High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Inspection, Replacement And Tightening (SC214) – 2021 Kia Sorento & 2021-2022 K5

July 8, 2021 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V519000

Fuel Leak at Pipe Connection

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519

Manufacturer KiaeBay logo Motors America

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Potential Number of Units Affected 21,575

 

Summary

KiaeBay logo Motor America (KiaeBay logo) is recalling certain 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.

 

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 21, 2021. Owners may contact KiaeBay logo customer service at 1-800-333-4542. KiaeBay logo’s number for this recall is SC214.

 

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.nhtsa.gov.

 

Check if your Kia has a Recall

 


GROUPMODEL
Safety Recall Campaign2021MY
Sorento (MQ4a) and 2021-2022MY K5 (DL3a) w/2.5L T-GDI
NUMBERDATE
SC214July 2021
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
SUBJECT:

HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE INSPECTION, REPLACEMENT AND TIGHTENING (SC214)

 

This bulletin provides information to inspect and, if required, replace the high-pressure fuel pipe on some 2021MY Sorento (MQ4a) and some 2021-2022MY K5 (DL3a) vehicles equipped with Theta III 2.5L T-GDI engines (refer to table below for production dates).  Also, whether the fuel pipe is replaced or not, dealers are to ensure it is tightened with the proper torque.  The fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may have been installed with insufficient torque during assembly.  In addition, a limited number of fuel pipes may have been manufactured out of specification for concentricity.  As a result of insufficient torque or improper concentricity, fuel may leak at the pipe connections.  Leaking fuel increases the risk of a fire, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

 

Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to inspect the Lot number and/or check for fuel leaking and, if required, replace the high-pressure fuel pipe.  Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

 

MYModelEngineProduction Date
2021Sorento (MQ4a)2.5L T-GDI10/26/2020 to 06/08/2021
21-22MYK5 (DL3a)11/16/2020 to 05/12/2021

 

NOTICE

There is no charge to the vehicle owner for this repair. Under applicable law, you may not sell or  otherwise deliver any affected vehicle until it has been repaired pursuant to the procedures set forth  in this bulletin.

 

NOTICE 

 To assure complete customer satisfaction, always remember to refer to WebDCS Warranty Coverage (validation) Inquiry Screen (Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry) for a list of any additional campaigns that may need to be performed on the vehicle before returning it to the customer.

 

Inspection Procedure:

1. Open hood and remove the engine cover (A).

 

2a. From the high-pressure pump (B), locate the high-pressure fuel pipe (C) and pipe insulator.

2b. Check the lot number printed on the high-pressure fuel pipe insulator.

 

3a. If the Lot Number is 210111 (NG), replace the high-pressure fuel delivery pipe by referring to the ‘Replacement Procedure’ on page 4.

3b. If the Lot Number is NOT 210111 (OK) (as shown), then proceed to step 4 on page 3.

 

4. Remove the high-pressure fuel pump foam cover (D).

Note: It may be necessary to lift up on the ignition coil foam cover, DO NOT remove it or disconnect the ignition coil connectors as it is not required.

 

5. Remove the intercooler/intake hose (E) after removing the retaining bolt.

Note: Other interfering wire/hose connectors may be required to be disconnected to allow room for torque wrench space for step 6b below, refer to page 6, step 5 (A, B and D).

Note: The air cleaner assy. does NOT need to be removed.

 

6a. Using a torque wrench and SST 09314 3Q100, confirm that the high-pressure fuel pump flare nut (F) is torque to specification.

Tightening torque for flange nut F: 19.5 2 6 . lb. ft. (26.5 32.4 Nm.)

6b. Using a torque wrench and a 12pt/19mm crowfoot wrench, confirm that the opposite end high-pressure fuel delivery pipe flare nut (G) is torqued to converted specification below.

Tightening torque for flange nut G: (using crowfoot wrench with a 1” change in length)

Using a 15” Torque Wrench Handle Length: 18.3 2 4.4 lb. ft. (2 4.8 3 3.1 Nm.)

 

Reference: Crowfoot Wrench Torque Conversion Calculator

 

7. ‘Start’ the engine and press the accelerator pedal, two to three (2-3) times, up to 5,000 RPMs. Then allow engine to idle.

