2026 Kia Sportage PDW Operation Logic Improvement

Kia has released Service Action SA629 to address an issue affecting the Parking Detection Warning (PDW) feature in certain 2026 Kia Sportage and Sportage P/HEV models. This service action aims to improve the reliability of the PDW system by upgrading the Body Domain Controller (BDC) software. This upgrade specifically targets the intermittent normal operation of the Kia Sportage PDW operation.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of the following critical information regarding this service action:

• "A Service Action is a repair program without customer notification that is performed during the warranty period." This means Kia will not send out letters to owners about this issue. Owners must proactively check with their dealer.
• Any dealer requesting to perform this repair outside the warranty period will require DPSM approval.
• Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, technicians must first determine whether the applicable model is equipped with an immobilizer security system. "Failure to follow proper procedures may cause the PCM to become inoperative after the upgrade and any claims associated with this repair may be subject to chargeback."

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles may experience "intermittent normal operation of the Parking Detection Warning (PDW) feature". This means the system may not consistently provide warnings when obstacles are detected, leading to unreliable performance of the parking aid system.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the intermittent Kia Sportage PDW operation is unstable communication between the Body Domain Controller (BDC) and its peripheral Integrated Circuits (IC). This communication disruption leads to unreliable performance of the PDW system. The software upgrade aims to improve signal integrity and reduce these communication issues, ensuring stable communication between peripheral ICs and the BDC.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves upgrading the Body Domain Controller (BDC) system software. Technicians will use the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet and a VCI-II interface to perform the software update, following instructions detailed in TSB SST081. The high-level procedure includes:

1. Vehicle Verification: Confirm the vehicle's VIN is included in the list of affected vehicles and verify the ECU ROM ID by checking the Calibration Identification against the information table on page 3 of the bulletin.
2. Pre-Upgrade Preparation: Ensure the vehicle's battery is fully charged (12.3 volts or higher) or connect a fully charged jump starter box. The KDS GDS tablet must also be sufficiently charged (60% or higher). Connect the negative (-) terminal to the battery as shown in the bulletin's diagrams.
3. Ignition and Connection: Set the vehicle's ignition to the 'ON' position. Connect the KDS GDS and VCI-II to the vehicle. "Damaged VCI II units should not be used and promptly replaced." "Be careful not to disconnect the VCI-II connected to the vehicle during the ECU upgrade procedure."
4. Software Upgrade: Select the applicable 'BDC/BCM' system module and the specific upgrade event, which is "875.NQ5a PE, NQ5 PE (HEV) PE BDC Upgrade for PDW Operation Logic Improvement". The required software must be installed by selecting the 'Auto Mode' ECU Upgrade option. If the automatic upgrade fails, turn the ignition 'OFF' for about 10 seconds, then 'ON' again to reset the control unit before attempting a 'Manual Mode' upgrade.
5. Post-Upgrade: "When the ECU upgrade is completed, turn the ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds before starting the engine." "DO NOT start the engine during ECU upgrade." "DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply during ECU upgrade."

Required Tools and Parts

The primary tool required for this service action is the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) along with a VCI-II interface. No replacement parts are required as this is a software update.

Software Information and Passwords

The software upgrade targets the Body Domain Controller (BDC) system. Technicians must use approved ECU upgrade software designated for the correct application. The bulletin specifies ROM ID updates from previous versions (e.g., 1.30, 1.40, 1.50) to a new version (1.60). ECU Part Numbers associated with this upgrade include:

• NQ5a BDC: 954A0 DW000, 954A0 DW010, 954B0 DW000
• NQ5 (P/HEV) BDC: 954A0 CH000, 954A0 CH010, 954A0 CH020, 954A0 CH030, 954A0 CH040, 954A0 CH500, 954A0 CH510, 954A0 CH520, 954A0 CH530, 954B0 CH000, 954B0 CH010, 954B0 CH040, 954B0 CH050, 954B0 CH070, 954B0 CH700, 954B0 CH710

For 'Manual Mode' upgrades, specific passwords are provided:

• NQ5a BDC (P/N: 954A0-DW000/10, 954B0-DW000): Password: 9540
• NQ5 PE (HEV) BDC (P/N: 954A0-CH00040/500530, 954B0-CH000/10/40/50/70/700/710): Password: 0710

Warranty Information

This service action is covered under warranty with the following details:

• N Code: N99
• C Code: C99
• Claim Type: V
• Causal Part Numbers: 954A0 DW000 (for NQ5a), 954A0 CH000 (for NQ5 P/HEV)
• Repair Description: (SA629) BDC Software Logic Improvement
• Labor Operation Codes: 250A44R0 (for NQ5a), 250167R0 (for NQ5 P/HEV)
• Operation Time: 0.5 M/H
• Replacement Part Number: N/A (no parts replaced)

"VIN inquiry data for this repair is provided for tracking purposes only. Kia retailers should reference SA629 when accessing the KDealer+ system."

NHTSA ID: 10255474