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Recall Alert: 2016-2017 Kia Sorento, 2017 Sportage

Kia Recall Alert: 2016-2017 Sorento & 2017 Sportage SUVs – Trailer Hitch Wiring Issue | MotorVero

Kia Recall Alert: 2016-2017 Sorento & 2017 Sportage SUVs

Kia recall

Important Safety Notice About Trailer Hitch Wiring Issues

Recall Overview

Kia Motors America has issued an important safety recall affecting approximately 10,000 vehicles in the United States. The recall specifically targets certain model-year 2016-2017 Kia Sorento SUVs and model-year 2017 Kia Sportage SUVs due to a potentially dangerous issue with the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness.

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Affected Vehicles

The recall impacts the following Kia models:

  • 2016-2017 Kia Sorento SUVs manufactured between October 27, 2014, and August 25, 2016
  • 2017 Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured between December 10, 2015, and August 26, 2016

Owners can verify if their vehicle is included in this recall by checking their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through Kia's official recall lookup tool or the NHTSA website.

The Safety Concern

The recall addresses a critical issue with the accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. The problem stems from a malfunction in the tow hitch module that could cause the trailer brake lights to remain constantly illuminated while driving, even when the brakes aren't being applied.

Potential Risks:

  • Confusion for other drivers on the road who may misinterpret constant brake light illumination
  • Increased risk of rear-end collisions due to misleading brake light signals
  • Possible electrical issues that could affect other vehicle systems
  • Reduced visibility of actual braking actions when they occur

The Solution

Kia has authorized dealers to replace the trailer tow hitch harness free of charge for all affected vehicles. The repair procedure involves:

  • Complete inspection of the existing trailer hitch wiring system
  • Replacement of the faulty wiring harness with an updated component
  • Comprehensive testing to ensure proper functionality
  • Verification that all lighting systems operate correctly

The repair typically takes about one hour to complete, though owners should schedule an appointment with their dealer to minimize wait times.

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What Owners Should Do

If you own one of the affected vehicles, follow these steps:

  1. Check for recall notifications: Kia will mail official recall notices to registered owners.
  2. Verify your VIN: Use Kia's recall lookup tool or visit the NHTSA website to confirm if your vehicle is included.
  3. Schedule a repair: Contact your local Kia dealer to arrange for the free repair service.
  4. Address immediately: While not every vehicle will experience the issue, it's important to have the repair completed as soon as possible.

Important Contact Information:

  • Kia Customer Service: 800-333-4542
  • NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236
  • Online Recall Check: Visit the official NHTSA website at www.safercar.gov

Understanding the Technical Issue

The recall stems from a design flaw in the trailer tow hitch module's electrical system. The module, which controls the trailer's brake lights, may experience a malfunction that causes continuous power flow to the lighting circuit. This creates several potential safety scenarios:

Electrical System Implications:

  • Constant current draw could potentially drain the vehicle's battery
  • Excessive heat generation in the wiring harness
  • Possible interference with other electrical systems

Safety Implications:

Recall Timeline and Process

Kia has followed standard recall procedures in coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

  • Identification: The issue was identified through customer complaints and warranty claims
  • Investigation: Kia engineers conducted thorough testing to determine the root cause
  • Solution Development: The company developed an updated wiring harness design
  • Notification: Owners will receive mailed notices with repair instructions
  • Repair Phase: Dealers have been supplied with replacement parts and repair procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my vehicle safe to drive before the repair?

While the risk of immediate danger is relatively low, Kia recommends having the repair completed as soon as possible. If you notice your trailer brake lights staying on when not towing, avoid using the vehicle for towing until the repair is complete.

How long will the repair take?

The actual repair typically takes about one hour, but you should schedule an appointment with your dealer and plan for additional time for check-in and vehicle inspection.

Will I be charged for this repair?

No, all recall-related repairs are performed free of charge at authorized Kia dealerships.

What if I already paid for this repair?

If you previously paid for repairs to address this specific issue, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Kia customer service with your repair receipts for more information.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service?

Use MotorVero's dealer locator to find your nearest authorized Kia service center and schedule your recall repair today.

Find a Kia Dealer Near You

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Additional Safety Recommendations

While addressing this recall is crucial, Kia owners should also consider these general vehicle safety tips:

  • Regularly check all vehicle lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals) for proper operation
  • Have your vehicle's electrical system inspected during routine maintenance
  • Ensure any aftermarket accessories are properly installed and don't interfere with factory systems
  • Stay informed about open recalls by periodically checking your VIN with NHTSA
  • Keep your vehicle registration current to ensure you receive all safety notices

Understanding Vehicle Recalls

Automotive recalls are more common than many consumers realize and serve an important safety function:

Recall Statistics:

  • The NHTSA oversees hundreds of vehicle recalls annually
  • Most recalls address potential safety issues before incidents occur
  • Prompt recall completion significantly reduces safety risks

Why Recalls Matter:

  • Manufacturers are legally required to fix safety-related defects
  • Recalls help prevent accidents and injuries
  • Addressing recalls maintains vehicle value and performance
  • Unrepaired recalls can affect insurance coverage in some cases

Kia's Commitment to Safety

This recall demonstrates Kia's proactive approach to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. The company has established several initiatives to ensure owner safety:

  • Comprehensive quality control measures at manufacturing facilities
  • Robust dealer training programs for recall repairs
  • Multiple communication channels for recall notifications
  • Transparent reporting of safety issues to regulators
  • Continuous improvement of vehicle safety systems
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Motorveroben

Last Updated On Jul, 02-2025

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