628 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.
Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.
Reports by model year
Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
244 reports with mileage · 384 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What owners actually said
628 reportsElectrical SystemEngine
I WAS IN THE ROAD SLOWLY BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO STOP IN A TOLL BRIDGE ABOUT 10 MILES AND SUDDENLY MY KIA SPORTAGE 2012 WAS DOWN AND A BIG NOISE I WAS REALLY SCARED. A BIG HOLE APPEARED UNDER THE CAR AND ALL OIL SCATTERED ON THE PAVEMENT. THE PISTON BROKE SO THE ENGINE. I'M REALLY FRUSTRATED DUE TO I STILL OWE THE VEHICLE AND…
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I WAS IN THE ROAD SLOWLY BECAUSE I WAS GOING TO STOP IN A TOLL BRIDGE ABOUT 10 MILES AND SUDDENLY MY KIA SPORTAGE 2012 WAS DOWN AND A BIG NOISE I WAS REALLY SCARED. A BIG HOLE APPEARED UNDER THE CAR AND ALL OIL SCATTERED ON THE PAVEMENT. THE PISTON BROKE SO THE ENGINE. I'M REALLY FRUSTRATED DUE TO I STILL OWE THE VEHICLE AND TO FIX THE CAR THE COST IS $5,000.00 IN KIA OF YUMA ARIZONA. I OWE 6,000.00 PLUS 5,000.00 IT'S UNFAIR
NHTSA ODI #11112910
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE THAT WE HAD BOUGHT ON 05/23/2018 (JUST MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT THE DAY BEFORE) TO MYRTLE BEACH SC, WE HEARD A POP, I LOST FUNCTION TO THE GAS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE GRABBED WHAT WE COULD OUT OF OUR CAR A…
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MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING OUR 2016 KIA SPORTAGE THAT WE HAD BOUGHT ON 05/23/2018 (JUST MADE THE FIRST PAYMENT THE DAY BEFORE) TO MYRTLE BEACH SC, WE HEARD A POP, I LOST FUNCTION TO THE GAS, PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WE GRABBED WHAT WE COULD OUT OF OUR CAR AND RAN AS FAR AWAY AS WE COULD. IT WASN'T EVEN 2 MINUTES LATER AND THE WHOLE CAR WAS IN FLAMES AND EVERYTHING WAS DESTROYED. ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS THE FRAME OF THE CAR. WE JUST GOT MARRIED IN OCTOBER OF 2017, THIS WAS OUR FIRST MARRIED PURCHASE AND WAS SUPPOSE TO BE OUR FAMILY CAR AND WE WATCHED IT BURN TO THE GROUND IN FRONT OF US. WE ALSO LOST A LOT OF VALUABLES IN THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11105067
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE I…
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AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH IDLE, BURNT OIL AND DRIVE-ABILITY ISSUES STARTING AT 7128 MILES, 16066 MILES, 21000 MILES,22711 MILES & 29356 MILES, THE ENGINE WAS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED (SHORT BLOCK WE WERE TOLD), THE BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) & THE FORWARD & REAR COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM ARE INTERMITTENT IN THEIR OPERATION. RANDOMLY WHEN SITTING STILL THE SENSORS WILL ALERT OR WHEN CROSS TRAFFIC (FRONT OR REAR) THE SENSORS FAIL TO DETECT. THIS WAS A DEFINITE CHANGE OF BEHAVIOR SINCE THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER SAID THEY CHECKED IT AND AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING DECLARED IT TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. THIS RANDOM BEHAVIOR OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY.. ATTACHED IS A CAR FAX REPORT OF OUR VEHICLE REFLECTING THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA ODI #11101573
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 1 YEAR. I HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT 3 BATTERIES DUE TO SOMETHING CONTINUOUSLY DRAINING BATTERY POWER CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START. UPON TAKING TO DEALERSHIP FOR TESTING, I AM TOLD BATTERY/ALTERNATOR OPERATES FINE AND THEY WILL CHARGE ABOUT 85/HOUR TO TEST FUSES TO SEE WHAT ELSE COULD BE THE PROBLEM. A…
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I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN 1 YEAR. I HAVE ALREADY BOUGHT 3 BATTERIES DUE TO SOMETHING CONTINUOUSLY DRAINING BATTERY POWER CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START. UPON TAKING TO DEALERSHIP FOR TESTING, I AM TOLD BATTERY/ALTERNATOR OPERATES FINE AND THEY WILL CHARGE ABOUT 85/HOUR TO TEST FUSES TO SEE WHAT ELSE COULD BE THE PROBLEM. APPROXIMATELY 3/23/3018, MY RADIO SHORTED OUT. IT IS NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL, CANNOT USE RADIO AT ALL NOR BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY CONTROL. NOW THE ODOMETER RESETS TO 0 EVERY TIME I TURN THE CAR ON, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS DON'T WORK AND TPM STAYS LIT NO MATTER WHAT THE ACTUAL TPM IS. . I AM SO FRUSTRATED AT THIS POINT AS THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE TO ME, I'M PAYING A NOTE ON A CAR THAT SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART.
