2009 KIA Sorento
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sorento › 2009
These records cover every 2009 KIA Sorento. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2009 KIA Sorento. Newest first.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Sedona and 2007-2009 Sorento vehicles. Moisture may enter the Anti-lock Brake (ABS) Module and result in an electrical short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the HECU when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned off, free of charge. The recall began June 5, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC186.
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Curt manufacturing IS recalling certain tow package wiring harnesses, part number 56024, that connect tow vehicle lighting circuits to trailer lighting circuits sold for use on certain model year 2009 through 2011 hyundai veracruz and KIA sorento vehicles. the units are not water-tight and moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the module's…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the circuit protection, the module can overheat possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Curt manufacturing will notify owners and replace the tow package wiring harness. the remedy will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on october 17, 2011. owners may contact curt manufacturing at 1-715 831-8713.
Owner complaints
55 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the…
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine, ESC, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. Upon speaking with other independent mechanics, the contact was informed that the failure was likely linked to moisture that might have entered the ABS module. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); which the contact associated with the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was already serviced under recall prior to owning the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Engine · Exterior lighting
My check engine light is on. It has been on for over 2 or more years. Nobody knows what the codes mean. My timing chain needs to be replaced. My tires are constantly leaking. My battery has been replaced 2 times, and I still cannot start my vehicle even when I get a jump. The interior light when…
My check engine light is on. It has been on for over 2 or more years. Nobody knows what the codes mean. My timing chain needs to be replaced. My tires are constantly leaking. My battery has been replaced 2 times, and I still cannot start my vehicle even when I get a jump. The interior light when you open the car door, has fallen and is hanging. When I open the back door, the light does not come on so I cannot see what is in the trunk. The handles on both sides of the rear doors are broken and the doors do not open. I have not been able to get my vehicle inspected because of the check engine light and the timing chain. I took it to get inspected last April when it was due and I was told it could not be inspected because of the check engine light. This all went on when I was living in Upstate NY I am now in Suffolk County Long Island.
- Unknown or other
Driving on the interstate @ 65mph the car cut off then caught on fire. Smoke came in the car we pulled over to emergency lane exited the car and then flames came up through the console. The car became completely engulfed in flames and totally destroyed. There were no injuries. I have a video of the event. I do not know the cause. All of the gauges were working properly and read normal.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 15 MPH, she activated the windshield wipers and the radio, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated that her daughter saw the TPMS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The…
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 15 MPH, she activated the windshield wipers and the radio, and the vehicle started to stall. The contact stated that her daughter saw the TPMS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact's daughter drove the vehicle back to the residence. The contact’s husband attempted to duplicate the failure by letting the vehicle idle and then shifted to reverse (R), and the instrument cluster gauges started to function erratically. The contact shifted the vehicle to drive(D) and depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated he shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle; when the vehicle was restarted, all vehicle functionality had returned. The contact stated that the failure had occurred a year prior. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an electrical relay needed to be replaced. The contact stated that a similar electrical relay had been previously replaced; however, the battery drained due to the defective relay. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Currently my ESC OFF warning light is lit on my dash, and while lit my vehicle has trouble accelerating from 0 to 40 mph. The warning light goes on and off at random. I have had the accelerator pedal assembly replacement in 2015 and 2019 due to the same issue. It is NOW happening again in 2022!!!. Is this a design flaw issue? It's definitely a safety issue! How can consumers be protected from these issues?
