complaints
113 reportsABS LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AND OFF WHEN TAKING IT TO THE SHOP THE CODE READER IS GIVING NO CODES
A JERKS WHEN YOU TRYING TO PARK WHEN YOU GOING SLOW ON THE PARKING LOT IT HAS A KOOL 2098 FUEL TRIM IT KEEPS IDLING HIGH AND I'M STALLING
CAR MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM INCLUDES BLUE TOOTH RADIO A GPS STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN NOT USE BLUE TOOTH AND DIRECTION MAPS MY MECHANIC ASKED THE KIA MECHANIIC AND WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, ON A SATURDAY MORNING, SUN SHINING AND A BRISK 70 DEGREES, WHEN I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A GUNSHOT AND MY EARS RINGING FROM THE SOUND. MY SUNROOF STARTED SHATTERING AND THEN RAINING GLASS DOWN INTO MY CAR. I THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING HAD HIT MY CAR AND STOPPED AS SOON AS SAFE. NEEDLESS TO SAY…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON A RURAL HIGHWAY, ON A SATURDAY MORNING, SUN SHINING AND A BRISK 70 DEGREES, WHEN I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A GUNSHOT AND MY EARS RINGING FROM THE SOUND. MY SUNROOF STARTED SHATTERING AND THEN RAINING GLASS DOWN INTO MY CAR. I THOUGHT MAYBE SOMETHING HAD HIT MY CAR AND STOPPED AS SOON AS SAFE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY CAR TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP BECAUSE MY ROOF WAS BLOWN OPEN. I CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO MAKE A CLAIM AND THEY WILL FIX MY SUNROOF. I THEN SAW ONLINE THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH A KIA SORENTO AND JUST WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THIS EXPLODING SUNROOF IS HAPPENING AND IT IS SCARY AND DANGEROUS!
MY VEHICLES REAR FACING CAMERA HAS A BLACK SCREEN. THE LINES ARE STILL THERE AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE SENSOR IS WORKING BUT THE SCREEN IS COMPLETELY BLACK. AT FIRST THIS SEEMED TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENING ONE OR TWO TIMES A WEEK. NOW IT WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE VEHICLE STARTS IN PARK AND WHEN PUT IN REVERSE …
Read full complaint
MY VEHICLES REAR FACING CAMERA HAS A BLACK SCREEN. THE LINES ARE STILL THERE AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE SENSOR IS WORKING BUT THE SCREEN IS COMPLETELY BLACK. AT FIRST THIS SEEMED TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENING ONE OR TWO TIMES A WEEK. NOW IT WILL NOT COME ON AT ALL. THE VEHICLE STARTS IN PARK AND WHEN PUT IN REVERSE THE SCREEN TURNS BLACK BUT SHOWS THE LINES FOR MY CAR.
MY 2015 KIA SORENTO IGNITION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND COST ME RIGHT AT $500 FOR A NEW IGNITION. MAKING ME LEAVE WITH TWO KEYS, MY ORIGINAL KEY WILL ONLY OPERATED THE DOOR AND THEN NEW KEY OPERATES ONLY THE IGNITION. MY FACTORY FOB IS NO LONGER A PART OF THE WORKING IGNITION. I AM SERIOUSLY UN…
Read full complaint
MY 2015 KIA SORENTO IGNITION WENT OUT AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND COST ME RIGHT AT $500 FOR A NEW IGNITION. MAKING ME LEAVE WITH TWO KEYS, MY ORIGINAL KEY WILL ONLY OPERATED THE DOOR AND THEN NEW KEY OPERATES ONLY THE IGNITION. MY FACTORY FOB IS NO LONGER A PART OF THE WORKING IGNITION. I AM SERIOUSLY UNHAPPY AND FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE BEING THAT MY KIA HAS LESS THAT 88K MILES ON IT.
TRANSMISSION TAKING TIME TO LOAD OR NOT PICKING AT INITIAL MOVE UNTIL YOU PRESS MORE GAS PEDAL.
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT IN A GRAIN SILO TOWN IN KANSAS (COMING UP ON OAKLEY FROM COLORADO SPRINGS) AND THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME. THE WEATHER WASN'T DRASTICALLY CHANGING AND THERE WAS NO ADVERSE WEATHER. SUDDENLY, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE FABRIC PARTITION THAT SEPARATES THE SUNROOF F…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT IN A GRAIN SILO TOWN IN KANSAS (COMING UP ON OAKLEY FROM COLORADO SPRINGS) AND THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND ME. THE WEATHER WASN'T DRASTICALLY CHANGING AND THERE WAS NO ADVERSE WEATHER. SUDDENLY, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE FABRIC PARTITION THAT SEPARATES THE SUNROOF FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY IN THE WIND AND THERE WAS SOME GLASS SHARDS THAT FELL INTO THE CAR. IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE INCIDENT SCARED BOTH ME AND MY TWO KIDS WHO WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME. I PULLED OVER TO THE CLOSEST GAS STATION AND TOOK A LOOK AT THE DAMAGE (SEEN IN THE PICTURE BELOW). AS I HAD THE REST OF MY ROAD TRIP TO ACCOMPLISH (KANSAS CITY, MO), MY HUSBAND MET ME IN OAKLEY, KS WITH HIS CAR AND WE MADE THE EXCHANGE. I AM A VERY METICULOUS DRIVER WHO INSPECTS EVERYTHING BEFORE A ROAD TRIP: TIRE PRESSURE, WINDOW CRACKS, INTERIOR IS INTACT, DRASTIC CHANGE IN WEATHER ALONG THE TRIP, ETC. I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO LOOK AT THE SUNROOF AND EVEN IF I DID, I'M NOT SURE I WOULD HAVE FOUND ANYTHING. IF I WERE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY I COULD WRITE THIS WHOLE INCIDENT OFF AS MAYBE A STRAY ROCK. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND ME.
MY KIA SORENTO SOMETIMES WON'T START. WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY, WE'LL TRY AND TURN ON AND FOR SOME REASON, WON'T START AND COME BACK LATER IN THE DAY, IT'LL START. MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT THEM STRANDED SOMEWHERE BECAUSE IT WON'T START. IN FACT, MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS STRANDED DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING AND HE H…
Read full complaint
MY KIA SORENTO SOMETIMES WON'T START. WHILE PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY, WE'LL TRY AND TURN ON AND FOR SOME REASON, WON'T START AND COME BACK LATER IN THE DAY, IT'LL START. MY KIDS DRIVE THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT THEM STRANDED SOMEWHERE BECAUSE IT WON'T START. IN FACT, MY 17 YEAR OLD WAS STRANDED DUE TO THE CAR NOT STARTING AND HE HAD SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR CAR TO BE READY TO TURN ON. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE BUT NO REAL SOLUTION. ONE TIME WHEN IT DID NOT START, I SPENT $160 TO TOW IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE CAR ARRIVED, THE DEALER TURNED ON THE KEY AND IT STARTED. THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT UNTIL IT FAILS TO START AGAIN WHICH MEANT LEAVING THE CAR THERE UNTIL IT DECIDES NOT TO TURN ON. THIS IS UNPREDICTABLE SO WE TOOK THE CAR AND IT STARTED FINE FOR TWO WEEKS AND AGAIN, IT FAILED AFTER THAT TWO WEEKS. WITH SO MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS AND KIA CLAIMING THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS, THIS HAS TO BE UNSAFE. ONLINE, SOME REFER TO THE ISSUE AS HAVING TO DO WITH THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. DOESN'T KIA KNOW THIS? SOME COMPLAINTS NOTED THAT THEY'VE FIXED THE BATTERY AND STARTER AND STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN IS KIA GOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THESE COMPLAINTS AND RECALL THE INTERMITTENT START ISSUE?
Official recalls
321V331000 · 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
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.