 

8a. Inspect the high-pressure fuel delivery pipe/flare nuts (F & G) for any smell/visual fuel leaks.

8b. Inspect the two (2) high-pressure fuel delivery pipe flare nuts (F & G) for fuel leak using a sheet of test paper (see below). Check both sides (L&R) of each flare nut with test paper.

 

CAUTION

Be sure to shut the engine ‘OFF’ immediately if a fuel leak is present.

 

9a. If a fuel leak is found (NG), replace the  high-pressure fuel delivery pipe by referring to the ‘Replacement Procedure’ on page 5.

9b. If no leak is found (OK), reinstall all of the removed parts in the reverse order of removal.

 

NOTICE

Never release a vehicle to a customer with a fuel leak. If any leak(s) are found that cannot be corrected, as outlined in this bulletin, please open a Techline Case Online.

 

IMPORTANT

If a leak was present, be sure to wipe off any excess fuel that may have spread around surrounding parts/components.

 

Replacement Procedure:

CAUTION

If the high-pressure fuel pipe is removed immediately after shutting the engine off, injury may occur by the release of highly pressurized fuel. Please wait after engine is ‘OFF’ to start repairs. Refer to the applicable shop manual for further cautions when removing high pressure fuel system components.

 

1. Shut the engine ‘OFF’.

 

2. Remove the 20A fuel pump fuse.

 

3a. Disconnect the high-pressure fuel pump connector.

3b. Press the ‘Start’ button and allow the engine to run until it stalls.

 

4. Remove the two (2) air duct retaining fasteners.

 

5. Disconnect the following prior to removing the air cleaner assembly (E):

A. Disconnect RCV hose
B. Disconnect the vacuum hose.
C. Disconnect the PCV hose
D. Disconnect the ejector

 

6. Loosen the fuel pipe flange (F) at the high-pressure fuel pump using SST 09314 3Q100.

 

7. Loosen the fuel pipe flange (G) Aon the bottom opposite end using a 12pt/19mm crowfoot wrench.

 

8. Remove the two (2) fuel pipe retaining bolts to remove the fuel delivery pipe assembly from the vehicle.

 

IMPORTANT

Reuse the two (2) fuel delivery pipe retaining bolts. Ensure that the removed high pressure fuel pipe CANNOT be reused and discard

 

Note: Use shop towels to help absorb residual fuel when removing the fuel pipe assembly.

 

9. Install the new high-pressure fuel pipe.

 

10. Install all removed parts/connections/fuse in  the reverse order of removal.

 

11. REINSPECTION: Refer to page 4, (steps 7 – 8a,  8b) and confirm the new fuel pipe connections  are not leaking fuel using the test strip.

 

12. Confirm normal vehicle operation and no DTCs.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLE RANGE:

ModelProduction Date Range
Sorento (MQ4a)October 26, 2020 to June 8, 2021
K5 (DL3a)November 16, 2020 to May 12, 2021

 

REQUIRED TOOL:

Tool NameFigureComments
Torque Wrench Socket SST 09314 3Q100SST No. 09314 27130  may also be used
Test Paper

NWPGEN180

For order or replacement, contact

Snap-on Business Solutions at (888) 542-1011

Deep Flare Nut 19mm

Crowfoot Wrench*

(3/8” Drive 12-point)

Snap-On P/N ANM19 or other equivalent.

Locally Sourced

Torque Wrench

(3/8” Drive – 15” Long)

Locally Sourced

*Dealers will be reimbursed $45 for the purchase of the 12pt/19mm flare nut wrench on their monthly parts statement.

 

REQUIRED PART:

Part NamePart NumberFigureQty.
Fuel Delivery Pipe35305 2S200QQK1

 


SC214 – 2021-2022 K5 2.5T & 2021 SORENTO 2.5T FUEL LEAK
SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN
Q & A
July 13, 2021

 

Q1. What type of campaign is KiaeBay logo conducting?

KiaeBay logo America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign to inspect and, if required, replace the fuel pipe on certain 2021-2022 MY KiaeBay logo K5 and certain 2021 MY Sorento vehicles.  If replacement is not required, KiaeBay logo will ensure the fuel pipe is tightened with the proper torque.

