NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
62 reportsClear category filter120,000 miles · Dec 21, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or a traffic signal, the contact required more force to depress the brake pedal before the vehicle would slow. The contact became aware that while making a right turn, excessive pressure was needed to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while depressing the brake pedal to make an abrupt stop, the front brakes made an abnormal sound like loosened pieces of metal bouncing around in the front wheels. Additionally, the contact stated that her rear brake light bulbs were burning out frequently and the brake light wiring was melted. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear taillight wiring needed to be replaced. The taillight bulbs and the wires were replaced. The mechanic also determined that the brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failures reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11561396
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Driving as usual and all of a sudden no acceleration. No warning lights at all. Started smoking. Towed to Flynn’s. They said there is a known oil consumption issue and the motor locked up. Communicated with KIA and they say to have it looked at - at a cost. Said it’s not under warranty. But is a likely know issue!
NHTSA ODI #11556009
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
The vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the interstate but the dealership is telling me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are also telling me that there is no powertrain coverage on this vehicle since I am the second owner. With as many problems as Kia has had, I think it should be across the board for cover…
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The vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the interstate but the dealership is telling me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are also telling me that there is no powertrain coverage on this vehicle since I am the second owner. With as many problems as Kia has had, I think it should be across the board for coverage on these so no one else suffers irreparable damage. I’ve had the car shut down on me many times but every single time I’ve taken it in for diagnostic testing I’ve been told there is nothing wrong with it. I call BS. If there was nothing wrong with it, it wouldn’t shut down on me while I’m driving it.
NHTSA ODI #11552612
118,101 miles · Sep 7, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineEquipment
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it w…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle continued driving but then stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. An anti-theft device was installed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was able to restart the vehicle with a pair of pliers. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 118,101.
NHTSA ODI #11543182
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire
I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway — I luc…
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I was driving on the freeway and my car suddenly jolted, smoked started pouring from the hood, and then immediately caught fire once I pulled off the road within minutes. There were no warnings, no engine lights, nothing that pointed to an issue until this happened. I was at risk of getting hit by others in the freeway — I luckily was able to get to the side of the road and immediately called 911. Fire department came within minutes, and dowsed the car, which was fully engulfed in flames.
NHTSA ODI #11541888
149,910 miles · Jul 3, 2023
Electrical System
All windows failed to roll up or down, malfunctioning simultaneously. The issues are available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk in that all windows not functioning does not allow for fresh air to the cabin, constantly having to use the A/C. Opening the sunroof causes reverberation and popping of the ears. Wi…
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All windows failed to roll up or down, malfunctioning simultaneously. The issues are available for inspection upon request. My safety is put at risk in that all windows not functioning does not allow for fresh air to the cabin, constantly having to use the A/C. Opening the sunroof causes reverberation and popping of the ears. Windows will have to be broken in the event that driver or passenger can’t open door from the inside after possible collision. The problem been confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when they first appeared in October 2022.
NHTSA ODI #11530217
144,392 miles · Jul 1, 2023
Electrical System
All of my windows besides the driver side can’t wind up and down on their own. They just stopped working
NHTSA ODI #11529915
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2023
Electrical System
The rear driver side dock is locked and will not open. It may randomly become unlocked but as soon as the door closes again, it will remained locked. It looks like this is an issue that the dealers were supposed to rectify at one point but know they want $900 (latch assembly)to fix. It is a safety issue as the passengers of t…
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The rear driver side dock is locked and will not open. It may randomly become unlocked but as soon as the door closes again, it will remained locked. It looks like this is an issue that the dealers were supposed to rectify at one point but know they want $900 (latch assembly)to fix. It is a safety issue as the passengers of the vehicle cannot get out if something were to go wrong.
NHTSA ODI #11518313
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2023
Electrical System
I purchased this SUV 6 months ago and was unaware of the lawsuit/ recall out there on this SUV and now that i have been informed with it i feel very uncomfortable driving this SUV and i don't feel comfortable paying for something i can't drive or am totally scared to drive long distances. I feel like the Dealership should be abl…
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I purchased this SUV 6 months ago and was unaware of the lawsuit/ recall out there on this SUV and now that i have been informed with it i feel very uncomfortable driving this SUV and i don't feel comfortable paying for something i can't drive or am totally scared to drive long distances. I feel like the Dealership should be able to exchange this SUV for something better for me to drive. Or this problem should've already been fixed by KIA --- so here are my thoughts either KIA can send me a Voucher for fixing problem, or Kia or Kayser Ford in Sauk City, WI can give me a new SUV that ranges in the price of $18,000 i would like to get this issue resolved or if i have to i will get a lawyer involved in this. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter: [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11514618
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility
I purchased my 2017 Kia Sportage new with 0 miles. Since day one I have had multiple electronic related issues with this automobile. The speedometer sometimes doesn't display speeds, the Bluetooth connection turns on and off randomly. The air conditioning system sporadically works. If the air conditioning is turned on it will b…
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I purchased my 2017 Kia Sportage new with 0 miles. Since day one I have had multiple electronic related issues with this automobile. The speedometer sometimes doesn't display speeds, the Bluetooth connection turns on and off randomly. The air conditioning system sporadically works. If the air conditioning is turned on it will blow hot air and then sporadically turn on and off by itself. I have noticed that the Bluetooth connection turns off when the air conditioning system turns on. I have called Kia customer service and they deny any problems with my Kia or any other 2017 Kia sportage, yet I located a technical service bulletin from KIA issued in 2019 that calls for the replacement of the entire air conditioner system. When I spoke to Kia about the technical service bulletin, they claimed that individual dealers are allowed to issue those bulletins without KIAs knowledge. I have brought my Kia to the local dealer several times and they claimed that there is nothing wrong with the air conditioning system or the electric systems
NHTSA ODI #11507230
Official recalls
4Sep 19, 2022
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.
Mar 4, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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.
Nov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
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
2AQ23002 · 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.
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