Kia has announced a recall of 74,469 Sorento midsize crossover SUVs due to a software issue that could result in a failure of the low-beam headlights and taillights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed this information on Monday.
According to the NHTSA, a software logic error in the body domain control unit of the affected vehicles can cause a temporary loss of exterior lighting under specific circumstances. This temporary loss of headlight or taillight illumination can reduce visibility for the driver and make the vehicle less visible to other road users, increasing the risk of a potential crash.
The recall affects non-hybrid 2024 and 2025 Kia Sorento models, as well as the 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and Sorento PHEV models. Despite the refreshed versions receiving updated exterior styling with different headlights, Kia has determined that the issue lies with the software rather than the new hardware.
The refresh was implemented for non-hybrid models in 2024, with hybrids and plug-in hybrid variants receiving the updates the following year. During this period, the related Hyundai Santa Fe underwent a more extensive transformation, gaining third-row seats previously only available in the Sorento but losing its plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
Kia has stated that there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. The remedy for this recall involves a software update that will be performed free of charge by Kia dealers. Customers who have already paid for fixes related to this issue will be reimbursed by Kia.
Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification letters starting on February 21. They can also contact Kia’s customer service department at 1-800-333-4542 or visit Kia’s recall hub for more information. The reference number for this recall is SC331.
Overall, this recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and reliability of Kia Sorento vehicles on the road. By addressing the software issue promptly, Kia is taking proactive steps to minimize any potential risks associated with the temporary loss of exterior lighting.