NHTSA ODI #11099365
Electrical SystemEngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR A DETERMINATION OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #11098621
Electrical System
MY CAR'S SHIFT BUTTON SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK IN THE HANDLE AND I CANNOT "PARK" MY CAR OR TURN OFF THE KEY. I DROVE IT TO COLLEGE, AS I WAS STOPPED IN THE PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND PRESSED THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE BUTTON PUSHED IN AND BECAME "STUCK OR LOCKED" IN THE HANDLE. THE CAR WOULDN'T DO AN…
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MY CAR'S SHIFT BUTTON SUDDENLY BECAME STUCK IN THE HANDLE AND I CANNOT "PARK" MY CAR OR TURN OFF THE KEY. I DROVE IT TO COLLEGE, AS I WAS STOPPED IN THE PARKING LOT, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND PRESSED THE BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE BUTTON PUSHED IN AND BECAME "STUCK OR LOCKED" IN THE HANDLE. THE CAR WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BUT GO INTO N OR D BUT NOTHING ELSE. AFTER PUSHING THE SHIFT LOCK BUTTON, I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO PARK "KINDA". THE KEY WON'T TURN PAST AXL MODE, THEREFORE THE KEYS ARE STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE BATTERY BECOMES DRAINED. BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE THE CAR IS FULLY IN P, I SET THE PARK BREAK AND UNHOOK THE BATTERY.
NHTSA ODI #11089924
Electrical System
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER 2 WEEKS AGO FOR MY SON AND ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START, IV'E HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE, THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY, SAID IT WAS GOOD, SAID THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOOD ALSO, THEY HAD THE VEHICLE ALL WEEKEND, THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE STARTER, PICKED…
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE A LITTLE OVER 2 WEEKS AGO FOR MY SON AND ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START, IV'E HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER TWICE, THEY CHECKED THE BATTERY, SAID IT WAS GOOD, SAID THE ALTERNATOR WAS GOOD ALSO, THEY HAD THE VEHICLE ALL WEEKEND, THEY SAID THEY REPLACED THE STARTER, PICKED THE VEHICLE UP YESTERDAY, MY SON TOOK IT TO SCHOOL TODAY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN, I TRIED TO JUMP START IT WITH NO LUCK, I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN, I FEEL THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR MY SON TO DRIVE, THEY ARE TRYING TO FIX IT AS WE SPEAK, WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE FOR GETTING MY MONEY BACK FOR THIS VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #11088730
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AFTER I LEFT DEALER STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF GAS THOUGH WAS. BECAUSE JUST PUT GAS IN .THEN WHEN TURNED ON HEAT SMELL WOULD GET WORSE ! A FEW DAYS AGO WENT TO FILL GAS AND A LOT GAS OVER.FILLED ONTO GROUND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE SMELL GAS SO STRONG INSIDE CAR ITS. ACTUALLY UPSET MY STOMA…
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I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AFTER I LEFT DEALER STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF GAS THOUGH WAS. BECAUSE JUST PUT GAS IN .THEN WHEN TURNED ON HEAT SMELL WOULD GET WORSE ! A FEW DAYS AGO WENT TO FILL GAS AND A LOT GAS OVER.FILLED ONTO GROUND NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE SMELL GAS SO STRONG INSIDE CAR ITS. ACTUALLY UPSET MY STOMACH WHEN DRIVING THE. AT AND AFRAID GOING START FIRE ! ALSO LEAKAGE ON GROUND WHEN PARKED . I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH SAME PROBLEM !! IT'S A 2001 KIA. ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT THINK SHOULD BE COVER. FROM COMPANY SINCE NOT ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM .
