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 SystemSeat Belts
I OWN A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE THAT I PURCHASED FROM RIVERHEAD AUTO MALL, THAT EXPERIENCE WAS WONDERFUL. I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A KIA FOR A FEW REASONS, THE AFFORDABILITY BUT MAINLY THE 5 YEAR/10 YEAR WARRANTY. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD A FEW ISSUES THAT I HAVE VISITED VARIOUS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO RECTIFY WHIC…
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I OWN A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE THAT I PURCHASED FROM RIVERHEAD AUTO MALL, THAT EXPERIENCE WAS WONDERFUL. I ORIGINALLY PURCHASED A KIA FOR A FEW REASONS, THE AFFORDABILITY BUT MAINLY THE 5 YEAR/10 YEAR WARRANTY. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, I HAVE HAD A FEW ISSUES THAT I HAVE VISITED VARIOUS SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO RECTIFY WHICH HAVE STILL NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THESE ARE SAFETY RELATED ISSUES, WHICH I SPOKE TO CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT REGARDING AND CANNOT BELIEVE THAT KIA WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. I CAN GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING, AFTER MY RECENT EXPERIENCES WITH KIA I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER KIA OR RELATED VEHICLE AGAIN. FOR YEARS, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE TWO ISSUES RESOLVED, AGAIN BOTH SAFETY ISSUES. FIRST, THE SEATBELTS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT FULLY RETRACT. THEY END UP GETTING STUCK IN THE DOOR, ALSO MORE RECENTLY THERE ARE TIMES WHEN WEARING A SEATBELT AND STEPPING ON THE BRAKES, THE SEATBELT IS NOT RESTRAINING THE PERSON. SECOND, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT OPEN WITH EITHER KEY' YOU NEED TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR. WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO DRIVE, THE DOOR WILL NOT LOCK. ALL OTHER DOORS WILL LOCK, NOT THE DRIVERS DOOR. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO MULTIPLE SERVICE LOCATIONS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS TRYING TO GET THESE ISSUES RESOLVED. ALL WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, AND WAS TOLD TIME AFTER TIME THIS WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND MY COMPLAINTS WERE NOT SHOWING AT THAT TIME. IN MAY I BROUGHT THE CAR IN AGAIN FOR SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WOULD BE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR BOTH ISSUES OF APPROXIMATELY $200 EACH TO SIMPLY LOOK AT THE ISSUES. THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF DETAILS AND PAPERWORK THAT I HAVE SUPPLIED TO KIA TO SUPPORT THIS. I WENT BACK AND FORTH WITH MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS IN BETWEEN MULTIPLE SURGERIES SINCE LAST SUMMER.
NHTSA ODI #11010641
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire
CPSC:I HAD A TRAILER HITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE., I WAS EXISTING THE CASTLE ROCK MOTEL IN FRIENDSHIP, WI WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS STRAPPED INTO THE CAR SEAT. ONE OF THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES SAW ME STRUGGLE TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR SEAT AND CAME TO ASSIST, A…
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CPSC:I HAD A TRAILER HITCH INSTALLED ON MY 2015 KIA SPORTAGE., I WAS EXISTING THE CASTLE ROCK MOTEL IN FRIENDSHIP, WI WHEN AN ELECTRICAL FIRE ERUPTED IN THE BACK OF THE CAR WHERE MY 1 YEAR OLD GRANDSON WAS STRAPPED INTO THE CAR SEAT. ONE OF THE HOTEL EMPLOYEES SAW ME STRUGGLE TO GET HIM OUT OF THE CAR SEAT AND CAME TO ASSIST, AT THE SAME TIME DAUGHTER (WHO WAS ALSO IN THE CAR WITH ME) CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE HOTEL EMPLOYEE RETRIEVED SOME TOOLS AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISMANTLED THE BACK PANEL WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AND DETERMINED THE ROOT CAUSE WAS THE WIRING HARNESS "BLACK BOX." THEY ADVISED ME TO HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK THE CAR BEFORE CONTINUING TO DRIVE IT. *BF UPDATED 07/19/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #11009830
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SHORT IN THE LIGHTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER (A DOWNPOUR) AND WAS UNCERTAIN IF WIRES HAD BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SHORT IN THE LIGHTS DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER (A DOWNPOUR) AND WAS UNCERTAIN IF WIRES HAD BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10984525
Electrical System
CAR SHUTS DOWN RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING, RANDOM ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LIGHTS ILLUMINATE ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING AND STAY LIT AFTER STOPPED, BLUETOOTH WON'T CONNECT AND WON'T ALLOW YOU TO PRESS THE BUTTONS TO CONNECT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. STARTED AT ABOUT 37,000 MILES, FEBRUARY 2017 AND IS CONTINUALLY HAPPENING RANDOMLY.
