NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
399 reports1,000 miles · Feb 27, 2019
Engine
THE DATE I GAVE WAS ONE OF MANY. IT HAPPENS A LOT. WHEN DRIVING MY ENGINE REVS WAY UP HIGH. LIKE YOU ARE PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR. AND I AM DRIVING NORMAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO REV UP FOR THEM. IT IS VERY SCARY. I REALLY …
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THE DATE I GAVE WAS ONE OF MANY. IT HAPPENS A LOT. WHEN DRIVING MY ENGINE REVS WAY UP HIGH. LIKE YOU ARE PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR. AND I AM DRIVING NORMAL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO REV UP FOR THEM. IT IS VERY SCARY. I REALLY DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS A LOT. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING THAT IS CAUSING THIS. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME YOU CAN BE DRIVING NORMAL SPEED, YOU CAN BE SLOWING DOWN, YOU CAN JUST BE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP. WHENEVER IT WANTS TO REV UP.. BL
NHTSA ODI #11182886
20,598 miles · Feb 23, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion SystemCrash
MY BRAND NEW 2017 KIA SPORAGE EX VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A BUSY STREET AND ALMOST GOT ME KILLED. THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO AVOID HITTING ME BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLE STOPPING. I WAS TERRIFIED. THE POLICE CAME AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.
NHTSA ODI #11182172
67,000 miles · Feb 17, 2019
EnginePower Train
HAD MOTOR REPLACED ON 2017 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 65K ON IT. NEW MOTOR LASTED TO ABOUT 67K ON IT. BEEN WAITING ALMOST 2 MONTHS FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #11180630
46,674 miles · Feb 14, 2019
Engine
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CAR HAS CUT OFF IN THE LAST 2-3 MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, IT STARTED TO ROUGH IDLE AND THEN IT CUT OFF, IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO RESTART THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO DIRTY FUEL INJECT…
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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE CAR HAS CUT OFF IN THE LAST 2-3 MONTHS. THE FIRST TIME I WAS IN TRAFFIC WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, IT STARTED TO ROUGH IDLE AND THEN IT CUT OFF, IT TOOK A COUPLE OF TRIES TO RESTART THE CAR, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO DIRTY FUEL INJECTORS AND WAS CHARGED FOR FUEL INJECTOR CLEANING. YESTERDAY 2/13/19. I WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND RUNNING, WHEN I TURNED THE HEAT ON, THE CAR ROUGH IDLED AND CUT OFF. I WAITED ABOUT 20 SECONDS THEN WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR. I DROVE HOME AT NIGHT WITHOUT TURNINNG ON THE HEAT FOR FEAR OF THE CAR CUTTING OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11180023
30,000 miles · Feb 4, 2019
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL …
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SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO MATTER IF I'M IN ECO MODE OR SPORTS MODE, MY RPMS SPIKE, AND MY ENGINE SOUNDS AS THOUGH I HIT THE ACCELERATOR VERY HARD. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHENEVER I'M STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND AND LIGHTLY HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO BEGIN MOVING AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR IN (BECAUSE I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS VERY ISSUE) AND THE KIA SERVICE DEPARTMENT ESSENTIALLY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, AND WHEN THEY TOOK MY CAR OUT TO RE-CREATE THE ISSUE, NOTHING HAPPENED. I'VE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A CASE NUMBER, BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. MY RPMS CONTINUE TO OCCASIONALLY SPIKE, AND IT'S VERY CONCERNING THAT KIA IS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11173931
62,000 miles · Jan 29, 2019
Structure
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY- DRIVING UNDER A UNDERPASS. THE SCREEN TO THE PANORAMIC ROOF WAS BACK BUT THE SUNROOF ITSELF WAS CLOSED- THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE GLASS TO THE MOVING PART OF THE SUNROOF SHATTERED FALLING INTO THE CAR. ALL THAT REMAINED WAS A SMALL GLASS OUTLINE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE ROOF.
