Recall 20V088 affects 228,829 2006-2010 Kia Sedona and Sorento vehicles for ABS Module shorts. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 228,829 2006-2010 Sedona minivans and Sorento SUVs because moisture can enter the ABS module and create an electrical short. That short can start an engine compartment fire even when the vehicle is turned off, and Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS module on 2006-2010 Kia Sedona and Sorento vehicles is part of the brake control system. Kia also calls this unit the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU. It helps manage anti-lock braking and traction-control functions by controlling brake pressure when the system detects wheel slip.
On affected vehicles, moisture can enter the HECU. The cause of that moisture entry has not been identified. Because the HECU remains powered even when the ignition is off, moisture inside the unit can create an electrical short while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
There is no warning sign before failure. Kia does not identify a light, sound, smell, or change in braking feel that tells an owner the HECU is about to short.
Who's affected?
Spans Sedona minivans from 2006-2010 and Sorento SUVs from 2007-2009, with the electrical system and hydraulic brake system listed for each included year.
| 2007 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2007 Kia Sedona | hydraulic brake system |
| 2007 Kia Sorento | electrical system |
| 2007 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2006 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
| 2006 Kia Sedona | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
| 2008 Kia Sedona | hydraulic brake system |
| 2008 Kia Sorento | electrical system |
| 2008 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
| 2009 Kia Sedona | hydraulic brake system |
| 2009 Kia Sorento | electrical system |
| 2009 Kia Sorento | hydraulic brake system |
| 2010 Kia Sedona | electrical system |
| 2010 Kia Sedona | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 228,829 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short inside the ABS module can cause an engine compartment fire, even after the 2006-2010 Kia Sedona or Sorento is turned off, increasing the risk of injury. Because the issue involves power reaching the HECU after shutdown, schedule the relay repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2010 Kia Sedona or Sorento is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free relay installation in the main junction box, which helps stop power from reaching the HECU after the ignition is off.
- Avoid parking near structures until the repair is complete, because the ABS module short can cause an engine compartment fire when the vehicle is turned off.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V088 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 if you need help coordinating the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician installs a relay in the main junction box. The relay keeps power from being sent to the HECU after the ignition switch is turned off. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you've already paid for an ABS module or HECU repair tied to this condition, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring receipts and prior repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 14, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| April 3, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 5, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V088?
Recall 20V088 covers 228,829 2006-2010 Kia Sedona and 2007-2009 Kia Sorento vehicles. Moisture can enter the ABS module and cause an electrical short. Kia dealers install a relay in the main junction box for free to block power to the HECU when the ignition is off.
What should I do if my 2006-2010 Kia Sedona or Sorento is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V088. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the relay installation. Reference recall number 20V088 or Kia recall SC186 when you call. The dealer 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 install the main junction box relay free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Kia dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V088?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. Kia says moisture can enter the ABS module and cause an electrical short, even when the vehicle is turned off. That fire risk increases the chance of injury, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Kia Sedona or Sorento used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received Kia's mailed notice, check your VIN, then call a franchised Kia dealer with recall number 20V088 or Kia recall SC186.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V088000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V088 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V088000 |
Source documents
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
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Download Misc. Document (PDF)
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Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
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Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
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Download Owner Notice (PDF)
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Download Recall Report (PDF)
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Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →