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Kia Sorento and Sportage tow hitch wiring fire risk

NHTSA campaign 22V703000 · Reported 2022-09-19 · Kia America, Inc.

critical How serious is it? About this label

Serious — a fire can start while parked or driving, so park outdoors away from buildings until the inspection and repair are done.

⚠ Park outside, away from buildings — fire risk. See all such recalls.

What's wrong, in plain English

These vehicles have a trailer tow wiring kit, fitted at the factory or added later by a Kia dealer. Dirt and moisture can build up on the small circuit board in that kit and cause an electrical short, which can start a fire — whether you are driving or parked. Kia says park outside and away from buildings until it is repaired. Dealers inspect the vehicle and replace the fuse or the tow wiring module if needed, free.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your vehicle is covered.
2. Park outside and away from structures until the work is finished.
3. Contact your Kia dealer or Kia at 1-800-333-4542 (recall SC249) for the free inspection and parts replacement.

Affected vehicles (13)

Show all 13 vehicles

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
TRAILER HITCHES
Summary
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Safety risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

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