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for…
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags · Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the warning message "ASC-OFF" appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle, she was able to restart the vehicle and parked in the…
The contact owns a 2009 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the warning message "ASC-OFF" appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle, she was able to restart the vehicle and parked in the driveway. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and several warning lights including the ASC warning light, check engine warning light, and air bag passenger warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the recall repair was completed, however, the ASC warning light, the check engine warning light, and the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to nalley KIA located at 7849 mall pkwy, stonecrest, ga 30038, (770) 288-5283, where the recall repair was completed.…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to nalley KIA located at 7849 mall pkwy, stonecrest, ga 30038, (770) 288-5283, where the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed, while driving 60 mph, the contac heard a loud abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and was diagnosed with needing the air conditioner compressor to be replaced. The failure was not associated with the recall repairs. The vehicle was repaired but, continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorrento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorrento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. An unknown dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v088000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Gettel KIA of bradenton located at 6423 14 th st. W, bradenton, fl 34207, (941)417-5210, was contacted by phone and confirmed the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
Vehicle was traveling at 65 mph and the esc light came on slowing the vehicle to 30 mph on the highway. We were almost hit from behind. This IS happening 2-3 times a day. Vehicle has to be turned off and restarted every time. This IS a life threatening incident waiting to happen. Taken to dealer no recall. Vehicle was in motion every time the esc/engine light came on.
- Vehicle speed control
Less than a week after getting this car, it started having intermittent no acceleration! The first codes were 02 sensor but it was transmission problem, I only drove the car 1000 no in a year and I just had it repaired I thought under warranty with transmission codes as well as a.c. Which was…
Less than a week after getting this car, it started having intermittent no acceleration! The first codes were 02 sensor but it was transmission problem, I only drove the car 1000 no in a year and I just had it repaired I thought under warranty with transmission codes as well as a.c. Which was fixed, but 2ND time driving and same thing, I could push the throttle to the floor and not go over 10mph! I have seen so many of same complaint! I have nearly been crashed into multiple times, had to pull off interstate...i have called freedom KIA and didn't get call back as promised. I am scared to drive this car and something has to be done now! I am disabled, and have a grandbaby! Why are you people not doing anything about this?? Your job IS to protect us! The warranty IS up in 10days and it's not going to be fixed as you can see by so many complaints! I want action now with the KIA dealership. If I get in an accident, there will be many lawsuits, including you for not doing your jobs!
- Unknown or other
I've only had my KIA sorento for a little over 2 years and I was trying to go forward when my car just started going in reverse. I had the car in drive and it just started going in reverse. I tried to put it in park and the same thing happened. So now it just going in reverse in all gears
- Unknown or other
2 weeks ago my dashboard lit up with all lights while driving brakes,airbag,tire pressure,engine,swirve control,down hill, tach jumped up and down and also speedometer, loss of power like drag on engine. Made it home and shut it off and restarted 3times all lights went off except tire and airbag.…
2 weeks ago my dashboard lit up with all lights while driving brakes,airbag,tire pressure,engine,swirve control,down hill, tach jumped up and down and also speedometer, loss of power like drag on engine. Made it home and shut it off and restarted 3times all lights went off except tire and airbag. Drove to dealer in morning and when I arrived only light on was airbag. They said there was a wire loose under seat? Got car back end off week.the following weekend saturday it did it again while driving all the lights and gauges but this time I went to put it in reverse and it wouldnt shift in reverse so I drove it in my drive way then put it in park and then I couldnt get out of park while it was running. I shut it off and restarted twice ,then got it in reverse to back in my garage. Sunday engine and tire and airbag light still on went to store and more lights went back on when I came home and pulled in garage put in park door locks started locking and unlocking till I shut car off. My car IS one of the cars on engine recall and the dealer says it has the engine issue as it makes the noise that these cars make but when they put it on the computer for headquaters it wont make it. They have put on the computer twice and service has heard it and so have I . Each time before this happens my car seems to start running ruff. I felt that they didnt believe what I said so this time I took pictures of my dash and video recorded it on my phone they know I only have less then 3000 miles left on my 100,000 mile warranty so I feel they are pushing me off till whatever IS causing this comes out of my pocket. Exactly 2 weeks from first occurence.
