September 19, 2022 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 22V703000
Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703
Manufacturer Kia America, Inc.
Components TRAILER HITCHES
Potential Number of Units Affected 70,887
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.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 14, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC249.
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
2016-2022MY Sorento, 2021-2023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV and 2017-2022MY Sportage Tow Hitch Harness
Basis of Safety Defect Determination 573.6(c)(6)
April 20, 2022
Kia North America (Kia NA) Safety Office reviews field data associated with the Kia Genuine tow hitch harness accessory to identify potential allegations of fire for Kia models following escalation of similar issue associated with the 2020MY Telluride to its SEL. Kia NA Safety Office identifies several alleged tow hitch harness related fire incidents involving the Kia Sorento (UMa), including a 2016 Kia Sorento.
April 21, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office places the Kia Genuine trailer harness for the Sorento on automatic warranty part return.
April 27—May 9, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office meets with supplier to review collected part from the 2016 Sorento incident vehicle and discuss preliminary field data analysis.
May 6, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office escalates issue to SEL.
June 8, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office discusses issue with NHTSA during June monthly meeting and continues providing monthly updates.
July 13, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office retains third-party engineering firm and ships warranty returned parts to engineering firm for investigation.
July 20, 2022
Kia NA issues Technical Service Bulletin: Trailer Hitch Accessory Fuse Requirement (ELE261) to reiterate the use of the required 15-amp fuse when installing trailer hitch accessory.
July 21, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office provides update to NHTSA during July monthly meeting.
Supplier conducts CT scan of 2016MY Sorento tow hitch harness module and identifies origin damage on the printed circuit board. Supplier begins evaluation to determine cause.
July 22, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office sends warranty returned and exemplar parts to third-party engineering firm for further analysis.
August 10, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office provides update to NHTSA during August monthly meeting.
September 6, 2022
Kia’s third-party engineering firm conducts various scans, x-rays, and fault recreation analysis and identifies chloride contamination on circuit boards of received parts.
September 7, 2022
Kia NA Safety Office conducts data analysis and identifies 3 confirmed vehicle fires and 30 localized melting incidents involving the 2016-2020MY Kia Sorento (UMa). [dates of receipt 8/27/2015-8/9/2022]
September 8-9, 2022
Supplier advises Kia NA Safety Office that the tow hitch harness module used in the 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa) is also used in 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a), the 2021-2023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV, and the 2017-2022MY Sportage. Kia NA Safety Office conducts field data analysis for these additional vehicles and identifies one (1) alleged vehicle fire and one (1) localized melting incident involving the 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a). [dates of receipt 9/23/2021 & 9/1/2022]
September 12, 2022
Kia NA decides to recall certain 2016-2022MY Sorento, 20212023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV and 20172022MY Sportage vehicles equipped with the Kia Genuine tow hitch harness accessory. Three (3) confirmed vehicle fires and 30 localized melting incidents involving the 2016-2020MY Sorento (UMa) and one (1) alleged vehicle fire and one (1) localized melting incident involving the 2021-2022MY Sorento (MQ4a). No fires or localized melting involving the 2021-2023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV or 2017-2022MY Sportage.
No fatalities, injuries, or crashes involving any of the subject vehicles.
18 Affected Products
Vehicles
| MAKE | MODEL | YEAR |
| KIA | SORENTO | 2016-2022 |
| KIA | SORENTO HYBRID | 2021-2023 |
| KIA | SORENTO PHEV | 2022-2023 |
| KIA | SPORTAGE | 2017-2022 |
3 Associated Documents
Recall Acknowledgement
RCAK-22V703-8026.pdf 645.396KB
Defect Notice 573 Report
RCLRPT-22V703-6415.PDF 246.741KB
RCLRPT-22V703-6415
2016-2022MY Sorento, 2021-2023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV and 2017-2022MY Sportage Tow Hitch Harness Chronology
RMISC-22V703-6870.pdf 89.379KB
RMISC-22V703-6870
Latest Recalls Documents
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=22V703&docType=RCL
- COMPLETE KIT. This towing kit includes a class 3 hitch with hardware and a wiring harness to provide a complete kit for outfitting your vehicle for towing. Both the hitch and wiring are designed for select models of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 6, 000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 900 lbs. tongue weight, 8, 000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 900 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component).
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more.
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid Bonderite and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! The trailer wiring harness in this kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer. It connects the taillights, turn signals and brake lights.
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 750 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 750 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Kia Telluride
- Vehicle specific replacement trailer wiring harness for vehicles originally equipped with a factory installed tow package - perfect for replacing damaged or missing factory harnesses.Material:Polyvinyl Chloride
- Quick and easy plug-in installation - no cutting or splicing necessary; simply plug into the existing vehicle connector, insert the provided fuse and you are ready to start towing
- Circuit protected HD ModuLite module ensures electrical system compatibility between tow vehicle and trailer, and protects the tow vehicle from harmful electrical shorts or incorrect wire connections
- Included 4-wire flat connector is compatible with 5, 6 and 7 pole adapters (not included) to fit just about any trailer system
- For Kia Sedona Trailer Wiring. This sedona trailer wire harness fits for select year(2007-2021) of Kia Sedona, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz. Quickly replacing damaged or missing trailer harness
- Standard 4 Way Connector. 4-flat plug of this trailer wiring for hyundai santa fe compatible with a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle. 4-way trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals
- Durable Construction. Oyviny powered trailer taillight converter and sorento trailer connectors are made from high strength and good toughness ABS plastic, converter connects directly to battery to avoid overloading vehicle's electrical system
- Easy Installation. Plug and Play sorento tow harness requires no splicing or cutting of wires, directly plug the custom connector into the existing factory tow package harness on your vehicle
- Dust Cover. Both 4 way flat trailer connector and fuse holder(comes with a 10amp fuse) are equipped with rubber dust cap that protect the components from dust and water to prevent rusting and short circuit, ensure long-lasting use
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. This class 2 trailer hitch kit has a standard 1-1/4-inch receiver and includes a ball mount with a 3/4-inch hole, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack (trailer ball sold separately)
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch kit fits select model years of the Kia Sportage
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
- Application: For 2010-2019 Kia Soul All Models, For 2007-2012 Kia Rondo All Models
- Trailer Hitch Wiring Connector
- 4-Way Flat Output Trailer Wire Harness Connector
- Circuits Specification: Turn and Brake Circuits: 3.0 Amps, Tail Lights Circuits: 6.0 Amps, Electrical System Type: 3W
- Converter Type: Circuit Protected and Powered, Long-lasting & Simple To Install
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer.Material:Rubber
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a wide variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Telluride and Kia Carnival (factory tow package required)
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 4,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 600 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Kia Niro
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 525 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Kia Sportage
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