 

Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?

Certain 2021-2022 MY KiaeBay logo K5 manufactured from November 16, 2020 through May 12, 2021 and 2021 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 26, 2020 through June 8, 2021 produced at KiaeBay logo Georgia equipped with 2.5L Turbocharged engines.

 

Q3. How many customer vehicles are affected by this recall?

Approximately 21,575 vehicles (20,849 Sorento vehicles and 726 K5 vehicles) are affected by this recall.

 

Q4. What is the concern with the fuel pipe?

The fuel pipe connecting the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel rail may have been installed with insufficient torque during assembly.  In addition, a limited number of fuel pipes may have been manufactured by the supplier out of specification for concentricity.  As a result of insufficient torque or improper concentricity, fuel may leak at the pipe connections.  Leaking fuel increases the risk of a fire, thereby increasing the risk of injury.

 

Q5. Can you describe the recall campaign and fix?

KiaeBay logo dealers will inspect the fuel pipe to determine whether the pipe falls within the affected supplier lot.  If the fuel pipe contains the affected lot date code, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one and tightened with the proper torque.  If the fuel pipe does not contain the affected lot date code, dealers will inspect the fuel pipe for a fuel leak.  If a fuel leak is found, the pipe will be replaced with a new one and tightened with the proper torque.  If no fuel leak is found, the fuel pipe will be checked to ensure it is tightened with the proper torque.  All inspection and repairs will be performed at KiaeBay logo’s expense at no cost to the customers.

 

Q6. How will owners of the affected vehicles be notified?

KiaeBay logo will notify owners of the affected vehicles by first class mail beginning on July 21, 2021.

 

Q7. What should vehicle owners do when they receive the notification?

Upon receipt of the notification letter, owners are to contact their authorized KiaeBay logo dealer to arrange to have their vehicle inspected and repaired.  Owners are instructed to turn off their engine and discontinue driving their vehicle if fuel smell and/or leakage is detected.

 

Q8. How was the issue discovered?

Through the regular monitoring of field information.

 

Q9. Will this cost vehicle owners any money?

No. KiaeBay logo will perform the recall inspection and repair at no cost to the customer.

 

Q10. What about customers who may have already paid to have this situation corrected?

If the customer has incurred expense to remedy this issue prior to the date of this notice, the customer may have the opportunity to obtain reimbursement for that expense.  Customers may submit their receipts online to KiaeBay logo via the Owners section (Contact KiaeBay logo) of www.kia.com OR mail their documentation with the completed Request for Reimbursement Form included with this letter directly to KiaeBay logo for review and consideration at the following address:

Consumer Assistance Center
KiaeBay logo America, Inc.
P.O. Box 52410
Irvine, CA  92619-2410
1-800-333-4542

 

Q11. How long will the inspection and repair take?

The actual time required to perform the inspection and repair will be approximately 1 to 2 hours.  However, the vehicle may be needed longer.  It is recommended that owners schedule a service appointment to minimize inconvenience.  Owners can also contact their authorized KiaeBay logo dealer for an exact estimate of how long they may need the vehicle.  (Most KiaeBay logo dealers have online appointment scheduling via their dealership websites to maximize convenience.)

 

A12. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?

No.

 

Q13. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?

The customer can contact their local authorized KiaeBay logo dealership or call KiaeBay logo’s Consumer Assistance Center at 1-800333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time, or via the internet at www.kia.com (Owner’s Section).

 

SC214

 


2021MY Sorento & 2021-2022MY K5 Fuel Leak Chronology
Basis of Safety Defect Determination 573.6(c)(6)

 

March 31, 2021

KiaeBay logo Georgia (KiaeBay logo GA) informs KiaeBay logo North America (KiaeBay logo NA) that the fuel pipe connecting the high pressure fuel pump may have been insufficiently torqued in 2.5L Turbocharged engines produced at the Hyundai Motors Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) engine plant from March 25, 2021 through March 30, 2021. KiaeBay logo GA confirms that the KiaeBay logo vehicles equipped with these engines produced at HMMA during this period and installed in vehicles manufactured at KiaeBay logo GA had been contained at the KiaeBay logo GA plant.

