SC249 – Tow Hitch Harness Fire While Parked or Driving – 2016-2022 Kia Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), & 2017-2022 Sportage

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 KiaeBay logo America, Inc.

Components TRAILER HITCHES

Potential Number of Units Affected 70,887

 

Summary

KiaeBay logo America, Inc. (KiaeBay logo) 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 KiaeBay logo 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. 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 July 27, 2023. Owners may contact KiaeBay logo customer service at 1-800-333-4542. KiaeBay logo’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

 


SC249 (Rev 2, 07/26/2023)

TRAILER TOW HITCH HARNESS INSPECTION & REPLACEMENT (SC249)

This bulletin provides information to inspect certain 2016-2023MY KiaeBay logo vehicles listed on page 5. To determine whether or not the subject vehicles are equipped with a Genuine KiaeBay logo Tow Hitch Harness accessory, refer to page 2. If the customer’s vehicle is equipped with a Genuine KiaeBay logo Tow Hitch Harness accessory, dealers are to replace the tow hitch harness with an improved one, and if necessary, replace the tow hitch harness fuse with a 15A fuse. A fire may occur in the area of the tow hitch harness module while driving or while the vehicle is parked with the ignition OFF. Foreign materials and moisture contamination on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may result in an electrical short circuit, increasing the risk of a tow hitch harness module fire. Follow the procedure outlined in this publication to replace the tow hitch harness with an improved one and, if necessary, replace the tow hitch harness fuse with a 15A fuse. Before conducting the procedure, verify that the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

 

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.

 

 


2016-2022 MY SORENTO, 2021-2023 MY SORENTO HEV, 2022-2023 MY SORENTO PHEV, AND 2017-2022 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES
TOW HITCH HARNESS – SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (SC249)
Q & A – FOLLOW-UP NOTICE
July 24, 2023

Q1. What type of campaign is KiaeBay logo conducting?

A1. KiaeBay logo America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign to address a condition involving the tow hitch harness accessory.

 

Q2. What vehicles are affected by the recall?

A2. Certain 2016-2022 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014 to September 12, 2022,
Certain 2021-2023 MY Sorento HEV vehicles manufactured from September 2, 2020 to August 31, 2022,
Certain 2022-2023 MY Sorento PHEV vehicles manufactured from June 29, 2021 to August 30, 2022, and
Certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015 to December 7, 2021

 

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

A3. Approximately 70,887 vehicles
(22,052 vehicles equipped with the subject tow hitch harness as a port installed option (PIO) and 48,835 vehicles equipped with the subject tow hitch harness as a dealer installed option (DIO), according to part sales records)

 

Q4. What is the concern with the Tow Hitch Harness?

A4. A fire may occur in the area of the tow hitch harness module while driving or while the vehicle is parked with the ignition off. Foreign material and moisture contamination on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may result in an electrical short circuit, thereby increasing the risk of a tow hitch harness module fire. A fire increases the risk of injury.

 

Q5. Can you describe the recall campaign and fix?

A5. If the customer had the initial remedy completed (fuse replacement): KiaeBay logo dealers will replace the tow hitch harness module.
If the customer has not had the initial remedy completed: KiaeBay logo dealers will replace the tow hitch harness module. In addition, KiaeBay logo dealers will install a new fuse with a different capacity to address the fire risk while the vehicle is in operation or parked.

 

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

A6. KiaeBay logo will send a follow-up notice to owners of the affected vehicles that may be equipped with a Genuine KiaeBay logo tow hitch harness installed as optional equipment by first class mail beginning on July 27, 2023.

 

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

A7. Upon receipt of the letter, owners are to verify whether or not their vehicle is equipped with a tow hitch harness in order to determine the eligibility of this recall. If the customer’s vehicle is NOT equipped with a Genuine KiaeBay logo tow hitch harness accessory, no further action is required. Eligible vehicle owners are instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized KiaeBay logo dealer to have the recall performed on their vehicle free of charge at no cost to them. Out of an abundance of caution, KiaeBay logo recommends the vehicle owners park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall is performed.

 

Q8. Where were these vehicles produced?

A8. The affected vehicles were produced at KiaeBay logo assembly plants in the U.S. and Korea.

 

Q9. Will this cost vehicle owners any money?

A9. No. KiaeBay logo will perform the recall repair free of charge at no cost to the customer.

