NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports60,000 miles · Nov 20, 2019
Exterior Lighting
THE LOW BEAMS HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT AT ALL YOU CAN'T SEE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU YOU'RE TURNING CORNERS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT BRIGHT SO YOU CAN'T SEE PEOPLE CROSSING THE STREET. ALSO IF YOU TURN OFF YOU HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DASHBOARD IS STILL VISIBLE SO YOU CAN'T TELL I…
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THE LOW BEAMS HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT AT ALL YOU CAN'T SEE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU YOU'RE TURNING CORNERS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT BRIGHT SO YOU CAN'T SEE PEOPLE CROSSING THE STREET. ALSO IF YOU TURN OFF YOU HEADLIGHTS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE DASHBOARD IS STILL VISIBLE SO YOU CAN'T TELL IF YOUR HEADLIGHTS ARE ON OR OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11281454
87,780 miles · Nov 17, 2019
Engine
BOUGHT MY KIA SORENTO ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. IT HAD ABOUT 64,000 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 87,000. WE NOTICED HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF OWNING IT. NO OIL LEAKS EXIST. AT FIRST IT WOULD NEED ABOUT A QUART OR SO BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, BUT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE BECAUSE NOW WE NEED ALMOST 3 BETWEEN OIL CHANGES.…
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BOUGHT MY KIA SORENTO ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO. IT HAD ABOUT 64,000 MILES ON IT. IT NOW HAS 87,000. WE NOTICED HEAVY OIL CONSUMPTION WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF OWNING IT. NO OIL LEAKS EXIST. AT FIRST IT WOULD NEED ABOUT A QUART OR SO BETWEEN OIL CHANGES, BUT CONTINUED TO GET WORSE BECAUSE NOW WE NEED ALMOST 3 BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. OIL LIGHT BEGAN FLICKERING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING HOME FOLLOWED SHORTLY AFTER BY A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I STOPPED AND CHECKED THE STICK TO FIND THAT IT'S ESSENTIALLY DRY. I BUY THE RECOMMENDED OIL AT THE GAS STATION I'M AT AND ADD IT. JUST BEFORE FINALLY ARRIVING HOME THE ENGINE BACK TO SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER ACCOMPANIED BY A TAPPING NOISE. ANOTHER CRAPPY KIA ENGINE THAT DIDN'T EVEN MAKE IT TO 100,000. THEY BETTER FIX THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11280564
123,000 miles · Nov 14, 2019
Engine
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN TO MAKE A STRANGE NOISE AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IT DECELERATED AND I EXITED CLOSEST EXIT. IT THEN DIED AT STOP LIGHT. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND ENGINE NEEDED REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11280196
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2019
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DIM AND ARE NOT REPARABLE WITH BULB REPLACEMENT. WE WERE TOLD THE HOUSING IS FLAKING.
NHTSA ODI #11278904
86,000 miles · Nov 7, 2019
Engine
BLOWN HEAD GASKET AND CRACKED ENGINE BLOCK. WE NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNING ANTIFREEZE WHEN WE PARKED AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AND THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11278760
Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2019
Unknown Or Other
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…
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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?
NHTSA ODI #11276890
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2019
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
ALTERNATOR FAILS CAR BATTERY GOES DEAD CAUSING YOU TO HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING AND UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR USE SAFETY FLASHERS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO POWER! WE HAD BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 70 AND WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE JUST PULLED INTO OUR BANK WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED!! A FEW MINUTES EARLIER AND MY WIFE WHO WAS…
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ALTERNATOR FAILS CAR BATTERY GOES DEAD CAUSING YOU TO HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING AND UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR USE SAFETY FLASHERS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO POWER! WE HAD BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 70 AND WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE JUST PULLED INTO OUR BANK WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED!! A FEW MINUTES EARLIER AND MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING WOULD OF CRASHED BECAUSE OF LOST OF POWER STEERING GOING OUT AND WEAK SHOULDER STRENGTH FROM SHOULDER SURGERY. THE CAR IS 23 DAYS OVER 5 YEARS AND HAD 43757 MILES AT5 TIME OF FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE ALTERNATOR IS UNDERPOWERED FOR ALL IT IS ASKED TO DO MUCH IN THE WAY OF THE 2000-2007 KIA SPECTRA WHICH IS A RECALLED VEHICLE>
NHTSA ODI #11267679
125,000 miles · Oct 8, 2019
EngineExterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THEN IT SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MPH AND CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I CRANKED IT BACK UP AND IT MADE A WEIRD NOISE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT IT SHOULD BE HAVING MOTOR ISSUES. THE OIL HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHANGED ON TIME. ALSO I HAVE T…
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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THEN IT SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MPH AND CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I CRANKED IT BACK UP AND IT MADE A WEIRD NOISE. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT IT SHOULD BE HAVING MOTOR ISSUES. THE OIL HAS ALWAYS BEEN CHANGED ON TIME. ALSO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11267003
57,000 miles · Oct 7, 2019
Electrical System
OCCASIONALLY THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ON THE FLOOR, EVEN THOUGH THE CONTROLS ARE SET FOR UPPER VENTS. SEEMS TO HAPPEN ON TRIPS MORE THAN 2 HOURS. ONCE YOU TURN OFF VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A HALF HOUR AND THEN RESTART IT, IT SEEMS TO CORRECT ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI #11266684
43,237 miles · Oct 5, 2019
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS WENT UP BUT THERE WAS NO INCREASE ACCELERATION. I MOMENTARILY LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPEN IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS 43,237…
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WHILE DRIVING AROUND TOWN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH I WENT TO ACCELERATE AND THE RPMS WENT UP BUT THERE WAS NO INCREASE ACCELERATION. I MOMENTARILY LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IT HAS HAPPEN IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE VEHICLE HAS 43,237 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE OWNED IT FOR THE PAST FIVE MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI #11266538
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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