NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10251450: 2023, 2024 Kia Sorento

Official manufacturer communication context for 2023, 2024 Kia Sorento, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10251450 summary graphic for 2023, 2024 Kia Sorento
10251450NHTSA document ID
Service campaigncommunication type
1affected product rows
92/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: COWL WATER INTRUSION REPAIR (SC298) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional body seam sealer and also to inspect and, if necessary, replace the blower motor on certain 2023-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced at Kia Georgia (KaGA)from October 25, 2023 through February 11, 2024. The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system uses cooling and heating to help maintain a pleasant environment inside the vehicle. The blower motor controls the airflow for the HVAC system. Due to improper body seam sealer application at the HVAC fresh air intake, water may enter through the HVAC fresh air intake and onto the blower motor, potentially causing the blower motor to be noisy, operate more slowly, and eventually become inoperative. If this occurs, customers may experience reduced HVAC fan speed, noise and, in some cases, wet carpets.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
KiaSorento2023, 2024Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10251450?

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: COWL WATER INTRUSION REPAIR (SC298) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional body seam sealer and also to inspect and, if necessary, replace the blower motor on certain 2023-2024MY Sorento (MQ4a) vehicles produced at Kia Georgia (KaGA)from October 25, 2023 through February 11, 2024. The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

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