Car Recall Tracker

Home › Kia › Sportage › 22V651000

Kia Sportage Loose Alternator Nut Can Stall Engine, Spark Fire

NHTSA campaign 22V651000 · Reported 2022-08-29 · Kia America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

This one carries both a stall-while-driving crash risk and a fire risk, so treat it as urgent — though the notice does not tell owners to park the vehicle or keep it outside.

What's wrong, in plain English

A nut on the alternator — the part that charges the battery and powers the car's electrical system — may not be tight enough and can work loose. If it does, the engine can stall while you drive, or the electrical system can get a surge of power that could start a fire. Dealers will check the nut and tighten it if needed, free of charge. Letters went to owners September 23, 2022.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your 2023 Sportage is affected.
2. Contact a Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 about recall SC248.
3. Get the alternator terminal nut inspected and tightened — the service is free.

Affected vehicles (1)

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Official notice

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage vehicles. The alternator battery positive terminal nut may loosen, which can result in an engine stall or an electrical surge.
Safety risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and an electrical surge increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and tighten the alternator battery positive terminal nut, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC248.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.