2026 Kia Sportage PDW System Fault Software Update

Kia America, Inc. has initiated a Voluntary Service Campaign, identified as SC350, to address a potential issue with the Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system in certain 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles. This campaign aims to enhance vehicle safety and ensure the proper functioning of driver assistance features.

Why this matters

The Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system is a crucial safety feature designed to alert drivers to obstacles when parking or moving at low speeds. An intermittent Kia Sportage PDW fault means the system may not provide these critical warnings, increasing the risk of minor collisions or damage to the vehicle or surrounding property. Ensuring the PDW system functions reliably is important for safe vehicle operation.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles may experience intermittent operation of the Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system. This means that when the vehicle is stopped or driven at low speeds, the PDW system may not trigger warning sounds or display visual warning indications to nearby objects. This Kia Sportage PDW fault can reduce driver awareness of surrounding obstacles during parking or low-speed maneuvers.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the intermittent PDW system operation has been identified as a communication fault within the Body Domain Controller (BDC). This internal BDC issue can disrupt the signals necessary for the PDW system to consistently detect and warn of nearby objects. The fault manifests when the vehicle is stopped or driven at low speeds, leading to unreliable warning indicators.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Kia Sportage PDW fault, authorized Kia dealerships will perform a software upgrade to the Body Domain Controller (BDC). This update is designed to improve the signal integrity within the BDC and reduce the likelihood of communication disruptions that cause the PDW system to malfunction. The software flash will ensure the PDW system operates consistently and provides accurate warnings.

Owner Action

If you own a 2026 Kia Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, or Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Kia America, Inc. will begin mailing owner notification letters starting October 17, 2025. These letters will include details about the Voluntary Service Campaign SC350 and a Q&A Guide. You should contact your local authorized Kia dealership to schedule an appointment for the BDC software update. This repair will be performed free of charge, at no cost to the customer.

Important Information

This Voluntary Service Campaign (SC350) is being conducted to proactively address the potential Kia Sportage PDW fault. Kia has confirmed that the software update will be provided entirely free of charge to all affected customers. A detailed Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) outlining specific vehicle inspection procedures, affected VIN production ranges, and warranty claim information will be made available to dealers on the Kia Global Information System (KGIS) at www.kiatechinfo.com during the week of October 15, 2025. Owners are encouraged to respond to their notification letters promptly to ensure their vehicle receives the necessary update.

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Source: Kia Voluntary Service Campaign SC350