Recall 15V626 affects 377,062 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles for a brake-shift interlock defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 377,062 2011-2013 Sorento SUVs under recall 15V626 because excessive force on the gear shift lever can chip or crack the brake-shift interlock. The defect lets the transmission shift out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll, and Kia dealers will repair it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake-shift interlock mechanism on the 2011-2013 Kia Sorento is built into the automatic transmission shifter. Its job is to keep the gear selector locked in Park until the driver presses the brake pedal. The system uses the shift lever, an interlock hook, and fasteners to hold that lock in place.
On affected Sorentos, excessive force on the shift lever can chip or crack the park position catch. Once that catch is damaged, the shifter no longer holds Park the way it was designed to. The transmission can then be shifted out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed.
The warning sign is direct: the shifter moves out of Park without pressing the service brake. If that happens, the interlock mechanism has stopped doing its normal job.
Who's affected?
The same automatic transmission component applies across the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Sorento model years.
| 2011 Kia Sorento | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Sorento | automatic transmission |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 377,062 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged brake shift interlock lets the Sorento shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed. If that happens, the vehicle can roll and the crash risk rises. If you notice the shifter moves out of Park without the service brake, keep it secured and schedule repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Kia Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free brake-shift interlock replacement that keeps the transmission from shifting out of Park without the brake pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V626 when you call.
- Use the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the brake-shift interlock mechanism, the part that keeps the transmission from shifting out of Park unless the brake pedal is pressed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Kia's standard reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already paid for this condition before the recall work. Bring documentation for the brake-shift interlock repair and ask Kia customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 9, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 18, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| November 18, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 24, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V626?
Recall 15V626 covers 377,062 2011-2013 Kia Sorento vehicles with a brake-shift interlock mechanism that can chip or crack after excessive force on the gear shift lever. That defect lets the transmission shift out of Park without pressing the brake, creating rollaway crash risk. Kia dealers replace the mechanism for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Kia Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento is included in recall 15V626. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule replacement of the brake-shift interlock mechanism. Reference recall 15V626 or Kia recall number SC124 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia's remedy says dealers will replace the brake-shift interlock mechanism free of charge. A franchised Kia dealer performs the recall repair regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk with recall 15V626?
The risk is unintended vehicle movement. If the brake-shift interlock mechanism chips or cracks, the Sorento can shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed. That can let the vehicle roll and increase crash risk. Kia dealers replace the affected mechanism for free.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received Kia's owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2011-2013 Sorento is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall 15V626.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V626000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V626 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V626000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →