2023 Kia Sportage VECI Label Replacement Campaign SC285

Why this matters

An incorrect Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label on your 2023 Kia Sportage can lead to significant problems. This label is crucial for proper vehicle maintenance, accurate emissions inspections, and correct ordering of engine and engine management-related parts. It also contains specific codes that guide testing facilities to ensure your vehicle is tested against the correct emission standards.

Both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) consider the under-hood VECI label an integral part of state emission testing. If your Kia Sportage VECI label is incorrect, your vehicle might fail emissions testing, even if it meets all applicable emissions standards.

What's being campaigned

This voluntary emissions service campaign, SC285, addresses an issue with certain 2023 Kia Sportage (NQ5a) vehicles equipped with 2.5L GDI engines. These affected vehicles were produced between July 10, 2023, and July 19, 2023. During this production period, an incorrect VECI label was installed.

The incorrect label mistakenly displays "2024 MY" and part number 32450 2S177 (U77). The correct label should display "2023 MY" and part number 32450 2S175 (U75).

How to check if your vehicle is affected

To determine if your 2023 Kia Sportage is affected by this campaign, you should check your vehicle's production date. Vehicles produced between July 10, 2023, and July 19, 2023, are within the affected range. You can also visually inspect the VECI label under your hood. If it shows "2024 MY" instead of "2023 MY", your vehicle has the incorrect Kia Sportage VECI label.

Manufacturer's remedy

Kia will provide corrected VECI labels to owners of affected vehicles via a campaign letter. Owners have the option to affix the new label to their vehicle themselves. Alternatively, if preferred, owners can request that their Kia dealer install the new VECI label for them. The dealer will inspect the existing label and, if incorrect, proceed with the replacement.

Important warnings for owners

Kia will be notifying customers of the affected vehicles by mail, and the campaign letter will include the corrected VECI labels. Owners can choose to apply these labels themselves. However, if you prefer, you can also have your dealer affix the label.

There is a very limited supply of extra labels available for customers who may have misplaced their letter or did not receive the VECI label. Dealers are instructed DO NOT order labels for stocking purposes. The vehicle's VIN must be used to order a label.

When applying the new label, it is critical to clean the surface of the incorrect VECI label thoroughly. Failure to clean the surface from debris or grease will prevent the new VECI label from adhering properly. Always use a clean cloth to wipe the surface dry before application.

Repair procedure summary

The repair involves a simple process of replacing the incorrect VECI label. First, the technician or owner will open the hood and locate the existing VECI label. If the label correctly shows "2023 MY", the campaign can be closed. If it shows the incorrect "2024 MY", the surface of the old label must be cleaned with an alcohol wipe or similar cleaner. Once the surface is clean and dry, the new, correct VECI label is carefully affixed over the old one, ensuring complete coverage.

Required parts

The corrected part required for this campaign is the Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) Label, Part Number 32450 2S175.

Owner action

If you own a 2023 Kia Sportage, especially one produced between July 10, 2023, and July 19, 2023, keep an eye out for a campaign letter from Kia regarding the SC285 campaign. This letter will include your new Kia Sportage VECI label. You can choose to install it yourself or schedule an appointment with your Kia dealer to have them perform the replacement. This service will be performed free of charge under warranty codes N99 and C99.

NHTSA ID: 10248981