Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
What Happened
The brake-shift interlock mechanism in your Sorento is a safety feature that prevents you from shifting out of 'Park' without pressing the brake pedal. In some 2011-2013 models, this mechanism can break if you apply too much force to the gear shift lever.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake-shift interlock fails, you might accidentally shift your vehicle out of 'Park' without pressing the brake pedal. This means your car could roll away, potentially leading to a crash.
Free Fix
Your Kia dealer will replace the faulty brake-shift interlock mechanism with a new one at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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."
Original — Risk if Unfixed
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.
Original — 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.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →