NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
750 reports70,000 miles · Jun 21, 2019
EnginePower Train
AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES, PROBLEMS BEGAN. FIRST NOTED THE COOLANT CONTAINER WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL AND SLUDGE. ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS SLUDGED, DID NOT KNOW WHY. I HAD THE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FLUSHED AND ALL NEW FLUIDS REPLACED. 2 WEEKS LATER, AGAIN, THE SLUDGE APPEARED AND COOLANT CONTAINER FILLED WITH OIL AND COOLANT HOSE B…
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AT APPROXIMATELY 70,000 MILES, PROBLEMS BEGAN. FIRST NOTED THE COOLANT CONTAINER WAS CONTAMINATED WITH OIL AND SLUDGE. ENTIRE SYSTEM WAS SLUDGED, DID NOT KNOW WHY. I HAD THE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FLUSHED AND ALL NEW FLUIDS REPLACED. 2 WEEKS LATER, AGAIN, THE SLUDGE APPEARED AND COOLANT CONTAINER FILLED WITH OIL AND COOLANT HOSE BURNED THROUGH DUE TO THE OIL. THE COOLANT HOSE WAS REPLACED. AND AGAIN I HAD THE ENTIRE SYSTEM FLUIDS FLUSHED. AGAIN, THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH SLUDGE BUT THIS TIME AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR 2 MILES FROM MY HOME TO A MAIN STREET BANK, SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD. OPENED THE HOOD, SMOKE COMING OUT FROM ENGINE, AND A SLUDGE SUBSTANCE EXPLODED THROUGHOUT THE CAR AND OOZED OUT OF THE CAR. COULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO ENGINE SEIZE CONCERNS. CAR WAS METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED- OIL CHANGES REGULARLY, INSPECTIONS ETC. I WAS TOLD I'D HAVE TO POSSIBLY GET A NEW ENGINED, OR AT THE LEAST HAVE TWO HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,500. DESPITE KIA TOUTING THE 100,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND AFTER WEEKS OF TRYING TO GET THE DEALER TO FIX IT, THEN WENT UP THE CORPORATE LADDER SPEAKING WITH CORPORATE, I WAS FINALLY TOLD THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT APPLY TO ME BECAUSE I WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER!!!! THIS DESPITE THE FACT THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED FROM THE KIA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY THAT APPLIED- THAT THIS WAS A SELLING FEATURE!!! I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS WHILE I TRIED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE WITH KIA- BUT THEY REFUSED. THERE WAS A 2014 RECALL ON THE SAME CAR, AND THIS CAR WAS A 2015, MANUFACTURED IN 2014. I OWED $9,000 ON THE CAR!!!! NEEDING A CAR, I BOUGHT A USED BUICK FOR $2600 TO USE SINCE IT WOULD BE CHEAPER THAN RENTING A CAR, AND WILL SELL THAT CAR WHEN NEEDED. CAN'T UPLOAD THE PHOTOS AND THE REPAIRS INFO AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11221637
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2019
Air BagsEngine
THE ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS COMING ON AT FIRST; I PUT IT ON A TEST AND THE SERVICE TECH EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON.
NHTSA ODI #11220921
50,800 miles · Jun 17, 2019
Electrical System
MY 2015 SORENTO (ORIGINAL OWNER) JUST FLAT OUT DIED WHILE DRIVING IN THE LEFT PASSING LANE ON INTERSTATE 85N FROM THE AIRPORT IN ATLANTA (IN THE POURING RAIN 6/8/2019) AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NOT ONLY DID IT JUST STOP RUNNING "EVERYTHING DIED" NO LIGHTS, NO HAZARDS; NO POWER WINDOWS ETC. IT WOULD NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE KEY…
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MY 2015 SORENTO (ORIGINAL OWNER) JUST FLAT OUT DIED WHILE DRIVING IN THE LEFT PASSING LANE ON INTERSTATE 85N FROM THE AIRPORT IN ATLANTA (IN THE POURING RAIN 6/8/2019) AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. NOT ONLY DID IT JUST STOP RUNNING "EVERYTHING DIED" NO LIGHTS, NO HAZARDS; NO POWER WINDOWS ETC. IT WOULD NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE KEY FOB. THE SUV WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I WAS SO LUCKY TO NOT HAVE BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ONCE THE HERO TRUCK PUSHED ME ACROSS 8 LANES TO SAFETY; I HAD TO HAVE MY SUV TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSIS: 'THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WERE BOTH BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR 1500.00'. WHAT?? OF COURSE, THE WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED THE MONTH BEFORE; MILEAGE JUST HAD TURNED 50K. I WAS COMPLETELY SHOCKED AS NO INDICATORS OF ANYTHING GOING BAD OCCURRED. NO WARNING LIGHTS; NO HESITATION STARTING; NO DIMMING LIGHTS, NO NOISE; ETC.' IT HAD FULL POWER; EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL! MY SUV HAD 'EVERY MAINTENANCE' PERFORMED ON TIME AND WAS STILL 2K AWAY FROM ITS NEXT SERVICE. THIS INCIDENT NOT ONLY PLACED ME IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IT TROUBLES ME GREATLY THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL. AGAIN, NO INDICATOR OR SYMPTOM OF ANYTHING WRONG. THIS SUV IS MY 2ND SORENTO AND WILL BE MY LAST KIA. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS BRAND OF VEHICLE. I WANT TO ADD MY FIRST SORRENTO; (2008 EX MODEL, I CAN SUPPLY A VIN TOO) ALSO HAD A MAJOR REPAIR EVENT OCCUR RIGHT AFTER ITS WARRANTY EXPIRED (WITHIN 2 MONTHS); THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I REALLY WONDER IF THIS IS A TREND WITH KIA; MAJOR ISSUES OCCURING RSOON AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRES; MAJOR REPAIRS/COSTS ARE THE RESULT; NOT TO MENTION THE ISSUE PLACING YOU IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITHOUT WARNING. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED RIGHT NEITHER RIGHT AFTER A WARRANTY EXPIRES OR EVEN CLOSE AFTER AND WHEN I DO? BOTH WERE SORRENTO'S
