NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reportsMileage unknown · May 25, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11418496
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notifie…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11418398
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had e…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V137000 (Service brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11418335
Mileage unknown · May 21, 2021
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated tha…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11418006
80,542 miles · May 11, 2021
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE STARTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BUT UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE STARTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED BUT UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND STARTING THE VEHICLE SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE BEHIND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO KIA OF CHERRY HILL (1803 MARLTON PIKE W, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THIS ISSUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE KIA ENGINE SETTLEMENT HOTLINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,542.
NHTSA ODI #11416124
117,774 miles · May 1, 2021
Unknown Or Other
SINCE THE USED CAR LOT DID NOT SUPPLY IS WITH A KEY FOB, WE HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. WHEN PUTTING KEY IN DRIVER'S DOOR AND TURNING KEY TWICE IN A ROW (QUICKLY)TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS, WE HAVE TO PULL HANDLE ANYWHERE FROM 2-3 TIMES BEFORE THE DOOR WILL OPEN. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND NOT RUNNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11414762
84,000 miles · Apr 30, 2021
EngineService BrakesFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF BEDFORD LOCATED 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THE CAUSE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHTS SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF BEDFORD LOCATED 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN LOOKUP INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11414555
71,246 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Air Bags
2017 KIA SPORTAGE GOING ON 2 YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE 71256 MILEAGE NO ACCORDING ACCIDENTS ..AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED SOLID .. AFTER SCANNING ALL SYSTEMS FOR POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES I DID GET A B1375 .. WHICH REFERS TO A PASSENGER DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT OR FURTHER TESTING WHAT CONCERNS ME IS IF IN …
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2017 KIA SPORTAGE GOING ON 2 YEARS WITH THIS VEHICLE 71256 MILEAGE NO ACCORDING ACCIDENTS ..AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYED SOLID .. AFTER SCANNING ALL SYSTEMS FOR POSSIBLE TROUBLE CODES I DID GET A B1375 .. WHICH REFERS TO A PASSENGER DEFECTIVE AIRBAG MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACEMENT OR FURTHER TESTING WHAT CONCERNS ME IS IF IN AN ACCIDENT WILL THIS AIRBAG FUNCTION ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY IN THIS ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE I CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP NOT UNDER ANY KIND OF WARRANTY I EXPLAINED WHAT IT MIGHT BE THEY QUOTED A PRICE OF OVER 1000 DOLLARS OR MORE AT THIS TIME CANNOT AFFORD SUCH AN EXPENSE I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE WITH AIRBAG ISSUES AT ALL KIA MOTORS SHOULD ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY THIS EXTREMELY SAFETY DEFECT
NHTSA ODI #11412755
91,000 miles · Apr 15, 2021
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WE WERE DRIVING STEADY AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND THE RPM GAUGE RUBBED AT RANDOM JUST ONCE EVERY TIME. IT HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE WE DON'T CHANGE YOUR SPEED OR ANYTHING IT JUST RUBS UP TO ABOUT 5000 RPM AND GO BACK TO NORMAL AND DOES IT SPORADICALLY
NHTSA ODI #11408269
71,776 miles · Apr 9, 2021
StructureUnknown Or OtherFire
THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AFTER BEING DRIVEN. AS SOON AS IT WAS PARKED IT STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN MINUTES IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND TOTALLY DESTROYED
NHTSA ODI #11407196
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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