Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
100% of the recalled vehicles experience the issue where a software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) causes the headlights and taillights to momentarily lose power while driving.
Kia is now recalling nearly 74,500 Sorento vehicles, including Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models from the 2024-2025 model years.
This issue arises from a logic flaw in the BDC, resulting in the temporary failure of the low-beam headlights and taillights, which poses a significant safety risk for drivers.
Kia will provide a free software update to fix the issue, and owners of affected vehicles will be notified by February 21, 2025.
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What Causes the Kia Sorento Headlight and Taillight Issue?
The headlight and taillight malfunction in the Kia Sorento is the result of a software error within the Body Domain Control Unit (BDCU).
This glitch can temporarily disrupt the power supply to the low-beam headlights and taillights, causing them to lose functionality while driving.
On January 7, 2025, Kia Corporation informed Kia North America (Kia NA) about the decision to recall certain 2024-2025 model year Sorento vehicles, including select 2025 Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-in Hybrid models.
The 2024 Kia Sorento Headlight and Tailgate Recall was issued due to a software logic error that could lead to a temporary loss of exterior and interior lighting during driving. The issue stems from the BDCU and may occur under specific conditions.
Following a review of field data from January 7 to January 8, 2025, Kia NA determined that while no reports of crashes, injuries, or fatalities had been linked to this issue, the malfunction did not meet the lighting requirements set by FMVSS 108.
As a result, Kia NA initiated a non-compliance recall addressing the problem in these affected vehicles.
Which Sorento Vehicles Experience This Problem?
The headlight and taillight issue affects the following Kia Sorento models:
- 2024-2025 Sorento
- 2025 Sorento Hybrid
- 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid
The majority of the affected vehicles are the non-hybrid Sorento models, comprising 63,782 of the approximately 74,000 units involved in the recall.
The standard Sorento Hybrid models account for an additional 8,937 vehicles, while the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version makes up the remaining 1,750 units.
The recall was determined based on a review of production and supplier records, though the vehicles were not produced in VIN order.
How Will the Manufacturer Resolve This Issue?
Kia North America was informed of the headlight and taillight issue after its counterparts in South Korea identified the same problem, where certain Sorento models were experiencing the loss of both exterior and interior lights during driving.
To resolve this, Kia will update the software in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDCU) at no cost to owners. Dealers will install the updated software, which has been designed to prevent the issue from recurring.
The update will address the software error that causes temporary loss of power to the low-beam headlights and taillights.
Models manufactured after the following dates already have the updated software from the factory:
- 2024 Sorento (produced on or after September 19, 2024)
- 2025 Sorento Hybrid (produced on or after July 19, 2024)
- 2025 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid (produced on or after June 20, 2024)
Kia will notify owners of affected vehicles by February 21, 2025. If your vehicle is impacted, you can contact your local Kia dealership to schedule the free software update.
Repeat Issues and the Lemon Law
If your Kia Sorento continues to experience issues with the headlights and taillights, even after the recall repair, you may have legal rights under your state’s Lemon Law.
These laws are in place to protect consumers who purchase vehicles that fail to meet quality or performance standards after repeat warranty repair attempts.
Here are some key points to keep in mind about Lemon Law and vehicle recalls:
- Repeated Issues: If your vehicle requires repeat repairs for the same or similar problem, it could qualify as a “lemon.” In such cases, the manufacturer may be obligated to either replace the vehicle or offer a refund.
- Documentation: It’s essential to keep thorough records of all repair attempts and communications with both the dealership and manufacturer. These documents are incredibly important if you decide to pursue a Lemon Law claim.
- Your Legal Rights: Lemon Laws guarantee that you are entitled to a vehicle that meets safety and performance standards. If the recall repair doesn’t resolve the issue, you may be entitled to additional remedies, such as a replacement or refund.
- Manufacturer’s Responsibility: Manufacturers are required to address safety defects at no cost to the consumer while the vehicle is under warranty. If they fail to resolve the issue after a reasonable number of repair attempts, they must offer either a replacement vehicle or a refund.
If you believe your vehicle qualifies under Lemon Law, consulting a Lemon Law attorney can help clarify your options and ensure your rights are protected.
For Kia Sorento owners dealing with ongoing issues like headlight and taillight failures, pursuing a Lemon Law claim could offer a more effective solution and potential compensation.
This legal route could help resolve the situation in a way that best fits your needs, particularly if the recall repairs do not fully address the problem.
Previous Lemon Law cases involving similar issues have resulted in substantial compensation for affected consumers.
| Affected Vehicle | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2024 Kia Sorento | $71,880 |
| 2025 Kia Sorento | $71,994 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires personalized legal guidance.
Get in Touch with the Lemon Law Experts!
If you’re experiencing recurring issues with your Kia Sorento’s headlights and taillights and the dealership or manufacturer hasn’t provided a satisfactory fix, it may be time to consider your legal options.
A knowledgeable Lemon Law attorney can help you assess whether you have grounds for a claim under state or federal Lemon Laws, potentially resulting in a replacement vehicle, refund, or financial compensation for your defective Kia Sorento.
At the Lemon Law Experts, we specialize in assisting consumers with automotive defect claims. Since 2009, we’ve successfully represented individuals facing ongoing vehicle issues, striving to secure favorable outcomes for our clients under the Lemon Law.
Our team has experience with various vehicle defects, including the issues affecting the headlights and taillights in the Kia Sorento.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you address this recurring problem and secure the compensation you deserve. Take the first step toward resolving your Lemon Law concerns today.
Citations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Part 573 Safety Recall Report 25V-006.” Retrieved from: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V006-1666.PDF
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Manufacturer’s Recall Report 25V-006.” Retrieved from: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RMISC-25V006-8505.pdf
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Recall Report 25V-006 for Kia.” Retrieved from: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V006-1110.pdf
Car and Driver. “Kia Sorento Headlight/Taillight Recall.” Retrieved from: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a63456675/kia-sorento-headlight-taillight-recall/
“75,000 Kia Sorentos Could Have Their Lights Go Out.” Retrieved from: https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/general/75-000-kia-sorentos-could-have-their-lights-go-out/ar-AA1xCtuu
