What You Need to Know

Have you heard the news? Kia recalls thousands of SUVs due to headlight failure and taillight failure. If you drive a Kia Sorento, this is something you need to know about. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what you should do next—all in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Table of Contents

What’s Happening With Kia SUVs?

Kia has announced a big recall. Nearly 75,000 Kia Sorento SUVs from the 2024 and 2025 model years are being recalled because of a problem with their headlights and taillights. This includes regular Sorento models, Sorento Hybrids, and Sorento Plug-In Hybrids.

The main issue? The headlights and taillights can suddenly turn off while you’re driving. This isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. When your lights go out, it’s harder for you to see the road, and it’s also harder for other drivers to see you. This makes accidents more likely, especially at night or in bad weather.

Why Are the Lights Failing?

The problem comes from a tiny computer inside the car called the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC or BDCU). This computer controls things like your lights. Because of a software error—think of it like a glitch in a video game—the computer sometimes shuts off the headlights and taillights by mistake.

This means the lights can stop working even while you’re driving. Sometimes, they might come back on, but you never know when they’ll go out again.

Which Kia SUVs Are Being Recalled?

Here’s a quick list of the affected models:

2024 Kia Sorento
2025 Kia Sorento
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Most of the recalled SUVs are the regular (non-hybrid) Sorento models, but thousands of hybrids and plug-in hybrids are also included.

Why Is This Recall Important?

Driving with broken headlights or taillights is very risky. You might not see a person, animal, or another car in time to stop. Other drivers might not see you at all. This can lead to crashes, injuries, or worse.

Also, cars in the United States have to follow strict safety rules. These Kia SUVs don’t meet those rules right now because of the light problem.

Has Anyone Been Hurt?

So far, Kia says there haven’t been any reports of crashes or injuries caused by this headlight and taillight failure. But the risk is serious enough that Kia decided to recall the vehicles before anything bad could happen.

How Will Kia Fix the Problem?

Kia will fix the problem by updating the software in the Body Domain Control Unit. This is kind of like updating an app on your phone to get rid of bugs. The best part? The repair is free. Kia dealers will do the update for you, and you won’t have to pay anything.

Kia plans to send letters to all affected owners by February 21, 2025. The letter will tell you how to get your SUV fixed.

What Should You Do If You Own a Kia Sorento?

If you have a 2024 or 2025 Kia Sorento, here’s what you should do:

Check if your SUV is part of the recall. You can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 888-327-4236, or visit their website to check your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Wait for your recall letter. Kia will mail you a letter with instructions.
Schedule a repair. Once you get the letter, call your Kia dealer and make an appointment. The fix is free.
Drive safely. Until your SUV is fixed, try not to drive at night or in bad weather. If your lights go out, it can be very dangerous.

Why Do Recalls Happen?

Car recalls happen when a company finds a problem that could make a car unsafe. Sometimes it’s a small thing, like a loose seat belt. Other times, like now, it’s a big deal—like lights that can suddenly stop working. Companies recall cars to keep drivers and passengers safe.

What If You Don’t Get the Car Fixed?

If you ignore the recall, your headlights and taillights could fail at any time. This puts you, your passengers, and other people on the road in danger. Plus, it’s against the law to drive with broken lights. So, it’s very important to get your SUV fixed as soon as possible.

Recent Recall Details

Kia has issued a recall for thousands of SUVs due to a software glitch affecting the Body Domain Control Unit, which can cause headlights and taillights to fail unexpectedly. This issue primarily affects recent Kia Sorento models and poses significant safety concerns for drivers.

Other Kia Models With Similar Software Issues

While the current headlight failure recall specifically targets Sorento models, other Kia vehicles have experienced various software-related problems:

Remote Control and Cloud System Vulnerabilities: A major flaw in Kia’s dealer portal and cloud-connected systems affected vehicles manufactured from 2014 onward, potentially allowing unauthorized access to vehicle functions
Engine Control Software Issues: Multiple recalls have addressed problems with 2.0L and 2.4L 4-cylinder engines, often implementing knock sensor software updates that could trigger “limp mode” in models like the Forte, Soul, and Rondo
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Software: Some vehicles experienced issues with the ESC system leading to brake performance problems that required software updates
Immobilizer and Theft Prevention Software: Older models (2015-2019) lacked standard engine immobilizers, making them vulnerable to theft until software updates were developed

Risks of Driving With Malfunctioning Lights

Driving with faulty headlights or taillights creates several dangerous conditions:

Reduced Visibility: Difficulty seeing the road, especially at night or in poor weather
Increased Accident Risk: Slower reaction times to hazards and reduced visibility to other drivers
Communication Failure: Inability to signal intentions to other drivers through brake lights or turn signals
Legal Consequences: Potential for traffic citations, failed vehicle inspections, and increased liability in accidents
Danger to Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and cyclists have greater difficulty seeing vehicles with malfunctioning lights

Owners of affected vehicles should respond promptly to recall notices to ensure their safety and avoid potential legal issues.

Recap: Key Points

Kia recalls thousands of SUVs due to headlight failure and taillight failure.
Nearly 75,000 Kia Sorento SUVs from 2024 and 2025 are affected.
The problem is caused by a software error in the car’s computer.
Kia will fix the issue for free by updating the software.
Check your SUV’s VIN and schedule a repair if your car is part of the recall.
Don’t drive at night or in bad weather until your car is fixed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why did Kia recall thousands of SUVs due to headlight failure?
A: Kia found a software error in the Body Domain Control Unit that can cause the headlights and taillights to turn off while driving. This can make it hard to see and be seen, which is dangerous.

Q2: Which Kia SUVs are affected by the recall?
A: The recall includes the 2024 and 2025 Kia Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

Q3: What should I do if my Kia Sorento is recalled?
A: Check your VIN on the NHTSA website or call 888-327-4236. If your SUV is affected, wait for the recall letter and schedule a free repair at your Kia dealer.

Q4: Is it safe to drive my Kia Sorento before the repair?
A: It’s best to avoid driving at night or in bad weather until the recall repair is done. If your lights go out, it can be very dangerous.

Q5: How much does the repair cost?
A: The repair is free. Kia will update the software at no charge to you.

Q6: Has anyone been hurt because of this problem?
A: No injuries or crashes have been reported so far, but the risk is high enough that Kia issued a recall to prevent accidents.

If you own a Kia Sorento from 2024 or 2025, don’t wait. Check if your SUV is affected and get the recall repair as soon as possible. Stay safe on the road!

Kia Recalls Thousands of SUVs Due to Headlight Failure 2025