2016 Kia Sedona and Kia Sorento Are Recalled for Rollaway Crash Risk
A faulty shift lever can be moved out of Park even if the vehicle’s ignition is off
2016 Kia Sorento SXL
By Keith Barry
Kia is recalling over 28,000 Sedona minivans and Sorento SUVs to fix a faulty shift lever that can be moved even when the vehicle is turned off. If the shift lever is moved out of Park, the vehicle could roll away and cause a crash.
The automaker began investigating after reports that a child was able to shift a 2016 Sedona out of Park without pressing the brake and when the ignition was turned off. Since then, the automaker has uncovered 13 complaints about the shift levers in those vehicles, including two crashes.
The cause of the problem is a faulty shift lever component that dealerships will replace, free of charge. According to documents that Kia provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been no injuries, fatalities, or fires related to this recall.
The Details
Vehicles Recalled
• Kia Sedona minivans manufactured between April 27, 2015, and June 27, 2015
• Kia Sorento SUVs manufactured between April 27, 2015, and July 9, 2015
The problem: Because of a manufacturing error at a parts supplier, the recalled vehicles’ shift lock lever might not return to the locked position after the shift lever is moved. As a result, the shift lever can be moved out of Park and into any gear position without pressing the brake pedal first, regardless of whether the ignition is on or off. This could increase the risk of the vehicle rolling away.
The fix: Dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, repair the faulty shift lock lever, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Kia will begin contacting owners of affected vehicles by mail starting Oct. 7, 2022. Owners may also contact Kia at 800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V612. Kia’s own number for this recall is SC246.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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