2024 Kia Sportage Radio Muting Infotainment Software Update

Kia has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ELE 349, outlining Service Action SA580, to address an issue with the infotainment system in certain 2024 Kia Sportage (NQ5) vehicles. This service action specifically targets models equipped with Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) head units.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles may experience the radio volume intermittently muting when switching between different media or radio sources. This can disrupt the audio experience during driving.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This issue primarily affects 2024 Kia Sportage (NQ5) vehicles equipped with Display Audio 2.0 (D2V) head units. The problem occurs during the act of switching media or radio sources. The service action applies to vehicles produced between January 11, 2024, and February 24, 2024.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

This is a Service Action, which is a repair program performed during the vehicle's warranty period without direct customer notification. Kia is NOT notifying consumers about this update.

• Dealers requesting to perform this repair outside the warranty period will require DPSM approval.
• Repair status for a specific VIN can be checked on KDealer+ under Service → Warranty Coverage → Warranty Coverage Inquiry → Campaign Information.
• During the software update process, it is critical to DO NOT turn the ignition switch 'OFF', start the engine, or remove the USB drive from the vehicle. Doing so could result in data loss or damage to the infotainment system.
• The vehicle's battery must be fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) before starting the update.
• If any issues arise during or after the software update, contact Kia America Techline for assistance.
• Kia retailers must reference SA580 when accessing the KDealer+ system for VIN inquiry data related to this repair.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves updating the firmware of the Display Audio 2.0 infotainment system using a special USB flash drive. The process is straightforward and performed by a Kia technician.

1. The technician will turn the vehicle's ignition to the 'ON' position.
2. They will navigate through the infotainment system menu, selecting 'Setup' and then 'General'.
3. The special USB Flash Drive, pre-loaded with the update, will be inserted into the USB slot located underneath the AVN unit.
4. The technician will then select 'SW Info/Update' and proceed with 'Update'.
5. A pop-up stating "This version of the update is already installed. Continue the update?" is expected and normal; the technician will select 'Yes'.
6. The software update may take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. During this time, the display may show the Kia logo, go black, or display messages like "Preparing System Update" or "Updating...".
7. Once the update is finished, the system will restart. The technician will then verify that the Firmware Version has been successfully updated to NQ5.USA.V212.230912 by repeating steps 2-6.

Required Tools or Parts

This service action requires a specific USB Flash Drive, identified as the "USB NQ5 D2V MICOM UPDATE." This tool was auto-shipped to dealers the week of June 19, 2024. If a replacement is needed, dealers can purchase it from Snap-On by calling 1-888-542-1011, providing their Dealer Code and Service Action number SA580.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 Kia Sportage (NQ5) and experience the radio volume intermittently muting, especially if your vehicle was produced between January 11, 2024, and February 24, 2024, you should contact your authorized Kia dealer. Since this is a Service Action without customer notification, you will need to proactively schedule an appointment for the infotainment software update. The dealer will verify if your vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs and perform the necessary firmware update.

Warranty Information

This service action is covered under warranty. The specific warranty details are:

• Claim Type: V
• Causal Part Number (Causal P/N): 96560 DWOOOFHL
• Labor Operation Code (Labor Op Code): 240051RO
• Operation Time (Op Time): 0.3 M/H (Man-Hours)
• Replacement Part Number (Replacement P/N): N/A

NHTSA ID: 11003182