Kia is recalling 10,687 Sorento hybrid and plug-in hybrid midsize crossover SUVs as a result of a software program concern may trigger their headlights and taillights to go darkish.
Within the affected automobiles, a software program logic error with the physique area management unit may trigger momentary lighting failure underneath sure circumstances, based on the NHTSA. Even a momentary lack of headlights and taillights may cut back visibility for the motive force, in addition to make the car much less seen to different highway customers, rising the danger of a crash.
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The recall contains 8,937 Sorento Hybrid and 1,750 Sorento PHEV crossovers—all 2025 fashions—in addition to a a lot bigger inhabitants of non-hybrid 2024 and 2025 Sorento fashions. These are refreshed variations with, amongst different issues, new headlights and taillights. However Kia has decided that the fault lies with control-unit software program relatively than the lighting items themselves.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid fashions had been refreshed one mannequin 12 months after non-hybrids, which is why the recall applies to solely 2025-model-year hybrids and plug-in hybrids. No mechanical modifications had been made, though the Sorento Hybrid noticed a 1-mpg dip in EPA gas economic system to 36 mpg mixed. EPA electrical vary for the plug-in hybrid nonetheless hasn’t been confirmed, nevertheless it’s anticipated to be near the 2024 mannequin’s 32 miles.
2025 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid
The Sorento Hybrid saved the identical base value as earlier than, however a number of value hikes and the lack of federal EV tax credit score qualification imply the Sorento PHEV successfully prices $10,000 extra than it did three years in the past. The 2025 mannequin was additionally promptly recalled for a fuel-leak concern.
As with that recall, Kia informed the NHTSA that it’s unaware of any crashes, accidents, or fatalities associated to the lighting concern. The treatment right here is a software program replace, which have to be carried out at a dealership, however can be performed freed from cost. Kia expects to mail proprietor notification letters Feb. 21. Homeowners may contact the automaker’s customer support division at 1-800-333-4542 for extra data and reference recall quantity SC331.