- Air bags · Seats
KIA installed four passenger seat sensor pads in my 2009 and a new air bag module. While it was all covered by warranty work, now I paid $133.54 to have it checked again, and they want me to pay an estimate of $2535.34 plus tax to have the new sensor installed. I talked to a manager for KIA and…
KIA installed four passenger seat sensor pads in my 2009 and a new air bag module. While it was all covered by warranty work, now I paid $133.54 to have it checked again, and they want me to pay an estimate of $2535.34 plus tax to have the new sensor installed. I talked to a manager for KIA and they said it was not there problem. It IS a problem between me and the dealer where I bought the car, it seems to me that the dealer replaced the parts as long as it was under warranty but they never fixed the problem.( what do I do}
- Vehicle speed control
My 2009 KIA sorento,i was driving down main road going about 55 when all sudden my power dropped to about 20,lucky I was not on interstate are pulling on to interstate,had to have towed in,said something to do with gas pedal,well thought was fixed,nope,i have had car for a year and has happened 3…
My 2009 KIA sorento,i was driving down main road going about 55 when all sudden my power dropped to about 20,lucky I was not on interstate are pulling on to interstate,had to have towed in,said something to do with gas pedal,well thought was fixed,nope,i have had car for a year and has happened 3 times,it IS a recurring problem,i am scared to drive it but in town and back,paying 400 a month for 5 years for a car I am scared to drive,if this IS a recurring thing,why does KIA not fix this problem,i will never buy another KIA when they don't stand behind there ptoduct
- Electronic stability control (esc)
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. While reversing the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal to shift the gear into drive and the esc sensor illuminated. Previously, the esc indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled while turning a corner. The vehicle restarted on the first…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. While reversing the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal to shift the gear into drive and the esc sensor illuminated. Previously, the esc indicator illuminated and the vehicle stalled while turning a corner. The vehicle restarted on the first attempt; however, the acceleration was very slow. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (KIA of chattanooga located at 2136 chapman rd, chattanooga, tn, 37421) where it was diagnosed that the esc needed to be reset and or replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,900.
- Air bags
Air bag IS off light comes on the dash for the passenger side even if an adult IS in the seat. I took it to the dealer 2 times while under warranty and the first time they said the computer just needed to be reset. the second time they said we were not sitting in the seat correctly. I told him I…
Air bag IS off light comes on the dash for the passenger side even if an adult IS in the seat. I took it to the dealer 2 times while under warranty and the first time they said the computer just needed to be reset. the second time they said we were not sitting in the seat correctly. I told him I weighed 190 lbs that the whole seat was covered with my bottom. they said nothing was wrong with the sensor. I showed them pictures of my phone showing we were driving down the road and the light came on. They didn't seam to care. It still malfunctions about 80%, the warranty ran out a while ago. The light will come on while your sitting still and it will come on in the middle of driving. The only way to get it back off IS to stop the vehicle and get out and sit down again, but it will usually deactivates again
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. While the vehicle was idling at a traffic light, the brakes disengaged and the vehicle proceeded in a forward motion voluntarily. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the electronic stability control was failing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. While driving approximately 67 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact stated that the mileage dropped from 67 mph to approximately 30 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 KIA sorento. While driving approximately 67 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact stated that the mileage dropped from 67 mph to approximately 30 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle pedal assembly shorted out. The throttle pedal was replaced, but the failure recurred multiple times. The contact referenced a recall on the 2016 model (nhtsa campaign number: 15v089000); however, the vin was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000. Updated 09/29/16*lj *js
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
My 2009 KIA sorento (87810 miles) has had electrical problems since 2014. In sept 2014, while warranty was void due to over 60, 000 miles) I had trouble with the dashboard illumination lights when the headlights were turned on. $1,000+ dollars later, dimmer switch, instrument cluster, and rheostat…
My 2009 KIA sorento (87810 miles) has had electrical problems since 2014. In sept 2014, while warranty was void due to over 60, 000 miles) I had trouble with the dashboard illumination lights when the headlights were turned on. $1,000+ dollars later, dimmer switch, instrument cluster, and rheostat circuit were repaired. in december 2015, started to happen again but now the air bag light came on and won't go off. took in january, and $275 more, replaced dimmer switch again and cleaned the connection to air bag sensor. three days later, the air bag light IS on again. further inspection and it IS determined the the "ocs" sensor needs to be replaced to the tune of $1900 for parts and $200 for labor.
