Component Description
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer That Filed Defect/noncompliance Report
Kia Motors America
Begin Date Of Manufacturing
20151210
End Date Of Manufacturing
20160826
Vehicle, Equipment Or Tire Report
0
Potential Number Of Units Affected
10212
Date Owner Notified By MFR
20170119
Recall Initiator (MFR/OVSC/ODI)
MFR
Report Received Date
20161130
Record Creation Date
20161130
Defect Summary
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 Summary
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Summary
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.
Recall Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
