Oil light has come on intermittently, so we took the car into the Kia dealership in May before we hit 60k miles, the limit of our warranty. We were told they drained the oil, checked everything, and didn't find any issues. Oil light issue persisted so we took the car back to the dealership today (July 19) and the dealership ha…
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Oil light has come on intermittently, so we took the car into the Kia dealership in May before we hit 60k miles, the limit of our warranty. We were told they drained the oil, checked everything, and didn't find any issues. Oil light issue persisted so we took the car back to the dealership today (July 19) and the dealership has now acknowledged the crack in the engine where oil leaks into the oil pan. This is a widespread problem and should have been well known by the dealership. [XXX] ) However, dealer cannot do anything to fix the engine unless we pay - we were instructed to monitor the oil level and bring the car back regularly so they could read the computer codes to see if the engine starts to show any signs of rod bearing failure, since that code would justify Kia replacing the engine. In the meantime, they want us to keep driving it; the engine may seize, stall, fail, or simply catch fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11603462
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2024
Engine
UNKNOWN Excessive oil burning, Engine stalling, car shaking loss of power, misfiring,
NHTSA ODI #11600285
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Vehicle would not turn off. had an earlier issue this day with loss of controls of anything electrical on steering wheel/dash/infotainment center. When vehicle was turned off and keys removed electrical compents would not turn off, Radio/AC/Fan. Attempted to turn car off and on again. Did not resolve the issue. Attempted to …
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Vehicle would not turn off. had an earlier issue this day with loss of controls of anything electrical on steering wheel/dash/infotainment center. When vehicle was turned off and keys removed electrical compents would not turn off, Radio/AC/Fan. Attempted to turn car off and on again. Did not resolve the issue. Attempted to call dealership service department, No answer. Called family for help because I was concerned the batter would die. We were traveling and I did not want to leave vehicle in parking lot with elrectical running on a hot day. Advised by family to attempt disconnecting battery. Disconnected battery and electrical turned off. Dealership called on date with no answer. message left. Dealership informed at next in person visit and dealership said there was nothing that could be done because it was not occuring at that time. Video was obtained because of ongoing issues with electrical components with same response from dealership and lack of attempt to make any effort to diagnose @ Taylor Kia Toledo Ohio. Staff still said they could not do anything.
NHTSA ODI #11598730
Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2024
Engine
I bought this KIA used, one owner from a dealership 4 months ago. It had only 71000 miles on it. Since day one, we noticed it hesitates to get out of 1st gear into second. It also takes for ever to excel at speed on merge on a highway. We've had it inspected and even paid to have a FULL inspection done and all they said is this …
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I bought this KIA used, one owner from a dealership 4 months ago. It had only 71000 miles on it. Since day one, we noticed it hesitates to get out of 1st gear into second. It also takes for ever to excel at speed on merge on a highway. We've had it inspected and even paid to have a FULL inspection done and all they said is this is a known KIA problem for this year and nothing they can do. I am now thinking the transmission is about to go out on this car I just bought, that the KIA dealership said is a known problem with no fix EXCEPT to replace the transmission. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11592054
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2024
Engine
At my last oil change, I was told by Kia that the oil was extremely low, which shouldn't be the case as I was not overdue for an oil change. They told me they couldn't tell me why, and I could try an engine cleaning service for $300 or $400 dollars that would have maybe a 60% chance of working. If it didn't work, then the engine…
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At my last oil change, I was told by Kia that the oil was extremely low, which shouldn't be the case as I was not overdue for an oil change. They told me they couldn't tell me why, and I could try an engine cleaning service for $300 or $400 dollars that would have maybe a 60% chance of working. If it didn't work, then the engine was the problem and I was basically just screwed. I decided to seek a second opinion at a different shop and per the mechanic, "Engine has no leaks/found oil around top valve cover - removed oil cap and found engine had excessive blow by crank case pressure valve cover - piston rings worn." I was told the engine needs to be replaced. I have about 94,000 miles on the vehicle, and have always done all the maintenance at the Kia dealership that Kia recommends. The mechanic told me this has to be a manufacturing defect. There were no warning lights or anything to alert me to this problem. I was shocked when I was told about it at a routine oil change. If my engine goes out, blows, stops working, etc. I feel this is a major safety concern, particularly if it occurs while driving. I also feel that the Kia dealership isn't being honest about a known engine failure.
NHTSA ODI #11591717
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2024
Engine
While driving the vehicle up a steep hill at 45mph, it began making a ticking noise, within seconds, the engine seized and the car died. There were no warning lights. The vehicle is available to be inspected, it has been towed to a Kia dealership and is currently awaiting inspection. Safety was a concern due to lack of power…
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While driving the vehicle up a steep hill at 45mph, it began making a ticking noise, within seconds, the engine seized and the car died. There were no warning lights. The vehicle is available to be inspected, it has been towed to a Kia dealership and is currently awaiting inspection. Safety was a concern due to lack of power of the vehicle. Luckily we were going up hill and were able to stop the vehicle quickly.
NHTSA ODI #11591434
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Engine
As I was driving on the road, the engine suddenly died. Tried to restart a couple of times without success. When I tried 3rd time, the engine started.
NHTSA ODI #11587261
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2024
Engine
Engine oil has been burning at a fast rate. Smoke from exhaust. About 5-6 months ago i Got a oil change and was told my engine oil was extremely low and if i had any warning lights. I said no. Got my oil change,.... started noticing a white smoke coming from exhaust pipe at all times of the day. about 3 months later got another …
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Engine oil has been burning at a fast rate. Smoke from exhaust. About 5-6 months ago i Got a oil change and was told my engine oil was extremely low and if i had any warning lights. I said no. Got my oil change,.... started noticing a white smoke coming from exhaust pipe at all times of the day. about 3 months later got another oil change and i asked by any chance was the oil low again and they said yes. They Asked if any warning lights were on and i said no. I asked if i had a leak. They said no. Its been. About a month after this last oil change, i checked my engine oil at home because my car started feeling a bit rough and making making odd noises.. sure enough engine oil was low... so i had to buy some engine oil. Just made an appointment with kia but it will be a month before being looked at. Yes it is available for inspection. This is unsafe while driving and especially when i have children and family in my car which i always do.
NHTSA ODI #11583213
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2024
Engine
I was driving on the highway and the engine started shaking and slowing down and wouldn’t allow me to put power towards the vehicle. Had towed back to my house
NHTSA ODI #11582435
Mileage unknown · Mar 26, 2024
Engine
I was driving on the highway with my two children when my car initially kept overheating so I pulled over to let it cool and add water to the anti coolant piece as it had been leaking. Then once my car cooled all the way down I proceeded to drive that is when it started to fluctuate and kept going hot then cool and it did that …
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I was driving on the highway with my two children when my car initially kept overheating so I pulled over to let it cool and add water to the anti coolant piece as it had been leaking. Then once my car cooled all the way down I proceeded to drive that is when it started to fluctuate and kept going hot then cool and it did that for a while before it overheated again. So I pulled over again and this time when I turned my car off it wouldn’t start. And there was a burning smell. My brother came to get us and he’s a mechanic so when he got there he said it smelled like oil and anti coolant were mixing. And that I would probably need a new engine. Towed ot to the dealership ran the diagnostic and they said it was a blown head gasket and I need a new engine. Not once did any of my dash lights come on, and I’ve had the dash reset several times because every time something goes down in my car the light for it never comes on. My kids life and mine as well were put at risk because my he motor could’ve caught fire or we could’ve gotten hit if it would have locked in the middle of me driving.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
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
1
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.