Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Air Bags (20.1% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Air Bags complaints here are 4.4× the median for that category across the 1998 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 31 · 20.1% | Recalled | Recall 11V473000 |
| Electrical System | 19 · 12.3% | Recalled | Recall 20V088000 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 18 · 11.7% | not available | — |
| Service Brakes | 18 · 11.7% | not available | — |
| Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module | 14 · 9.1% | Recalled | Recall 11V473000 |
| Air Bags:frontal | 13 · 8.4% | Recalled | Recall 11V473000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 154 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 20V088000 · 2020 · reported 02/14/2020
An electrical short within the ABS Module may cause an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, increasing the risk of an injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 09V130000 · 2009 · reported 04/17/2009
ANY OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS, ALONE OR IN COMBINATION, MAY LEAD TO A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 11V473000 · 2011 · reported 09/07/2011
THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF WHEN THE OCS MISCLASSIFIES AN ADULT PASSENGER. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF, THE FRONT PASSENGER WILL NOT HAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN SOME FRONTAL COLLISIONS, THUS INCREASING THE RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 2013 · reported 04/01/2013
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS JAMMED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED…”NHTSA complaint 10917735 — filed 10/21/2016 · AIR BAGS
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY 2007 KIA SORENTO TO HAVE THE CLOCK SPRING REPLACED. PRIOR TO TAKING THE CARTO THE DEALER THE AIRBAG…”NHTSA complaint 10905099 — filed 09/09/2016 · AIR BAGS
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…”NHTSA complaint 10855108 — filed 04/12/2016 · AIR BAGS
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Air bags issues are the most-reported category, cited in 31 of 154 NHTSA complaints (20.1%), followed by electrical system (19), electronic stability control (esc) (18), service brakes (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
154 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 10 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V088000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
