Kia is recalling 71,704 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles in recall 16V815 for HECU water intrusion and fire risk. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 71,704 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles because the wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can let water reach the circuit board. If salt-contaminated water corrodes the connector pins, the HECU can short circuit and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire; Kia dealers will repair it free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU, is part of the braking and stability-control electronics on the 2008-2009 Kia Sportage. It uses a circuit board and wiring connections to help manage functions such as electronic stability control. A wire harness cover is supposed to seal those electrical connections and keep water away from the unit.
On affected Sportage vehicles, that cover was not sealed properly. Water can reach the HECU circuit board, and salt water from melted snow can corrode the connector pins. Once corrosion gives electricity the wrong path, the circuit board can short circuit instead of carrying signals cleanly. Kia's remedy uses a newly produced connector cover with improved sealing.
If the short circuit occurs, the ESC warning light can turn on. That light is the warning sign to mention when calling a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
| 2008 Kia Sportage | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2009 Kia Sportage | wiring |
| Units affected | 71,704 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the HECU increases the risk of an engine compartment fire. Treat an ESC warning light as a reason to schedule service promptly, and do not ignore electrical warnings before the inspection is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2009 Kia Sportage is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free HECU connector inspection that checks for corrosion behind the wire-harness cover.
- Ask the dealer whether the HECU assembly also needs replacement if corrosion is found.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one, or reference recall number 16V815 when you call.
- Stop driving and call the dealer if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice electrical problems before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the HECU connector pins for corrosion. If the pins have no corrosion, the technician replaces the connector cover. If corrosion is present, the technician replaces the HECU assembly and the connector cover. Parts and labor are free under recall 16V815. Kia's reimbursement plan covers repair expenses owners already paid for this issue. Ask Kia customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit prior repair expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 22, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 22, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 28, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 28, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V815?
Recall 16V815 covers 71,704 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles with a HECU wire harness cover that can let water reach the circuit board. Salt-contaminated water can corrode connector pins and short the circuit board, increasing engine compartment fire risk. Kia dealers inspect the pins and replace the cover or HECU assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Kia Sportage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sportage is included in recall 16V815. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the inspection and repair. Reference recall number 16V815 or Kia recall SC138 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. Kia dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, then replace the connector cover or the HECU assembly and connector cover free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V815?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. If water reaches the HECU circuit board and salt contamination corrodes the connector pins, the circuit board can short circuit. Kia's repair path is dealer inspection, followed by connector-cover replacement or HECU assembly replacement if corrosion is present.
What if I bought my Kia Sportage used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2009 Sportage is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with recall number 16V815 or SC138.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V815000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V815 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V815000 |
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 →