2026 Kia Sportage PDW System Malfunction Service Campaign

Why This Matters

Kia America, Inc. is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, SC350, to address a potential safety concern in certain 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles. A fault in the Body Domain Controller (BDC) can lead to the Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system operating intermittently.

This intermittent operation means the PDW system may not provide crucial audible or visual warnings when the vehicle is near objects. This increases the risk of a collision during parking or low-speed maneuvers, potentially causing property damage or injury.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2026 Kia Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, or Sportage Plug-in Hybrid vehicles may experience issues with their Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system. The primary symptom is that the system may not function reliably.

Specifically, the PDW system may operate intermittently, failing to provide warning sounds or visual indications. These issues can occur when the vehicle is stopped or moving at low speeds, making parking and close-quarter maneuvering less safe due to the unreliable Kia Sportage PDW fault.

Manufacturer's Remedy

To resolve the intermittent Kia Sportage PDW fault, Kia dealers will perform a software upgrade on the Body Domain Controller (BDC). This update is designed to improve the signal integrity within the BDC and reduce the likelihood of communication disruptions.

This Voluntary Service Campaign (SC350) will be performed free of charge to the owner. The software update aims to ensure the Parking Distance Warning (PDW) system operates consistently and as intended.

Important Warnings

Kia has issued specific warnings regarding this issue that owners should be aware of:

• "WARNING: Visible or audible warnings may not trigger/activate from the PDW system when your vehicle is stopped or driven at low speeds. Always check all surroundings before and while parking. Please refer to pages 6 - 112 through 6-122 in your Owner's Manual for more information on Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning operation."
• "This campaign will be performed free of charge at no cost to you."

Owner Action

If you own a potentially affected 2026 Kia Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, or Sportage Plug-in Hybrid vehicle, you should contact your authorized Kia dealer to schedule a service appointment. The dealer will perform the necessary Body Domain Controller (BDC) software update.

The time required for the campaign can vary depending on the dealer's schedule. Present your service notice when you arrive at the dealership. For more information on the Forward/Reverse Parking Distance Warning operation, consult your vehicle's Owner's Manual.

NHTSA ID: 11024350