NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Kia recall: Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail

Recall published 9 months ago

Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls…

The hazard: Visibility or lighting defect

This campaign is about visibility — lighting, glass, mirrors or displays. These are federal compliance items, not cosmetic ones.

What the notice says: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Why it matters: Lights, wipers, mirrors, the rear camera, the windshield or the instrument display may not work as required. These faults reduce what the driver can see, or what other road users can see of the vehicle.

Recall details

Recall number
26V046000
Published
January 27, 2026
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
Kia
Product type
Electrical System
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
Kia K4 · Kia Sorento · Kia Sorento Hybrid
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 26V046000

Products covered by this recall

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, and Carnival Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls and Displays" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 11 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • Kia K4
  • Sorento
  • Sorento Hybrid
  • Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV)
  • Sportage
  • Sportage Hybrid
  • Sportage PHEV
  • K5
  • EV9
  • Carnival
  • and Carnival Hybrid

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Visibility

Kia — This campaign is about visibility — lighting, glass, mirrors or displays. These are federal compliance items, not cosmetic ones.

  1. Check the specific item the notice names — a reversing camera or a dashboard display that works intermittently still counts as a defect.
  2. If an instrument cluster goes blank, note when it happens; that detail helps the dealer reproduce the fault.
  3. Keep the repair order the dealer hands you. It is your proof the campaign was closed out, and it matters at resale.
  4. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line, then to NHTSA. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.
  • An unrepaired open recall can affect a sale or trade-in. Closing it out costs nothing and protects the value of the vehicle.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.

Remedy named in the notice: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Company contact: Kia America, Inc.

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Kia electrical system recalled?

Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 101, "Controls… An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer, tire pressure, or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Check the specific item the notice names — a reversing camera or a dashboard display that works intermittently still counts as a defect.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 26, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC361. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 9, 2026.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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