 

May 6, 2021

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) asks KiaeBay logo NA if any KiaeBay logo vehicles are affected with the same issue as identified in Hyundai’s 21V308 recall.  KiaeBay logo NA confirms no KiaeBay logo vehicles are affected by the same recall condition.

 

May 13, 2021

KiaeBay logo America, Inc. (KUS) receives Technical Assistance Center Case Report of fuel smell in a 2021MY Sorento (Vehicle #1). Dealer technician identifies fuel leaking at fuel pipe and fuel pump connection and re-tightens the fitting. Issue resolved.

 

June 8-11, 2021

KUS receives another Technical Assistance Center Case Report of fuel smell in a 2021MY Sorento (Vehicle #2). Dealer technician identifies fuel leaking at fuel pipe and fuel pump connection. KiaeBay logo GA, HMMA and KiaeBay logo NA conduct joint inspection of Vehicle #2 and identify fuel pipe at high pressure fuel pump connection is out of torque specification. HMMA collects parts for further evaluation.

 

June 16, 2021

KUS receives additional Technical Assistance Center Case Report of fuel smell in a 2021MY Sorento (Vehicle #3). Dealer technician identifies fuel leaking at the fuel pipe and fuel pump connection. During KiaeBay logo NA’s detailed review of field data for any additional fuel leaks involving the fuel pipe in the 2021 Sorento, a Technical Assistance Center Case Report is identified for check engine light ON concern. Dealer technician notices fuel smell upon inspection and identifies fuel leak from high side of fuel rail. (Vehicle #4).

 

June 18, 2021

HMMA, KiaeBay logo GA and KiaeBay logo NA conduct joint inspection of Vehicle #3 and find fuel pipe and fuel pump connection out of torque specification. Parts are sent to HMMA for further evaluation. KiaeBay logo NA continues to monitor and work with KiaeBay logo GA and HMMA to further evaluate issue.

 

June 28-July 1, 2021

HMMA receives shipped parts from Vehicle #3 and installs returned fuel pipe on new engine and identifies fuel continues to leak even when properly torqued. HMMA further identifies pipe does not meet concentricity specifications. HMMA, KiaeBay logo Corporation (KiaeBay logo HQ) and fuel pipe supplier work jointly to identify problematic fuel pipe lot. Supplier traces concentricity issue to some parts produced on 1/11/2021 and confirms issue caused by instability of pipe diameter forming machine pin.  HMMA also confirms the possibility that the fuel pipe which connects to the high pressure fuel pump installed in 2.5L Turbocharged engines produced before March 30, 2021 may have been installed with insufficient torque during assembly. HMMA, fuel pipe supplier and KiaeBay logo GA check part, engine and vehicle production records to confirm proper scope of vehicles affected are identified.

 

July 1, 2021

KiaeBay logo NA decides to conduct a recall to ensure all vehicles that may be potentially affected by the insufficient torque and/or concentricity conditions. Four (4) reports of fuel smell/leak involving the 2021MY Sorento equipped with 2.5L Turbocharged engines. No reports of fuel smell/leak for the 2021-2022MY K5 equipped with 2.5L Turbocharged engines. No fatalities, injuries, crashes or fires.

 


3 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKEMODELYEAR
KIAeBay logoK52021-2022
KIAeBay logoSORENTO2021

 


10 Associated Documents

Chronology

RMISC-21V519-0620.pdf 82.827KB

 


Miscellaneous Document – SC214 2021-2022 K5 2.5T & 2021 SORENTO 2.5T FUEL LEAK SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN Q & A

RMISC-21V519-3052.pdf 116.355KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – SC214 – Dealer Parts and Service Manager Memo

RCMN-21V519-1540.pdf 87.497KB

 


Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-21V519-1381.pdf 645.158KB

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-21V519-3079.PDF 215.842KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – SC214 – Dealer Principal Memo

RCMN-21V519-4872.pdf 110.425KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-21V519-9519.pdf 1229.979KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)- Sorento

RCONL-21V519-0686.pdf 181.106KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)- K5

RCONL-21V519-2862.pdf 180.823KB

 


Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2021-4

RCLQRT-21V519-4119.PDF 211.233KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=21V519&docType=RCL

 


 

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