- Air bags
My son was traveling on a main road in town when the car hydroplaned at about 30 mph and he lost control. It sent him slamming into a culvert, then it bounced out of the culvert and ran up on a residential porch and hit a tree. The drivers side took the majority of the impact. None of the airbags…
My son was traveling on a main road in town when the car hydroplaned at about 30 mph and he lost control. It sent him slamming into a culvert, then it bounced out of the culvert and ran up on a residential porch and hit a tree. The drivers side took the majority of the impact. None of the airbags deployed (front or side). He was slammed into the drivers door panel and the center console. He has continuing pain in his back.
- Air bags
The drivers side airbag deployed while backing up in a parking lot. I traveled approximately 6-10 feet turning left in reverse at maybe 1-2 mph if that much. The vehicle was not hit nor did it hit anything to cause this airbag to deploy and the horn to stay on. When airbag deployed, the steering…
The drivers side airbag deployed while backing up in a parking lot. I traveled approximately 6-10 feet turning left in reverse at maybe 1-2 mph if that much. The vehicle was not hit nor did it hit anything to cause this airbag to deploy and the horn to stay on. When airbag deployed, the steering wheel cover when forced open gashed left thumb. Auto insurance will not cover defects. Trying to work with KIA motors to replace defective parts and make vehicle safe. Unknown at this time if they will fix. Other KIA vehicles have had airbag problems from my research. Service manager at dealership said it was out of warranty, but my attorney said defects are not a warranty issue and my vehicle IS within the product liability period.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
Shortly after buying SUV in 2009 we experienced "querky" stuff like doors relocking, dome light s coming on, back hatch unlocking all this happening on their own!! I kept telling the dealership at oil changes! they kept ignoring it all! nov 1, 2009 KIA electric system service bulletin #282603…
Shortly after buying SUV in 2009 we experienced "querky" stuff like doors relocking, dome light s coming on, back hatch unlocking all this happening on their own!! I kept telling the dealership at oil changes! they kept ignoring it all! nov 1, 2009 KIA electric system service bulletin #282603 (ts B-044) issued. September the check engine and esc off lights started coming on together, SUV immediately decends to 15-20 mph! you can't give it gas, only rpms rise high! gas IS eaten up! coast to side, sit a few to 20 minutes. maybe both or esc off light(s) go out and you proceed. have noticed a buck feeling before light(s) are coming on at times. check engine lights may stay on for a while or not. habitually erratic when lights come on, can be every mile to several miles! last week SUV with out these lights started running real rough at idle and driving. to the point of reving over 2000 rpms but acted like being held back! I have been reluctant to drive it much in fear of the advancing issues and hurting the power train! at idle range IS 300 ' 1,800+ rpms, mechanic witnessed the varying rpms when code 1611 (time out:ecm,pcm,tcm issue) came up on snap-on's code reader. SUV has baby miles of 29,884 now 30,004 today. all suv's on forums are over 50,000 miles! ~ low idle KIA calls for tps replacement ~ september 7, 2011. My SUV throws p1295/p2135/p2106 codes listed in this! calls for the ecm be reprogramed using the gds (global diagnostic system). ref: 044 bulletin. driving you can feel the engine slow down to almost stalling but catches itself and keeps running. 1ST time this happened I was doing 55mph and found I was slowing real fast with traffic coming up behind me. I now have to ride with 4 way flashers to be safe! Chk eng on when key IS turned on at times now. towed 1X, drive a mile sit minutes repeat'd 8X. Issues are progressing!