NHTSA ODI #11220756
37,876 miles · Jun 17, 2019
Engine
THE ENGINE BURNS OIL FAST. REGULAR DRIVING AFTER WE BOUGHT IT WAS OK. WE STARTED HEARING A MYSTERY CRUNCH NOISE, BUT IT WAS A ROAD TRIP THAT MADE THE OIL PROBLEM APPARENT. WE TOOK A TRIP OF 300 MILES. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP THE OIL WAS FULL, WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WAS ALMOST DRY. THE CRUNCH NOISE INCREASED. WE TOOK IT TO A M…
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THE ENGINE BURNS OIL FAST. REGULAR DRIVING AFTER WE BOUGHT IT WAS OK. WE STARTED HEARING A MYSTERY CRUNCH NOISE, BUT IT WAS A ROAD TRIP THAT MADE THE OIL PROBLEM APPARENT. WE TOOK A TRIP OF 300 MILES. AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TRIP THE OIL WAS FULL, WHEN WE GOT THERE IT WAS ALMOST DRY. THE CRUNCH NOISE INCREASED. WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AT OUR DESTINATION AND HE FILLED IT UP AGAIN. THR CRUNCHY NOISE WAS GONE. WHEN WE GOT BACK HOME AFTER DRIVING 300 MILES AGAIN THE OIL WAS AT LOW LEVEL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH MY KIDS IN IT. I WILL CHECK MY OIL EVERYTIME I DRIVE BUT THAY IS NOT SUSTAINABLE. I WORRY WHAT ELSE IS WRONG WITH THIS ENGINE
NHTSA ODI #11220548
85,000 miles · Jun 15, 2019
Power TrainInjury
WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 65 AND FELT LIKE HIT A WALL ME AND MY 2 CHILDREN'S HEAD FLEW FORWARD CAR WENT DOWN TO 15 MPH AND RPMS SKYROCKETED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD SHUT OFF CAR AND LET SIT RESTARTED CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH OR SHIFT NO LIGHTS EVER ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD AND STILL HAVE NOT WIL…
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WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT 65 AND FELT LIKE HIT A WALL ME AND MY 2 CHILDREN'S HEAD FLEW FORWARD CAR WENT DOWN TO 15 MPH AND RPMS SKYROCKETED WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD SHUT OFF CAR AND LET SIT RESTARTED CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 15 MPH OR SHIFT NO LIGHTS EVER ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD AND STILL HAVE NOT WILL BE GETTING TOWED MONDAY AS THIS HAPPENED ON SATURDAY NIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11220374
48,000 miles · Jun 13, 2019
Service Brakes
VEHICLE STOPPED ENGINE RUNNING BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOORBOARD. DEALER STATES THIS HAPPENS AND DEMONSTRATED 3 SIMILAR VEHICLES BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR. MY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING INDICATES THIS CONDITION IS UNSAFE AND MASTER OR WHEEL CYLINDER OR DISK BRAKE PISTON MAY BE LEAKING. ANOTHER AREA CAN BE MASTER CYLINDER INTERNALLY LE…
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VEHICLE STOPPED ENGINE RUNNING BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOORBOARD. DEALER STATES THIS HAPPENS AND DEMONSTRATED 3 SIMILAR VEHICLES BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR. MY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING INDICATES THIS CONDITION IS UNSAFE AND MASTER OR WHEEL CYLINDER OR DISK BRAKE PISTON MAY BE LEAKING. ANOTHER AREA CAN BE MASTER CYLINDER INTERNALLY LEAKING OR ABS INTERNALLY LEAKING. I CALLED KIA CORPORATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AFTER LISTENING TO MY CONCERN HE SAID HE HAS NO TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ADDRESS MY CONCERN AND TO GO BACK TO DEALER. HOWEVER, I HAD EARLIER GONE TO DEALER FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION 'BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELS TOO LOW'. I WAS CHARGED 70$ AND TOLD EVERYTHING IS FINE! I FEEL I AM CHASING MY TAIL HERE. IS THERE NO STANDARD THAT SAYS PEALE PEDAL CANNOT GO SO LOW THAT GAS PEDAL IS ALSO ENGAGED IF FOOT OVERLAPS ACCELERATOR PEDAL? PRETTY SCARY IF YOU PUSH BRAKE PEDAL AND IT CREEPS LOW ENOUGH THAT GAS IS APPLIED AND THEY ARE FIGHTING! TWO MONTHS AGO I WAS TOLD THAT IF GAS AND BRAKE WERE OBSERVED BY COMPUTER THE DEFAULT WAS TO SHUT OFF ENGINE TO IDLE. YES THIS WAS HAPPENING SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO GET ONTO FREEWAY. HIT GAS ENGINE DIES IF BRAKE PEDAL TOUCHED WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO TRAFFIC! NOW I CAN HIT GAS AND BRAKE AT SAME TIME AND THEY FIGHT EACH OTHER. HELP!