NHTSA ODI #11172726
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2019
Exterior Lighting
HIGHLIGHTS TO BRIGHT, CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT GETTING HIGH BEAM BY MOST CARS THAT PASS
NHTSA ODI #11172551
34,000 miles · Jan 20, 2019
Air BagsUnknown Or OtherCrash
INTERSTATE, WEATHER AFFECTED COLLISION WITH CABLE BARRIERS AT 70MPH. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN THOUGH AN IMPACT SENSOR WAS DEFINITELY HIT. I AM LOOKING TO TAKE THIS CASE TO KIA AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI #11171105
15,300 miles · Jan 18, 2019
Engine
I RECEIVED A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA INCORPORATED DATED DECEMBER 2ND 2018 THEY SAID THEY WOULD LIKE TO PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU IN MY VEHICLE IT ALSO STATES KIA IS PROVIDING LIFETIME WARRANTY COVERAGE TO BOTH NEW AND USED VEHICLE OWNERS FOR ENGINE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY REPAIRS NEE…
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I RECEIVED A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN LETTER FROM KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA INCORPORATED DATED DECEMBER 2ND 2018 THEY SAID THEY WOULD LIKE TO PERFORM A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO THE ECU IN MY VEHICLE IT ALSO STATES KIA IS PROVIDING LIFETIME WARRANTY COVERAGE TO BOTH NEW AND USED VEHICLE OWNERS FOR ENGINE LONG BLOCK ASSEMBLY REPAIRS NEEDED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CONNECTING ROD BEARING DAMAGE UPON COMPLETION OF THIS PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN I DID TAKE THE CAR IN FOR THE ECU SENSOR UPDATE AND ASK THEM EXACTLY WHAT DOES THAT MEAN AND THEY SAID THE ECU SENSOR WILL INDICATE TO THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE IS EXPERIENCING DAMAGE OR PROBLEMS AND TO BRING IT IN. IF IT FALLS UNDER THE GUIDELINES OF THE ENGINE COVERAGE THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF IT. IN THE MEANTIME I AM DRIVING AROUND IN A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WHERE DAMAGE IS OCCURRING AS I'M DRIVING IT AND IT WILL WORSEN TO THE POINT THAT THE ECU SENSOR WILL NOTIFY ME WHEN THE DAMAGE IS SO BAD THAT IT NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT IN I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS WILL THIS DAMAGE OCCUR IN 1 MONTH 1 YEAR 5 YEARS OR IS IT OCCURRING EACH AND EVERY TIME I CRANK IT UP. WHAT SPECIFIC DAMAGE IS OCCURRING TO THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS MANY COMPONENTS THIS INFORMATION I DO NOT KNOW WILL IT CATCH ON FIRE WILL IT STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WILL IT LEAVE ME STRANDED SOMEWHERE IF THE ISSUE CAN BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED WHY NOT MAKE ME THAT OFFER TO REPAIR THE ENGINE NOW REPLACE THE ENGINE NOW OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE IS THIS VEHICLE SAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD BASED ON THE CONCERNS KIA HAVE ABOUT THE LONG ENGINE BLOCK ASSEMBLY AND THE CONNECTING RODS I AM A LAY PERSON WITH NO MECHANICAL EXPERTISE BUT WHAT I'M HEARING IS THAT THIS CAR HAS AN EXISTING PROBLEM THAT COULD BE HAZARDOUS I HAVE NOT ON THIS VEHICLE A FULL YEAR YET AN ENGINE PROBLEMS IS NOT SOMETHING A CONSUMER WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #11170873
Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2019
EngineFire
EL VEHCULO KIA SPORTAGE 2017 SE INCENDI DE UN MOMENTO A OTRO, ESTABA PARADO ENCENDIDO EL MOTOR Y EMPEZ A SALIR HUMO DEL MOTOR Y SE INCENDI MUY RPIDO , EN MENOS DE 3 MINUTOS . SUCEDI EN CALI , COLOMBIA,
NHTSA ODI #11170666
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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