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 SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
DEAR NHTSA, I HAVE A 2006 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 69,245 MILES AND HAVE BEEN IN THE DEALER ON 12/4/14, 12/8/2014, 12/13/14, FOR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WHILE BRAKING TO ENTER ANOTHER LANE OR TO TURN. ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE BRAKING TO TURN AT 9:00PM ON 12/16/14.ENGINE LIGHT HAVE COME ON AT LEAST 6-8 TIMES BEFORE AT WHICH EACH TIME I …
Read full complaint
DEAR NHTSA, I HAVE A 2006 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 69,245 MILES AND HAVE BEEN IN THE DEALER ON 12/4/14, 12/8/2014, 12/13/14, FOR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF WHILE BRAKING TO ENTER ANOTHER LANE OR TO TURN. ENGINE SHUT OFF AGAIN WHILE BRAKING TO TURN AT 9:00PM ON 12/16/14.ENGINE LIGHT HAVE COME ON AT LEAST 6-8 TIMES BEFORE AT WHICH EACH TIME I WENT INTO THE SERVICE DEALER ON 12/3/14, 12/8/14 AND 12/10/14. SOMETIMES IF IT WAS DURING THE DAY I TOOK THE KIA DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER I NOTICED WHILE RESEARCHING THAT THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH A FAULTY THROTTLE SYSTEM. IN ADDITION KIA WANTS TO CHARGE ME $248 TO REPLACE A THROTTLE. FROM THE REVIEWS ISSUED ONLINE THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT THAT KIA MANUFACTURER IS AWARE. ACCORDING TO SAFECAR.GOV THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A FAULTY THROTTLE (E.G. OR FAULTY PARTS) AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY THE SERVICE DEALER. FINALLY COBB COUNTY SERVICE (CUSTOMER # [XXX]) SUGGESTED REPAIR INVOICE STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING TPS NEED MORE DIAGNOSIS TIME WITH VEHICLE IN ORDER TO FIND OUT ISSUE? I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A SAFETY RELATED DEFECTS (E.G. 267 OR MORE COMPLAINTS ONLINE NOT TO MENTION THE SAFETY DEFECTS OF THE 2006 SPORTAGE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF), ESPECIALLY TO PAY FOR A PART THAT WILL NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT CUT OFF. I ALSO FILED AN INQUIRY WITH KIA ON TODAY 12/16/2014, CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION REFERENCE NUMBER (#[XXX]).I AM AWAITING A CALL FROM KIA ABOUT THIS INQUIRY. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT AND THE COST OF REPAIRS SHOULD BE REMEDIED AT NO COST TO ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664484
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY POST WERE TOO BIG FOR THE BATTERY CONNECTORS. AS A RESULT, ALL THE ELECTRICITY IN THE VEHICLE FAILED, INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF TH…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING OR ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY POST WERE TOO BIG FOR THE BATTERY CONNECTORS. AS A RESULT, ALL THE ELECTRICITY IN THE VEHICLE FAILED, INCLUDING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,132.
