2021 Kia Sorento

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Vehicle: 2021 Kia Sorento SX (2.5L Turbo / 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission) Mileage: 99,300 Related Recall: NHTSA Campaign ID 22V-760 / Kia Recall SC250 Incident Description: While operating my 2021 Kia Sorento SX 2.5L Turbo, the vehicle triggered diagnostic trouble code P193B and suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of drive power / inability to stay in gear. This is the exact failure mode described in NHTSA Recall 22V-760 (Kia Recall SC250), where an internal solder defect on the 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) electric oil pump circuit board causes pump failure and sudden loss of motive power. Although my vehicle was built with the exact same 2.5L Turbo engine and 8-speed DCT assembly, my vehicle was excluded from the original recall scope. Because a sudden loss of drive power in traffic creates a severe crash hazard, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate expanding Recall 22V-760 to include affected VINs experiencing this identical electric oil pump failure.

NHTSA ID

11776893

Incident

Nov 7, 2026

My 2021 Kia Sorento (VIN [XXX]) is at Luther Kia. The dealership documented DTC P1C2D03 as stored. Kia's SC250 recall procedure states that if P1C2D03 is not stored, the dealer updates the TCU software only; if P1C2D03 is stored, the transmission is to be replaced and updated TCU software applied. Despite the stored code, Luther Kia did not replace the transmission. They updated the ECU, rescanned, performed an air-bleed procedure and transmission relearning, test-drove the vehicle, and marked the repair complete. I am concerned this does not comply with the remedy specified for stored P1C2D03 and leaves the vehicle susceptible to the loss-of-motive-power condition addressed by NHTSA Recall 22V760000/SC250. After receiving no update since late morning XXX, I called near closing XXXand was told their only Authorized Kia Warranty Service Technician was out sick. That evening I emailed the GM documenting the SC250 concern and requested resolution by Monday morning, including release of my vehicle while the transmission was ordered or a loaner/rental if unsafe to release. As of Monday afternoon, I have received no response. I also opened a case with Kia Corporate on XXX. The dealership sent me a $528.28 invoice via text and is retaining my vehicle pending payment of the entire invoice. This includes $178.98 I understand to be recall-related diagnosis/labor, although SC250 states there is no charge to the owner for this repair, plus $311.36 for A/C diagnosis and a $36.94 miscellaneous fee. I was instructed to drive approximately 1,000 more miles for the A/C issue. The odometer is approximately 99,2XX miles, which would exceed 100,000 miles and may affect CPO warranty coverage. A rear clunking concern potentially related to Kia TSB TRA105 was not resolved. I request NHTSA investigate whether SC250 was properly completed and whether this vehicle is safe to operate without the transmission replacement specified for stored P1C2D03. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B

NHTSA ID

11775205

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

When driving between 10 to 50 mph with foot on gas pedal my car won’t jerk sputter and lose complete loss of power while making a turn. I have to release my gas pedal and push back down and it takes a solid couple seconds to get any power back. I’ve been almost hit a couple times in the last two weeks because as I’m turning my car just loses all power.

NHTSA ID

11773876

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating between 10 MPH and 15 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and jerked, similar to an attempted gear shift, before returning to normal operation. Additionally, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power, particularly while traveling down a decline. The failure was a recurring issue. The dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,500.

NHTSA ID

11771163

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

Mileage

76,500 mi

Transmission has failed and dealership scanner did not read code P1C2D03, the diagnostic has confirmed a severe, structural failure of the transmission: the internal fluid barrier seal has worn through, causing total cross-contamination of the DCT gear oil and control fluid. This physical fluid mixing is actively starving the electric oil pump and throwing codes P086800 and P193B79. This creates the exact safety hazard described in Safety Recall SC250. Kia informed me that since I didn't have a direct P1C2D03 code it would not fall under the recall and they would not be replacing the transmission. I was told by another tech that the two codes are related to P1C2D03. To me a barrier failure is a mechanical failure that should be covered under the recall. my vehicle has 133,000 miles on it so it isn't covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11769753

Incident

Oct 1, 2026

UNKNOWN. Car all of a sudden wouldn’t accelerate while driving on the road. It was hesitating while pressing the gas pedal.

NHTSA ID

11769649

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. While driving approximately 40-50 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle shuddered and decelerated to 30 MPH, then lost drive power. Additionally, the clutch made a flapping sound while in 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 8th gear. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled while the transmission was shifted in drive(D). The contact pulled over, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. The failure had occurred approximately five times. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V760000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID

11769596

Incident

May 1, 2026

Mileage

64,000 mi

I noticed my car having a delayed engagement whenever i put it in reverse. I had to wait a couple of seconds before it would go in reverse. As i was leaving my job there is a hill and i noticed jerking when trying to accelerate up. As i made if past the hill i stop at a light,upon takeoff i noticed my car wouldn't accelerate but the RPM gauge spiked.i turned it off and then back on and it did the same only this time the check engine light came on. The issues i am having with my car fits the description of what the recall is for and i can't believe my car isnt part of the recall! The same make,model,year and engine(turbo). The car isn't even drivable and i will have to have it towed to a dealership and it could be days before they can look at it.

NHTSA ID

11767936

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: GM01 GROUND CONNECTION - This Pitstop provides diagnostic information for certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles that may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: a momentarily inoperative instrument cluster, inoperative head-up display (HUD), inoperative steering wheel control buttons (including Smart Cruise Control), unintended haptic motor vibration, wireless charging system malfunction, front A/C control module concerns, front FET-related A/C performance issues, intermittent horn inoperation, or an illuminated warning lamp accompanied by one or more of the DTCs listed in this publication.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - 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 regarding the partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima Hybrid (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV), 2015MY~ Soul EV (PS EV), 2017MY~ Niro (DE HEV/PHEV/EV), 2022MY~ EV6 (CV), 2021MY~ Sorento (MQ4 HEV/PHEV), 2023MY~ Sportage (NQ5 HEV/PHEV), and 2023MY~ Niro (SG2 EV/HEV/PHEV) vehicles.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR AND DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2312) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) did receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable Kia vehicles using the Kia Navigation Updater available at update.kia.com. The software update may improve system performance, enhance existing features, and apply the latest operating software for supported vehicles (2021-2026MY All Models).

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FRONT BRAKE DISC REPLACEMENT & BURNISHING - 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 the procedure to replace the front brake discs on certain 2021-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced from July 26, 2021 through March 28, 2024 and 2023-2024MY Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles produced from January 7, 2022 through May 20, 2024 to address a customer’s complaint of brake judder. The affected vehicles may exhibit a vibrating and/or pulsing sensation (front brake disc judder) in the steering wheel, brake pedal, and/or seat when the brakes are applied during driving.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.