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NHTSA Recall 15V626000: Automatic transmission (power train)

Kia Motors America reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 377,062 vehicles. It affects 2011–2013 Kia Sorento.

377,062
vehicles potentially affected
1
model affected
2015
owners notified (November 9)
NHTSA campaign15V626000
Manufacturer campaignSC124
ComponentPOWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Report receivedOctober 6, 2015
Owner notificationNovember 9, 2015
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 19, 2009, to January 31, 2013. In the affected vehicles, if excessive force is applied to the gear shift lever, the brake-shift interlock mechanism may chip or crack allowing the transmission being able to be shifted out of "Park" without the brakes being depressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Safety risk

Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll, which may result in a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism, free of charge. The recall began on November 9, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC124.

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.safercar.gov.

Vehicles covered by recall 15V626000

Make and modelModel years
Kia Sorento2011, 2012, 2013

Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.