Recall 16V862 affects 10,212 2016-2017 Kia Sorento and Sportage vehicles for a tow hitch module defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 10,212 2016-2017 Sorento and Sportage vehicles with accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses because a tow hitch module malfunction can leave the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated. That false brake signal can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk; the Kia dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The accessory trailer hitch wiring harness on the 2016-2017 Kia Sorento and Sportage connects the SUV's electrical system to a trailer. When it works correctly, the tow hitch module sends the right lighting signals to the trailer, including the brake-light signal when the driver presses the brake pedal.
On included SUVs, the tow hitch module in that accessory harness malfunctions. Instead of sending a brake-light signal only during braking, it keeps the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated. That means the trailer lights show a braking signal even when the SUV is not actively braking, which is why the recall involves the trailer hitch and electrical system.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner following the vehicle, backing up to a trailer, or checking lights before a trip notices that the trailer brake lights stay on instead of turning off after the brake pedal is released.
Who's affected?
The 2016 Sorento, 2017 Sorento, and 2017 Sportage each appear under trailer-hitch and electrical-system components.
| 2016 Kia Sorento | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Sorento | electrical system |
| 2017 Kia Sportage | Trailer hitches |
| 2017 Kia Sportage | electrical system |
| 2017 Kia Sorento | Trailer hitches |
| 2017 Kia Sorento | electrical system |
| Units affected | 10,212 |
Year and model alone do not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Trailer brake lights that stay on while the trailer is in use can confuse drivers behind you and increase crash risk. If you tow with an included Sorento or Sportage, drive cautiously and schedule the harness repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Kia dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Kia Sorento or Sportage is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer and ask about the free trailer tow hitch harness replacement for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 16V862 and Kia recall SC142 when you call, and bring the owner letter if you have it.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the harness is replaced because the tow hitch module can keep the trailer brake lights illuminated.
What happens at the repair
Kia's remedy is a dealer replacement of the trailer tow hitch harness. Once the dealer repair is available, a Kia technician will remove the affected hitch wiring harness and install the replacement harness, free under the recall. The work addresses the tow hitch module problem that can keep the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated. Parts and labor are covered by the recall.
Timeline
| November 30, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 19, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V862?
Recall 16V862 covers 10,212 2016-2017 Kia Sorento and Sportage vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. A tow hitch module malfunction can leave the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated. Kia dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Kia Sorento or Sportage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sorento or Sportage is included in recall 16V862. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the trailer tow hitch harness replacement. Reference recall SC142 or 16V862 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kia dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness free of charge. Kia lists SC142 as its internal recall number for this repair.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is driver confusion behind a trailer. If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while the trailer is being used, other drivers can misread whether you are braking, increasing the risk of a crash. The free dealer repair replaces the faulty trailer tow hitch harness.
What if I bought my Kia Sorento or Sportage used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Sorento or Sportage is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC142 or 16V862.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V862000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V862 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V862000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →