The problem
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.
The risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
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 August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 22V-703 (22V703000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SC249 |
| Manufacturer | Kia America, Inc. |
| Component | Trailer hitches |
| Report date | September 19, 2022 |
| Owners notified | July 27, 2023 |
| Vehicles affected | 70,887 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2016 Kia Sorento
- 2017 Kia Sorento
- 2018 Kia Sorento
- 2019 Kia Sorento
- 2020 Kia Sorento
- 2021 Kia Sorento
- 2022 Kia Sorento
- 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- 2022 Kia Sorento Phev
- 2023 Kia Sorento Phev
- 2017 Kia Sportage
- 2018 Kia Sportage
- 2019 Kia Sportage
- 2020 Kia Sportage
- 2021 Kia Sportage
- 2022 Kia Sportage
Owner complaints about the equipment & accessories
- 2016 Kia Sorento equipment problems 11
- 2017 Kia Sorento equipment problems 5
- 2018 Kia Sorento equipment problems 7
- 2019 Kia Sorento equipment problems 7
- 2020 Kia Sorento equipment problems 9
- 2021 Kia Sorento equipment problems 2
- 2022 Kia Sorento equipment problems 6
- 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid equipment problems 1
- 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid equipment problems 1
- 2022 Kia Sorento Phev equipment problems 2
- 2017 Kia Sportage equipment problems 5
- 2018 Kia Sportage equipment problems 3
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 22V-703 repair free?
Yes. Kia dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 70,887 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is it safe to drive?
Owners are advised to park outside and away from buildings until the repair is done, because of a fire risk.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.