CarRecallWatch- Component
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; TRAILER HITCHES
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
What this recall means for you
A tow hitch wiring harness in certain vehicles can malfunction, causing the trailer brake lights to stay constantly illuminated. This means the vehicles do not meet federal lighting requirements.
If the trailer brake lights remain on while the vehicle is being used, other drivers may be confused about your braking and intentions, which increases the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness free of charge. Owners can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions. Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls to confirm whether your vehicle is affected.
Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle
Official recall notice
Affected vehicles
| Kia Sorento | 20162017 |
|---|---|
| Kia Sportage | 2017 |