NHTSA ODI #11219832
99,500 miles · May 22, 2019
Engine
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 75 IN THE FAST LANE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME FLASHING ON AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 60 WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP I NOTICED SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND IT DID NOT WANT TO GO. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS IN LIMP MODE AND THEN GO…
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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 75 IN THE FAST LANE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME FLASHING ON AND THE CAR SLOWED DOWN TO 60 WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP I NOTICED SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND IT DID NOT WANT TO GO. I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS IN LIMP MODE AND THEN GOT TOLD THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACE. ESTIMATED TIME FOR MY CAR TO BE RETURNED TO ME 2 MONTHS. WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR WAS MARCH 2019, A FEW DAYS INTO DRIVING IT I NOTICED THAT IT WAS SHIFTING WEIRD FROM FIRST TO SECOND AND HAD A HARD TIME DOWN SHIFTING. WE TOOK THE CAR BACK THEY SAID IT'S JUST A NEWER CAR TO YOU AND EVERYTHING IS FINE. I SAID FINE WHATEVER. NOW IT'S MAY AND IT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. THIS IS RIDICULOUSLY DANGEROUS WE HAVE 3 KIDS AND WHAT IF WE ALL WERE IN THE CAR AND IT JUST SHUT DOWN A HIGH SPEED.
NHTSA ODI #11209172
89,000 miles · May 19, 2019
Engine
WAS DRIVING MY KIA AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN, NO POWER AT ALL. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CAR IS BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED / MAD WITH KIA MANUFACTURER. I WAS DRIVING IN 6 LANES OF TRAFFIC IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA EARLIER, WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED I…
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WAS DRIVING MY KIA AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN, NO POWER AT ALL. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CAR IS BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED / MAD WITH KIA MANUFACTURER. I WAS DRIVING IN 6 LANES OF TRAFFIC IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA EARLIER, WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED IF IT WOULD HAVE STALLED OUT ON THAT BUSY INTERSTATE .. GOD IS GOOD..... DO NOT BUY A KIA ' REPEAT DO NOT BUY A KIA '
NHTSA ODI #11208511
80,000 miles · Apr 30, 2019
Engine
APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO MY CAR SOUNDED ROUGH SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTHING SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. I PUT OIL IN IT AND SINCE HAVE HAD TO ADD MORE, ALSO NOW MY MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE ALTERNATOR IS GOING. OIL SHOWS UP IN THE TAILPIPE WHICH MEANS THE ENGINE IS USING OIL, IT IS NOT A LEAK. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED AS I BOUGHT I…
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APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO MY CAR SOUNDED ROUGH SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND NOTHING SHOWED ON THE DIPSTICK. I PUT OIL IN IT AND SINCE HAVE HAD TO ADD MORE, ALSO NOW MY MECHANIC HAS DIAGNOSED THE ALTERNATOR IS GOING. OIL SHOWS UP IN THE TAILPIPE WHICH MEANS THE ENGINE IS USING OIL, IT IS NOT A LEAK. I AM SO DISAPPOINTED AS I BOUGHT IT ONLY ONE YEAR AGO AND I USE IT FOR MY LIVING. I AM EXPECTING MORE PROBLEMS AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO PROCEED.
NHTSA ODI #11204655
112,000 miles · Apr 24, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
THE VEHICLES ENGINE JUST STALLS OUT AND SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. KIA KEEPS SAYING CAMSHAFT SENSOR BUT YET THEY HAVE REPLACED IT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. IT'S THE ENGINE AND IT'S NOT SAFE!! I'VE READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STALLED OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF…
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THE VEHICLES ENGINE JUST STALLS OUT AND SHUTS COMPLETELY DOWN. KIA KEEPS SAYING CAMSHAFT SENSOR BUT YET THEY HAVE REPLACED IT THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS. IT'S THE ENGINE AND IT'S NOT SAFE!! I'VE READ MANY REPORTS ON THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT JUST STALLED OUT. I HAD TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT AND IT KEPT HAPPENING. THIS IS NOT SAFE! I HAVE THREE CHILDREN WITH ME AND I JUST ABOUT GOT HIT BY A SEMI. LAWSUIT IN THE MAKING. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP!
NHTSA ODI #11203312
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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