 

Q10. Are there any restrictions on an owner’s eligibility?

A10. Only vehicles that have a Genuine KiaeBay logo tow hitch harness installed are eligible.

 

Q11. If a customer has an immediate question, where can they get further information?

A11. The customer can contact their local authorized KiaeBay logo dealership or call KiaeBay logo’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-333-4KIA (4542), Monday through Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM Pacific Time, or via the internet at www.kia.com (Owner’s Section).

 


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

KiaeBay logo North America (KiaeBay logo NA) Safety Office reviews field data  associated with the KiaeBay logo Genuine tow hitch harness accessory to identify potential allegations of fire for KiaeBay logo models following escalation of similar issue associated with the 2020MY Telluride to its SEL.  KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office identifies several alleged tow hitch harness related fire incidents involving the KiaeBay logo Sorento (UMa), including a 2016 KiaeBay logo Sorento.

 

April 21, 2022

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office places the KiaeBay logo Genuine trailer harness for the Sorento on automatic warranty part return.

 

April 27—May 9, 2022

KiaeBay logo 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

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office escalates issue to SEL.

 

June 8, 2022

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office discusses issue with NHTSA during June monthly meeting and continues providing monthly updates.

 

July 13, 2022

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office retains third-party engineering firm and ships warranty returned parts to engineering firm for investigation.

 

July 20, 2022

KiaeBay logo 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

KiaeBay logo 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

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office sends warranty returned and exemplar parts to third-party engineering firm for further analysis.

 

August 10, 2022

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office provides update to NHTSA during August monthly meeting.

 

September 6, 2022

KiaeBay logo’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

KiaeBay logo NA Safety Office conducts data analysis and identifies 3 confirmed vehicle fires and 30 localized melting incidents involving the 2016-2020MY KiaeBay logo Sorento (UMa). [dates of receipt 8/27/2015-8/9/2022]

 

September 8-9, 2022

Supplier advises KiaeBay logo 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. KiaeBay logo 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

KiaeBay logo NA decides to recall certain 2016-2022MY Sorento, 20212023MY Sorento HEV, 2022-2023MY Sorento PHEV and 20172022MY Sportage vehicles equipped with the KiaeBay logo 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

MAKEMODELYEAR
KIAeBay logoSORENTO2016-2022
KIAeBay logoSORENTO HYBRID2021-2023
KIAeBay logoSORENTO PHEV2022-2023
KIAeBay logoSPORTAGE2017-2022

 


33 Associated Documents

Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-22V703-8026.pdf 645.396KB

 


Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-22V703-6415.PDF 246.741KB

 


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

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-5545.pdf 131.653KB

 


2016-2022 MY SORENTO, 2021-2023 MY SORENTO HEV, 2022-2023 MY SORENTO PHEV, AND 2017-2022 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES TOW HITCH HARNESS – SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (SC249) Q & A – INTERIM NOTICE November 9, 2022

RMISC-22V703-5474.pdf 111.114KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-2282.pdf 107.737KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-3224.pdf 229.402KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-22V703-5199.pdf 269.505KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-7533.pdf 174.824KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-3178.pdf 217.316KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-3842.pdf 223.886KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-0963.pdf 174.778KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-2283.pdf 174.904KB

 


Recall 573 Report – April 24, 2023

RCLRPT-22V703-9299.PDF 218.311KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-7388.pdf 108.911KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-0145.pdf 132.939KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-8705.pdf 177.09KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-22V703-3943.pdf 661.902KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-8995.pdf 219.327KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-3856.pdf 176.88KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-1130.pdf 225.818KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-4998.pdf 231.593KB

 


2016-2022 MY SORENTO, 2021-2023 MY SORENTO HEV, 2022-2023 MY SORENTO PHEV, AND 2017-2022 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES TOW HITCH HARNESS – SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (SC249) Q & A – INTERIM NOTICE UPDATE May 5, 2023

RMISC-22V703-0866.pdf 111.319KB

 


ISSUED Interim Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RIONL-22V703-3595.pdf 177.871KB

 


Recall 573 Report – June 27, 2023

RCLRPT-22V703-8322.PDF 218.765KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-3788.pdf 132.012KB

 


2016-2022 MY SORENTO, 2021-2023 MY SORENTO HEV, 2022-2023 MY SORENTO PHEV, AND 2017-2022 MY SPORTAGE VEHICLES TOW HITCH HARNESS – SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN (SC249) Q & A – FOLLOW-UP NOTICE

