NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
62 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 8, 2021
Electrical System
i have been trying to get my recall fixed for a month now. I took it to John L Sullivan Kia in Roseville Ca and the part was not available. They were suppose to call me when they received the part and never did call me back. I recently had my A/C repaired last week at Folsom Lake Kia in Folsom CA and asked them if they could rep…
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i have been trying to get my recall fixed for a month now. I took it to John L Sullivan Kia in Roseville Ca and the part was not available. They were suppose to call me when they received the part and never did call me back. I recently had my A/C repaired last week at Folsom Lake Kia in Folsom CA and asked them if they could repair the recall issue as well. They had my car since last week and provided me a rental on friday, 6/4. Today on 6/8, I am told my A/C is fixed and no part for the recall so I had to pick up my car and return the rental. I have a newborn baby and this recall is extremely dangerous and its not safe. I should not have to pay for a rental when the recall is dangerous and not at fault of mine. This is ridiculous and all dealerships should provide rental cars when a recall is very serious with the part(s) being unavailable.
NHTSA ODI #11420202
73 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Electrical SystemEngine
ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I…
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ON JANUARY 14,2021 AFTER WORK AROUND 3:30 WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND IT HAD NO OIL. A TOWING TRUCK PICKED UP MY CAR AND TOOK IT TO CLAY COOLEY KIA IN IRVING. IT'S BEEN SITTING THERE SINCE THEN AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO PAY 2,600 AND THAT'S ONLY FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IS WRONG WITH IT. WHY AM I BEING CHARGE? ON THE RECALL NOTICE SAYS THEY WILL REPAIR AT NO COST TO THE COSTUMER. AM I BEING SCAM?
NHTSA ODI #11407154
78,000 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
ALL 4 WINDOW REGULATORS MALFUNCTIONED AND DO NOT WORK. PREVENTS WINDOWS AND GOING UP AND DOWN. UNABLE TO ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. HAPPENED WHILE CAR WAS PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11400083
60,000 miles · Mar 3, 2021
Electrical System
THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. NOT MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THIS STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO AND THE ROSEVILLE, CA KIA SERVICE DEPT. WALNUTS TO CHARGE FOR REPAIRS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD REPAIR AT NO COST TO THE BUYER.
NHTSA ODI #11398905
127,000 miles · Dec 28, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED OIL VERY QUICKLY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT AL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CONSUMED OIL VERY QUICKLY. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE CYLINDER MISFIRES AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
NHTSA ODI #11385291
55,000 miles · Oct 26, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineStructure
2017 KIA SPORTAGE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY AUTISTIC SON WHO MUST CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE BACK SEAT THROUGH THE FRONT SEAT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER KIA OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE POSTED O…
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN FROM NEITHER THE INSIDE NOR THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY AUTISTIC SON WHO MUST CLIMB OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE BACK SEAT THROUGH THE FRONT SEAT. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER KIA OWNERS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE POSTED ON HERE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY KIA.
NHTSA ODI #11366566
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION INTERSTATE OR CITY STREET, THE ENGINE REVS UP WITHOUT PUTTING MORE PRESSURE ONTO THE GAS PEDDLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ONCE PULLED INTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS A PRECAUTION. WE FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTE…
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WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION INTERSTATE OR CITY STREET, THE ENGINE REVS UP WITHOUT PUTTING MORE PRESSURE ONTO THE GAS PEDDLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ONCE PULLED INTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS A PRECAUTION. WE FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS TO KIA DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER HE INDICATED THAT IT WOULD BE THE ALTERNATOR OR SOMETHING THAT IS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO NOT KNOW WHAT GEAR IT'S ACTUALLY ON. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND AT ANY SPEED. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHES OCCASIONALLY ALTHOUGH NO ONE ELSE IS SITTING IN THE VEHICLE AND MY SEAT BELT IS ATTACHED.
NHTSA ODI #11354292
53,000 miles · Sep 4, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN 10 DAYS. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE IN PARKING MODE WITH VEHICLE ON - SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, CANNOT ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING IS LOST, AND 3 PANEL LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY: BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE. BOTH TIMES BY TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING, PO…
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THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN 10 DAYS. ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND ONCE IN PARKING MODE WITH VEHICLE ON - SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, CANNOT ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING IS LOST, AND 3 PANEL LIGHTS TURN ON SIMULTANEOUSLY: BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE. BOTH TIMES BY TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING ENGINE I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING, POWER IS RESTORED AND PANEL LIGHTS TURN OFF. HAVE TAKEN BOTH TIMES TO KIA SERVICE SOUTHSIDE/JACKSONVILLE FL AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE, THEREFORE UNABLE TO FIX A POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION IF THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WHILE DRIVING. EXTREMELY CONCERNED!
NHTSA ODI #11353206
58,000 miles · Aug 4, 2020
Electrical SystemStructure
THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR FAILS TO OPEN FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT PROVOCATION. THERE ARE NUMEROUS FILED COMPLAINTS SITING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE ON THE NHTSA.GOV WEBSITE AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA ODI #11343364
79,000 miles · Apr 21, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFireInjury
2017 KIA SPORTAGE LOST ALL POWER AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NO POWER STEERING NO BRAKING NOTHING. SMOKE AND FUMES FILLED THE CAB OF SUV. ONCE I GOT OFF THE ROAD SMOKE WAS BOILING OUT OF HOOD OF CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11321777
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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