NHTSA recall 23V-179: Trailer Hitches

Kia America, Inc. · Reported March 17, 2023 · 2 affected model years

Trailer Hitches recall

Park outside23V-179
March 17, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.
Problem
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Safety risk
A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and verify whether the vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Kia accessory trailer tow hitch assembly. If equipped, dealers will install a new fuse and wire extension kit. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC265.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign number23V179000
ManufacturerKia America, Inc.
Report dateMarch 17, 2023
ComponentTrailer Hitches
Fixed over the airNo

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

View on NHTSA.gov ↗

Affected vehicles

Related trailer hitches recalls

Trailer Hitches recall

25V-874
December 18, 2025 · Kia America, Inc. · 2025 Kia Sportage, 2024 Kia Sportage, 2023 Kia Sportage

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Trailer Hitches recall

Park outside22V-703
September 19, 2022 · Kia America, Inc. · 2023 Kia Sorento, 2022 Kia Sportage, 2022 Kia Sorento

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Trailer Hitches recall

Park outside22V-626
August 15, 2022 · Kia America, Inc. · 2022 Kia Telluride

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Telluride vehicles potentially equipped with a Genuine Kia 4-pin tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

All trailer hitches recalls →