RMISC-22V703-6542.pdf 111.4KB

 


Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc)

RCMN-22V703-7996.PDF 107.938KB

 


Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-22V703-5756.PDF 2341.371KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V703-8072.pdf 355.289KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V703-6024.pdf 353.783KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V703-0299.pdf 353.447KB

 


ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577)

RCONL-22V703-3188.pdf 353.747KB

 


Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=22V703&docType=RCL

 


 

Bestseller No. 1
CURT Manufacturing 56222 Trailer Hitch Wiring T-Connector for Kia Rondo/Soul (w/o LED Taillights)
  • Simple plug and play design eliminates the need for cutting or splicing
  • Includes converter where needed and comes with a dust cover to keep your connector clean when not in use
  • Electrical System Type: 3W
  • Approx. Install Time: 15 Minutes
  • Made in the USA
SaleBestseller No. 2
Nilight 4 Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Kit 56490 Vehicle Standard 4 Way Connector Custom for 2023 2024 2025 Kia Telluride LX Telluride S Simple Fit Tow Hitch
  • VEHICLE-SPECIFIC: This vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for 2023-2025 KiaeBay logo Telluride LX, 2023-2025 KiaeBay logo Telluride S. OEM-compatible connectors to plug into your vehicle's wiring harness, located behind the driver and passenger side taillight housing
  • STANDARD CONNECTOR: This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. Standard 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle. The 4-way connector will be stowed beneath your vehicle, near the trailer hitch, when installation completed
  • EASY TO INSTALL: No cutting or splicing factory wire. Plug and play harness. 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
  • DUST COVER: To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness for 2023-2025 KiaeBay logo Telluride LX, 2023-2025 KiaeBay logo Telluride S. Comes with a tight-fitting rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: Custom 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness*1, Zip tie*9, Screw*1, 15A fuse*1, Extensive wire*1
Bestseller No. 3
WATERWICH 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Compatible with Kia Sportage 2017-2022 Replacement for 56321 for Trailer Lights Connect
  • Trailer Wiring Harness Fitment: Compatible with KiaeBay logo Sportage 2017-2022
  • Replace Part Number: 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness Replacement for 56321
  • Standard Replacement: Durable wires and solid 4-pin trailer plug are highly compatible with a variety of trailers. Custom 4-pin trailer harness is used for connecting trailer tail lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights. It offers high adaptability and stable operation
  • Durable Protection: The 4-pin trailer wiring connector features a rubber dust cover that provides dual protection for the wiring harness terminals. When not in use, the cover can be easily installed on the four-wire plug to shield the socket from water, dust, and long-term wear
  • Easy to Install: The tow light wiring harness is directly plug and play, making your installation simpler and more efficient without the need for additional cutting and splicing. Additionally, the trailer hitch wiring comes with instructions to help you install smoothly
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
MECMO 4-Way Flat Trailer Hitch Wiring Harness for 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL, 2007-2012 Veracruz, 2015-2020 KIA Sedona, 2007-2021 Sorento
  • For Hyundai/KIAeBay logo: This trailer hitch wiring is design for used at vehicle with Factory Tow Package for 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe (GLS and Limited), 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (SE and Limited), 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe (Sport), 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, 2007-2012 Hyundai Veracruz; Fits 2015-2021 KIAeBay logo Sedona, 2007-2020 KIAeBay logo Sorento (Note: factory tow package required)
  • 4-Pin Trailer Light Plug:: Standard 4pin flat for select Hyundai and KIAeBay logo trailer plug connector adds versatile towing options to your towing vehicle; Connect the 4-pin trailer wire harness at the back of your vehicle to power trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals
  • Easy Installation:: No cutting or splicing factory wire; Plug and play T-connector harness 4 Pin Trailer Light Harness plugs directly into your vehicle existing wiring, which is located in rear tail light
  • Dust Cover:: Vehicle-side for KIAeBay logo Sorento 4-way flat trailer connector socket comes with tight-fitting rubber dust cover to protect the socket terminal from dust and water damage
  • Durable Construction:: This replacement for Hyundai Santa Fe trailer hitch receiver wiring harness kit construct with heavy duty bonded wire and premium tin-plated copper terminals perform in great corrosion-resistant and conductivity

Last update on 2026-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

 


This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Leave a Comment

Share to...