Irvine, CA – November 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) and sister company Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) are recalling 69,038 sedans and SUVs whose transmissions may shift out of Drive on their own, leaving the vehicle without motive power. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.
Only the models with a 2.5-liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission are affected.
The following models are included:
- 2021 – 2023 Kia K5
- 2021 – 2022 Kia Sorento
- 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Sonata
- 2021 – 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
- 2022 Hyundai Elantra
- 2022 Hyundai Kona N
- 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Recall summary
The transmission of the affected vehicles has an oil pump whose role is to “drive the engine to rotate,” according to Japanese auto supplier Toyo. Due to a manufacturing error, the pump may fail. If this happens, the vehicle will alert the driver and then, within several seconds, shift the transmission out of Drive. This will cause loss of drive power.
The component causing this recall is the electric oil pump with part number 46220-2N510.
Background of the recall
The recall follows on the heels of 265 Kia and Hyunda incidents alleging vehicles stalling while driving. Some drivers have reported “doing 70[miles per hour] on heavy traffic with a huge truck to [the] right” when “the engine stopped responding.” No accidents or injuries have been reported so far.
Warning signs
About 20 to 30 seconds before the stall happens, a chime and a message to “Stop Safely” will warn the driver about the issue. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) will also come on.
Recall risks
For more on the risks of this recall please visit this article about a similar RAM recall.
Other Kia recalls
Just recently, Kia recalled some of its Sportage SUVs over loose wiring. This may cause the vehicle to stall or, in some cases, even catch fire.
Owners should also be aware of Kia and Hyundai recalls caused by this issue that took place during this year.
The repair
Dealers will check the transmissions on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. In addition, they will reprogram the transmission’s control unit. This repair will be free of charge.
Vehicle owners will be notified on December 9, 2022.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
This Kia loss of power issue is affecting nearly 70,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.