NHTSA ODI #11082039
Air BagsElectrical System
TAKATA RECALL I JUST PURCHASED MY KIA SPORTAGE ON 3/15/2018 AT A DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO THE DEALER AND AM TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT DOESN'T MATTER. AS I'M READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENTS THE AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY, MY SAFETY IS AN IS…
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TAKATA RECALL I JUST PURCHASED MY KIA SPORTAGE ON 3/15/2018 AT A DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO THE DEALER AND AM TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT DOESN'T MATTER. AS I'M READING ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENTS THE AIRBAGS DO NOT DEPLOY, MY SAFETY IS AN ISSUE HERE. I AM CERTAIN THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO. IT WILL BE SENT TO THE DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT. ALSO, I HAVE GOOGLED AS TO WHY MY BLOWER MOTOR WILL NOT SHUT OFF. THAT'S THE BLOWER RESISTOR THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THOSE COMPLAINTS ARE ON HERE ALSO, ALMOST CATCHING FIRE. I'VE NEVER FELT SO UNSAFE BEING IN A VEHICLE. THESE 2 MAIN FACTORS NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #11081225
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire
THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE LOOKED, IT WAS HER CAR & THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WE…
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THE 2015 KIA SPORTAGE WAS IN THE PARKING LOT AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WHERE MY WIFE HAD A DOCTOR APPOINTMENT. SHE WAS INSIDE APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINUTES WHEN AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE ABOUT A RED KIA IN THE PARKING LOT. WHEN SHE LOOKED, IT WAS HER CAR & THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WERE ALREADY ON SCENE & THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI #11078775
Related Official recalls
8Jan 26, 2026
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.
Dec 17, 2025
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning December 31, 2025.
Apr 26, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Aug 29, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.
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.
Nov 10, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.
Jul 27, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITH OWNERS MANUALS WITH AN INCORRECT JUMP START DIAGRAM. THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUMP STARTING ARE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, THE DIAGRAM DEPICTS THE JUMPER CABLES ATTACHED TO THE WRONG POLARITY TERMINALS. IF THE DIAGRAM WERE FOLLOWED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS, THE RESULTING IMPROPER CONNECTIONS COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO RUPTURE AGGRESSIVELY DUE TO INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO BYSTANDERS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADHESIVE LABEL WITH THE CORRECT ILLUSTRATION TO PERMANENTLY AFFIX TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS MANUALS.
Nov 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
Related NHTSA investigations
3RQ02013 · Engine Stalling POST-RECALL
Opened Oct 18, 2002 · Closed Sep 2, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Engine And Engine Cooling
RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
Electrical System:wiring
RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
Engine And Engine Cooling
RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.
PE00026 · Incorrect Battery JUMP-START
Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
SQ99021 · Check Engine Light Stays On
Opened Jun 30, 1999 · Closed Feb 2, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
A monthly Technical Times published by Kia and distributed to dealer technicians identifying a wiring harness problem that could cause connectors C123 and C124 to pull apart slightly during engine load changes.This could lead to erratic or tempory loss