NHTSA ODI #10978950
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #10969574
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSeat Belts
DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SHOULDER BELTS ARE FRAYED WHICH MAKES THEM UNABLE TO STAY SECURE. IT WON'T STOP UPPER BODY MOVEMENT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED QUICKLY. DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WON'T GO DOWN AND MOTOR IN DOOR STILL MAKES THE NOISE LIKE ITS WANTS TO WORK BUT DOES NOT. UNABLE TO PUMP MORE THAN A COUPLE DO…
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DRIVER SIDE AND FRONT PASSENGER SHOULDER BELTS ARE FRAYED WHICH MAKES THEM UNABLE TO STAY SECURE. IT WON'T STOP UPPER BODY MOVEMENT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED QUICKLY. DRIVER SIDE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WON'T GO DOWN AND MOTOR IN DOOR STILL MAKES THE NOISE LIKE ITS WANTS TO WORK BUT DOES NOT. UNABLE TO PUMP MORE THAN A COUPLE DOLLARS OF GAS BEFORE IT SPITS GAS BACK OUT. WHILE DRIVING I SMELL ELECTRICAL BURNING AND WIRES UNDER HOOD ARE BURNT BY THE FAN. MAKING THE CAR HOT DUE TO FAN NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
NHTSA ODI #10959476
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HIT WHILE PARKED THE BUMPER WAS DESTROYED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TUNE SIGNALS DO NOT WORK, THE FUSES BLOW EVEYTIME THEY ARE REPLACED, THE HAZZARD SIGNAL BLOWS ALL THE FUSES, THERE IS A RECALL ON BEFORE THIS YEAR AND SOME AFTER, BUT NOT THIS ONE. GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE, NO DEALER IN OUR COMMU…
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WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS HIT WHILE PARKED THE BUMPER WAS DESTROYED THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TUNE SIGNALS DO NOT WORK, THE FUSES BLOW EVEYTIME THEY ARE REPLACED, THE HAZZARD SIGNAL BLOWS ALL THE FUSES, THERE IS A RECALL ON BEFORE THIS YEAR AND SOME AFTER, BUT NOT THIS ONE. GAS FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE, NO DEALER IN OUR COMMUNITY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM. SHIFTER IS STUCK IN PARK, THE BY PASS KEY WORKS BUT IT WILL NOT SHIFT WITHOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10950217
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
MY FAULTY 2008 KIA SPORTAGE STRIKES AGAIN. THE LAST 2 MAJOR INCIDENCES WITH MY KIA ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY NHTSA COMPLAINT (10621705) OCCURRED ON AUG 2013 -W/11K MILES( TRANSMISSION & ELECTRICAL) AND W/12K MILES -AUGUST 2014 ( ALTERNATOR &ABS PUMP). IT'S NOW JANUARY 2017 - CAR HAS 17.5K TOTAL MILES AND I NEEDED TO TOW MY KIA SPORT…
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MY FAULTY 2008 KIA SPORTAGE STRIKES AGAIN. THE LAST 2 MAJOR INCIDENCES WITH MY KIA ARE DOCUMENTED IN MY NHTSA COMPLAINT (10621705) OCCURRED ON AUG 2013 -W/11K MILES( TRANSMISSION & ELECTRICAL) AND W/12K MILES -AUGUST 2014 ( ALTERNATOR &ABS PUMP). IT'S NOW JANUARY 2017 - CAR HAS 17.5K TOTAL MILES AND I NEEDED TO TOW MY KIA SPORTAGE 2008 TO A SERVICE CENTER AFTER THE CAR STALLED ON A MAJOR ROAD WITH 2 OF MY KIDS IN THE CAR. THE CAR IS BEHAVING SIMILARLY TO HOW IT BEHAVED IN 2013 ' ENGINE KNOCKS AS IT SHIFTS INTO GEARS EVENTUALLY STALLING. IN 2013 ' KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. AS I STATED IN MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW ASSOCIATED WITH THE CAR SINCE IT NOW APPEARS I HAVE THE SAME TRANSMISSION/ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AGAIN 6K MILES LATER SINCE THE LAST INCIDENT . JUST LEARNED TODAY THAT MY KIA NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION ! 3 TRANSMISSIONS IN 17,000 MILES ' JUST DOESN'T ADD UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10947468
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V815000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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 #10947218
Electrical System
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 11/28/2016 NHTSA RECALL #: 16V815 AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED BERGSTROM KIA IN OSHKOSH, WI TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. WAS TOLD PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND WOULD RECEIVE NOTICE WHEN PARTS WERE IN. CALLED AGAIN ON 1/23/2017 AND WAS TOLD PARTS HAD NOT ARRIVED AND DEALER HAD BEEN TOLD THAT KIA COULD NOT PROVID…
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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 11/28/2016 NHTSA RECALL #: 16V815 AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED BERGSTROM KIA IN OSHKOSH, WI TO SCHEDULE REPAIR. WAS TOLD PARTS NEEDED TO BE ORDERED AND WOULD RECEIVE NOTICE WHEN PARTS WERE IN. CALLED AGAIN ON 1/23/2017 AND WAS TOLD PARTS HAD NOT ARRIVED AND DEALER HAD BEEN TOLD THAT KIA COULD NOT PROVIDE DATE WHEN PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. CONTINUING TO PARK VEHICLE OUTSIDE BECAUSE OF FIRE HAZARD AS RECOMMENDED IN RECALL NOTICE. NOT VERY CONVENIENT IN WISCONSIN IN WINTER.
NHTSA ODI #10947065
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