NHTSA ODI #10661631
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I HAD KIA INSPECT THE AIR CONDITIONER BECAUSE IT STARTED WORKING SPORADICALLY. I WAS INFORMED BY KIA THAT THEY DISCONNECTED THE UNIT TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM CATCHING ON FIRE. VERBATIM: FOUND BLOWER MOTOR BAD AND FRIED RESISTOR AND HARNESS. LEFT UNPLUGGED TO PREVENT FIRE FROM STARTING. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND CERT…
Read full complaint
I HAD KIA INSPECT THE AIR CONDITIONER BECAUSE IT STARTED WORKING SPORADICALLY. I WAS INFORMED BY KIA THAT THEY DISCONNECTED THE UNIT TO PREVENT THE CAR FROM CATCHING ON FIRE. VERBATIM: FOUND BLOWER MOTOR BAD AND FRIED RESISTOR AND HARNESS. LEFT UNPLUGGED TO PREVENT FIRE FROM STARTING. THIS VEHICLE IS WELL MAINTAINED AND CERTAINLY SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY AIR ISSUES UNLESS FREON IS NEEDED. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER THE 10 YR WARRANTY, BUT IT IS JUST THE POWER TRAIN. THIS ISSUE IS AN ISSUE THAT CAME STRAIGHT OFF THE MANUFACTURING LINE AND I AM NOT SURE HOW MANY VEHICLES HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT I HAVE READ SIMILAR ISSUES ON THIS SITE. KIA SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR MANUFACTURING A 1 TON KILLING MACHINE. IF THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SOME INNOCENT BYSTANDER IN MY PATH. THEY UNHOOKED THE UNIT TO PRESERVE THE ENGINE, BECAUSE THAT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMER. IT IS CRAZY THAT A RECALL HASN'T BEEN MADE YET. ALSO, MY ESC LIGHT KEEPS POPPING ON AND OFF AND ACCORDING TO THE RECALL LIST 2006 KIA SPORTAGES HAD A RECALL FOR THE STABILITY CONTROL LAMP AND I WAS INFORMED MY 2006 WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD THIS FIXED WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN BUT THE LIGHT STILL GOES ON AND OFF, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY A HAZARD IF MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT ILLUMINATED OR I CANNOT TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. NOT AN HONORABLE COMPANY AND DOES NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10660531
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THIS VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ADDITIONALLY, THE MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS RESULTED IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE. FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE TH…
Read full complaint
THE STOP LAMP SWITCH IN THIS VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS. THE MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. ADDITIONALLY, THE MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH HAS RESULTED IN INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE PUSH-BUTTON START FEATURE. FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE THE STOP LAMPS DURING BRAKING OR INABILITY TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10631138
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
THE CAR KEEPS STALLING JUST QUITS WHEN I SLOW DOWN. I HAD TWO MECHANICS CHECK IT OUT. FILLED THE TANK WITH NEW GAS, AND NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE ELECTRICAL CHECK. IT IS A MYSTERY WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. AND I DON'T WANT TO SELL THE CAR AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE THIS PRO…
Read full complaint
THE CAR KEEPS STALLING JUST QUITS WHEN I SLOW DOWN. I HAD TWO MECHANICS CHECK IT OUT. FILLED THE TANK WITH NEW GAS, AND NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE ELECTRICAL CHECK. IT IS A MYSTERY WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. AND I DON'T WANT TO SELL THE CAR AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10614450
Electrical SystemFire
I PARKED MY CAR AT 6AM WENT IN TO WORK AT ABOUT NOON MY COWORKERS WERE TELLING ME MY CAR WAS SMOKING WENT OUTSIDE AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO WE POPPED THE HOOD AND MY ELECTRICAL BOX WAS SMOKING PRETTY BAD A GUY USED A EXTINGUISHER ON IT TO FIND IT WAS STILL SMOKING SO HE DISCONNECTED.THE BATTERY ALL THE WIRES IN…
Read full complaint
I PARKED MY CAR AT 6AM WENT IN TO WORK AT ABOUT NOON MY COWORKERS WERE TELLING ME MY CAR WAS SMOKING WENT OUTSIDE AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD SO WE POPPED THE HOOD AND MY ELECTRICAL BOX WAS SMOKING PRETTY BAD A GUY USED A EXTINGUISHER ON IT TO FIND IT WAS STILL SMOKING SO HE DISCONNECTED.THE BATTERY ALL THE WIRES IN BOX ARE BURNED I ONLY HAD A LITTLE OVER 100000 MILES ON IT SO NATURALLY ITS EXPIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10606784
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE PREVENTING THE SHIFTER FROM BEING MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION AND CAUSING THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE THE STOP LAMPS DURING BRAKING OR INABILITY TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD INCREAS…
Read full complaint
AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE PREVENTING THE SHIFTER FROM BEING MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION AND CAUSING THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. FAILURE TO ILLUMINATE THE STOP LAMPS DURING BRAKING OR INABILITY TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. KIA WILL SEND AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION TO OWNERS IN MAY 2013. *TR ***SPOKE TO OWNER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO CRASH
NHTSA ODI #10596320
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHILE CHANGING THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB, I NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR HAD BURNED AND THAT THE WIRES GOING TO THE CONNECTOR WERE NOT CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER DUE TO THE BURNING. I NOTICED WHEN BARELY GRABBING THE BACK OF THE BULB, THAT THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS FOR THE MAIN LIGHT WOULD SPARK AND STARTED TO SMOKE CAUSING THE HEA…
Read full complaint
WHILE CHANGING THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULB, I NOTICED THAT THE CONNECTOR HAD BURNED AND THAT THE WIRES GOING TO THE CONNECTOR WERE NOT CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER DUE TO THE BURNING. I NOTICED WHEN BARELY GRABBING THE BACK OF THE BULB, THAT THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS FOR THE MAIN LIGHT WOULD SPARK AND STARTED TO SMOKE CAUSING THE HEADLAMP ENCLOSURE TO FILL WITH SOOT AND SMOKE. SMALL SPARKS CAN BE SEEN WHEN TRYING TO REMOVE THE HEADLIGHT BULB ITSELF AS WELL AS WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST THE WIRES. THE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HAS NO DEFECTS OR DAMAGE. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10583420
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT START DUE TO A FAULTY BRAKE SENSOR SAFETY SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573927
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
SHE IS 73 YEARS OLD AND ON A FIXED INCOME. SHE HAS ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS FOR THE CAR AND NOW DOES NOT HAVE A CAR DUE TO A FAULTY PART. NO CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO NORMAL USE. NOW SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO PAY FOR ANOTHER CAR. HOPEFULLY THAT CAR MANUFACTURER PRODUCES A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT JUST CATCH FIR…
Read full complaint
SHE IS 73 YEARS OLD AND ON A FIXED INCOME. SHE HAS ALREADY PAID THOUSANDS FOR THE CAR AND NOW DOES NOT HAVE A CAR DUE TO A FAULTY PART. NO CAR SHOULD CATCH ON FIRE DUE TO NORMAL USE. NOW SHE IS GOING TO HAVE TO FIND A WAY TO PAY FOR ANOTHER CAR. HOPEFULLY THAT CAR MANUFACTURER PRODUCES A VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT JUST CATCH FIRE AT RANDOM AND IF IT DOES, THEY TAKE CREDIT FOR BUILDING AND SELLING YOU A VEHICLE WITH A FAULT THAT IS THERE OWN. SHE STRUGGLED TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR A CAR THAT SHE TOOK GOOD CARE OF TO JUST BURN UP INFRONT OF HER. SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO FINISH PAYING THE CAR OFF. BLUE BOOK IS ROUGHLY $9,000.00 SHE PAID MORE THAT HALF OF IT OFF AND STILL OWES $7,000.00 BUT NOW, INSURANCE WILL GIVE HER THE $9,000.00 OF WHICH SHE WILL HAVE TO PAY $7,000.00 OUT TO PAY IT OFF, LEAVING HER WITH $2,000.00. WHAT CAN YOU BUY WITH $2,000.00 - NOTHING! SO NOW SHE MUST START OVER AND USE THE $2,000.00 TO GET BACK INTO A FULL CAR PAYMENT AND STRUGGLE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 5 YEARS OR MORE. W.T.F.!?!? I SEE ON THIS WEBSITE, PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO THEM. IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 OR 2 CARS THAT HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE THE SAME WAY, WHY ISN'T IT LOOKED INTO, AND WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. SURE IT MAYBE HARD FOR KIA TO REPLACE MANY VEHICLES, HOWEVER, I THINK IT IS HARDER FOR MY MOTHER OF 73 TO GO OUT AND BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE AT $15,000.00 - $20,000.00 JUST BECAUSE THE ONE SHE TRUSTED TO BE A SOLID VEHICLE WAS BUILD CRAPPY. IT IS KIA'S DESIGN AND MECHANICS THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. AND IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR THEM TO KEEP SELLING THE VEHICLES TO PEOPLE WITH A PROBLEM AS SUCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552091
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