- The NHTSA just closed its investigation into 3.3-liter Kia engines that can experience head gasket failure.
- The Office of Defects Investigation says several factors led to the investigation concluding without a recall.
- Owners of affected vehicles have access to an extended warranty for the powertrain that extends to 15 years or 180,000 miles.
The Office of Defects Investigation is a branch of the NHTSA that determines when complaints warrant a full-blown recall. Last year, it launched a probe into certain 3.3-liter engines from Kia. Today, it’s closing that investigation and describes why it’s not requiring the automaker to issue a recall for potentially problematic head gaskets.
According to the ODI, several dozen reports of issues were filed around the 3.3-liter engine. Kia used it for the 2016-2017 Sorento. The clamping force between the engine head and block is sometimes too weak, leading to symptoms like a coolant leak, the scent of coolant, oil leaks, a check engine light, overheating, and other conditions. In those cases, drivers should have ample warning that something is wrong.
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Every one of those symptoms points to a head gasket failure which is the main issue. Reports from the field show that techs have found failed head gaskets in several cases. When that happens it can cause serious overheating and even warped engine cylinder heads. In some cases, a new head gasket will fix the issue but in others, a new engine is the only remedy.
Those visible and noticeable signs are a part of the ODI’s decision today. “Through both its review of the information provided by Kia and outreach to consumers, ODI confirmed that there is reasonable detectability present in the vast majority of occurrences of the alleged defect,” it said in its official report. Another factor is that Kia launched a special warranty campaign (WTY035) to cover these suspect engines for 15 years or 180,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Notably, there are other Kia vehicles with this same engine and potential issue. They include the 2014-2015 Sorento, the 2015-2016 Sedona minivan, and the 2014-2017 Cadenza sedan. Kia has issued a similar extended warranty program (WTY039) for these vehicles with the same year and mileage coverages.
