2026 Kia Sportage PDW System Intermittent Operation (SC350)

Kia has launched Voluntary Service Campaign SC350, titled "PDW OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT," to address an issue affecting the Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system in certain 2026 Kia Sportage and Sportage P/HEV vehicles. This campaign supersedes the previously released TSB ELE400/SA629. The core of the problem is a communication fault within the Body Domain Controller (BDC) system. This fault can lead to intermittent operation of the PDW system, meaning it may not consistently provide warning sounds or visual indications when the vehicle is near objects, especially when stopped or driving at low speeds. This campaign aims to improve signal integrity and reduce communication disruptions, thereby resolving the Kia Sportage PDW fault.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles may notice that their Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system operates intermittently. This can manifest as the system failing to trigger audible warning sounds or display visual warning indications when the vehicle is close to nearby objects. This intermittent behavior can occur when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds. This intermittent operation indicates a potential Kia Sportage PDW fault.

Diagnosis

To verify if a vehicle is affected by this issue, technicians must check the Calibration Identification of the vehicle's ECM ROM ID and reference the ROM ID Information Table provided in the bulletin. The Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) should always be used to locate the correct ECU Part Number, as the parts label affixed to the ECU should not be referenced. The upgrade event name for this procedure is "875.NQ5a PE, NQ5 PE (HEV) BDC Upgrade for PDW Operation Logic Improvement."

Important Warnings for Owners

Kia has provided several critical warnings that technicians and owners should be aware of regarding this software upgrade:

• A fully charged battery (12.3 volts or higher) or a fully charged jump starter box must be connected to the vehicle during the upgrade procedure.
• The Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) Global Diagnostic System (GDS) must be sufficiently charged at 60% or higher before initiating the reflash.
• All ECU upgrades require the ignition to be in the 'ON' position unless specified otherwise.
• Damaged VCI II units should not be used and must be promptly replaced.
• DO NOT disconnect the VCI-II connected to the vehicle during the ECU upgrade procedure.
• DO NOT start the engine during the ECU upgrade.
• DO NOT turn the ignition key 'OFF' or interrupt the power supply during the ECU upgrade.
• When the ECU upgrade is completed, turn the ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds before starting the engine.
• Only approved ECU upgrade software designated for the correct application should be used.
• Before attempting an ECU upgrade on any Kia model, technicians must first determine if the 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 associated claims may be subject to chargeback.
• If the automatic upgrade fails, turn the ignition 'OFF' for about 10 seconds, then place it back in the 'ON' position to reset the control unit BEFORE attempting the manual upgrade.

Repair Procedure Summary

This repair involves upgrading the Body Domain Controller (BDC) system software using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet and VCI-II. The procedure is outlined in TSB SST081. The system module should be reprogrammed using KDS in 'Auto Mode'. If the 'Auto Mode' function fails, a 'Manual Mode' installation may be required. Manual Mode passwords are provided in the bulletin for specific ECU P/N ranges:

• For NQ5a BDC with ECU P/N 954A0-DW000/10 or 954B0-DW000, the password is "9540."
• For NQ5 PE (HEV) BDC with ECU P/N 954A0-CH00040/500530 or 954B0-CH000/10/40/50/70/700/710, the password is "0710."

The upgrade improves communication stability between peripheral ICs and the BDC, reducing communication disruptions for smooth PDW operation. The new ROM ID after the upgrade will be 1.60.

Required Tools and Parts

Technicians will need the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) and a VCI-II interface to perform the software upgrade. No replacement parts are required, as this is a software update.

Warranty Information

This service campaign is covered under warranty with the following codes:

• N Code: N99
• C Code: C99

For NQ5a models, the causal part number is 954A0 DW000, with a labor operation code of 250A44R1 and an operation time of 0.5 M/H. For NQ5 (P/HEV) models, the causal part number is 954A0 CH000, with a labor operation code of 250167R1 and an operation time of 0.5 M/H. The repair description is "(SC350) BDC Software Logic Improvement." No replacement part numbers are applicable.

Owner Action

If you own a 2026 Kia Sportage or Sportage P/HEV within the specified production dates and are experiencing an intermittent Kia Sportage PDW fault, you should contact your authorized Kia dealership to schedule this Voluntary Service Campaign. The repair involves a software upgrade to the Body Domain Controller (BDC) and will be performed free of charge. You can also check the repair status for your VIN on KDealer+ under the 'Warranty Coverage' or 'Consumer Affairs' sections. Kia retailers use SC350 for VIN inquiry data and tracking purposes.

NHTSA ID: 10250608