Kia Recalls K5 and Sorento for Sudden Power Loss While Driving
Nearly 70,000 vehicles are included in the recall, which is due to a transmission problem
By Keith Barry
Kia is recalling some 2021 and 2022 Sorento SUVs and 2021 through 2023 K5 sedans because they may suddenly lose power. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, it could cause a crash.
Only vehicles with the optional 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine are included in the recall. The problem is due to a faulty pump within the eight-speed transmission.
Before the problem occurs, owners may hear audible chimes and the message “stop safely immediately,” and a check engine light may illuminate on the display behind the steering wheel. If this happens, drivers should immediately begin looking for a place to safely pull over. After these warnings appear, the vehicle will lose power 20 to 30 seconds later, according to documents Kia provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to Kia, there have been 29 cases of vehicles losing power while in motion, and no crashes or injuries related to the recall.
Kia dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmission. These repairs will be done free of charge.
Learn more about car recalls at CR’s guide to recalls.
Vehicles Recalled
Vehicles Recalled
• Kia Sorento SUVs manufactured from Oct. 26, 2020, through Aug. 25, 2022
• Kia K5 sedans manufactured from Nov. 16, 2020, through Aug. 12, 2022
Only vehicles equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission are included in the recall.
The problem: Because of a manufacturing error, a pump within the transmission may fail and cause a complete loss of vehicle power.
The fix: Kia dealerships will inspect and—if necessary—replace the transmission, free of charge. The replacement transmission will also have updated software.
How to contact the manufacturer: Kia will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles by mail starting Dec. 9, 2022. Owners may also contact Kia at 800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V760. Kia’s own number for this recall is SC250.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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