Kia Sedona, Sorento Recall R/2020/187: Water Or Oil May Enter The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 20 Jul 2020
- Launched
- 15,645
- vehicles in the UK
- 201021
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Kia recalled Sedona, Sorento vehicles built between 10 June 2005 and 14 December 2009. Water or oil may enter the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit over a long period of time causing an electrical short circuit. The dealer will install a relay to isolate the HECU when the ignition is switched off. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Water or oil may enter the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit over a long period of time causing an electrical short circuit.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: WATER OR OIL MAY ENTER THE HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT Defect: Water or oil may enter the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit over a long period of time causing an electrical short circuit. Remedy: Install a relay to isolate the HECU when the ignition is switched off.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause an electrical short circuit.
The Fix
The dealer will install a relay to isolate the HECU when the ignition is switched off.
Are You Affected?
Sedona, Sorento built between 10 June 2005 and 14 December 2009 may be included. Kia estimates 15,645 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the campaign code 201021 or the DVSA reference R/2020/187. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SorentoPoor moulding of the plastic fuel tank by a temporary supplier can lead to a potential fuel leak | Urgent | R/2023/077 | |
| SorentoThe PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater in some Sorento (XM) models can overheat due to potential damage of the connector terminal. This can lead to a malfunction of the PTC heater and a risk of fire | Urgent | R/2022/343 | |
| SorentoThe High Pressure Electric Oil Pump within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may experience an internal fault | Low | R/2022/363 | |
| SorentoThere is a risk the automatic gear shift lever could be moved out of Park without the foot brake pedal being applied. If this occurs and should the parking brake not be activated a vehicle rollaway could occur | Urgent | R/2022/328 | |
| SorentoA fuel leak can develop on the diesel low pressure fuel line | Urgent | R/2022/143 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2019/455 on 13 Jan 2020, for in some situations the front collision avoidance system may not recognise pedestrians. The one launched after it was R/2020/253 on 29 Sep 2020, for vehicle may roll away if the electronic parking brake is not applied when switching off…. You can also see every Kia recall, all recalls launched in 2020 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2020/187, launched 20 July 2020. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.