Kia recall: Trailer hitches
What is wrong
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."
What could happen
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.
Vehicles covered
- Kia Sorento 2016–2017
- Kia Sportage 2017
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 16V862000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- Kia Motors America
- Reported to NHTSA
- Nov 30, 2016
- Owners notified
- Jan 19, 2017
- Vehicles or items affected
- 10,212
- Started by
- The manufacturer
- Built
- Oct 27, 2014 to Aug 25, 2016
- Part
- Trailer hitches; Electrical system
- Maker's own recall number
- SC142
- Safety standard
- FMVSS 108
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.
Other recalls for the same vehicles
- Kia recall: Electrical system Jan 26, 2026
- Kia recall: Tires Oct 30, 2025
- Kia recall: Visibility Sep 25, 2025
- Kia recall: Engine and engine cooling Aug 25, 2025
- Kia recall: Electrical system Jan 13, 2025
- Kia recall: Electrical system Apr 23, 2024
To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.