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Almost a year ago, I was driving on the turnpike with a posted 65 mph when my check engine light goes on and the esc off light lights up on the dash. I started losing acceleration and couldn't go above 40 mph. I immediately pulled over and contacted the garage. they told me to turn the car off…
Almost a year ago, I was driving on the turnpike with a posted 65 mph when my check engine light goes on and the esc off light lights up on the dash. I started losing acceleration and couldn't go above 40 mph. I immediately pulled over and contacted the garage. they told me to turn the car off and restart it. the esc off light went out and I was able to accelerate normally but, the check engine light stayed on for 2 more days. everything was fine until 8 months later when my check engine light and esc off light lit up again and I couldn't accelerate past 40 mph. however, this time I had to pull over - turn off the car - restart my car( 6 times) to turn off the esc off light!!! twice this july the same situation happened and I took it in for service. Of course all lights were out at the time. there were error codes on the computer but while conversing with the technicians they believe it's a faulty gas pedal/accelerator and not tire/brake sensor codes. I was given a quote of $350 for replacement however this IS a real safety issue and I feel the consumer shouldn't be responsible for correcting this problem and it should be a recall issue. my particular case has happened 3 times in less than a year. obviously, there are many other consumers having the same defect issue. it's not safe if your only means of transportation can only accelerate to 40 mph on a dangerous road traveled by commuters and big rigs going as high as 80 mph or more. this IS an accident waiting to happen! KIA IS playing with peoples lives here. please investigate KIA and the electronic stability issue...obviously it's not stable. ma 10/8 updated 3/22/2016*js updated 12/13/2017*cn
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
- 10109812TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10090713Tsb: windshield washer pump inlet filter replacement - this bulletin provides information relating to possible foreign debris accumulation on the windshield washer pump inlet filter. Over time, some KIA vehicles may exhibit a limited application of windshield washer fluid when the washer function IS used. Limited application of windshield washer fluid can be caused by foreign debris on the washer pump inlet filter. To correct this condition, replace the washer pump inlet filter and perform the windshield washer reservoir flushing procedure outlined in this tsb.
- 10044560KIA: due to design of drain holes in valley of lambda V6 engines, a misdiagnose of a possible oil leak source in rear main seal or oil pan, when actual leaks coming from engine valley,oil filter housing, oil pressure switch, and/or gaskets.
- 10037693KIA: there may be erratic shifting, shift shock, and a malfunction light on with stored trouble codes. This IS caused by a problem within the transfer motor.
- 10037347KIA: there IS a procedure to reset the electronic throttle control value.
- 10034496KIA: provides the procedure to upgrade the engine control module (ecm) on some vehicles which may experience idle irregularity with brake pedal applied/depressed.
- 10033464KIA: ecm upgrade with tp sensor replacement-mil on with dtc p2135/p0638. Information related to ecm software and tp sensor upgrade on some vehicles with 2.7L engines which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10032792KIA: information related to the transmission control module (tcm) upgrade for certain models. Vehicles with 3.3L engine may experience a bumping symptom during engagement of the damper clutch (torque converter lock up clutch), and a bucking symptom when the damper clutch IS fully engaged.
- 10032617KIA motors: some vehicles with a 3.8L engine may experience a bumping symptom during engagement of the damper clutch (torque converter lock up clutch), and a bucking symptom when the damper clutch IS fully engaged. Updated 8/16/10.
- 10030365KIA motors: relating to oil control valve (ocv) used in constant variable valve timing (cvvt). If at any time ocv IS suspected as a cause of rough idling, poor accelertion, camshaft timing misalignment related trouble codes, misfire related trouble codes etc., on the vehicle equipped with the cvvt system, be sure to perform the ocv inspection procedure below before replacement. No model years specified.
- 10030292KIA: on some vehicles with 2.7L engines, the ecm software and tp sensor upgrade may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated with the electronic throttle control (etc) system related dtc p2135 or p0638 or p2a00 or p2a03.
- 10030290KIA: load carrying capacity label requirements and instructions to comply with fmvss 110. Providing information for the new requirements related to load carrying capacity (lcc) when certain accessories are added to a completed vehicle pri0r to first retail sale.
Every KIA Sorento model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.