I love my 2014 Kia Sorento, but for the speedometer needle. It is virtually unreadable during the daytime and constitutes a safety issue when the driver has to take his eyes off the road for several seconds to see how fast he is going. This is especially dangerous on a metropolitan freeway. The local Kia dealer (mesa, AZ) said they hadn't heard of the problem and, in any event, could not help and referred me to corporate Kia. Corporate Kia referred me back to the local dealer. I understand from internet forums discussing this issue that, first, I am one of many complaining about this speedo-unreadable issue and, second, Kia corporate is indeed aware of the problem (see case # [xxx], June 10, 2013), but offers no relief, other than "they are working on it." I am told Kia may have resolved the issue in its 2015 model (which seems an admission of fault), but that does not help me and other owners of the 2014 model. It seems a simple fix: Replace the 2014 speedometer unit with that of 2015. Or, heck, paint the speedo needle white, instead of the existing dull red on a black background. I respectively request the NHTSA to resolve this safety issue, soonest. Thank you. :) information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- San Tan Valley, AZ, USA

We cannot easily read the speedometer in daylight. It is very difficult to determine the speed at which we are driving. This is a safety issue. I discussed it with the Kia dealership right after we purchased the vehicle and they said there was nothing that can be done. The speedometer nettle is a red led on white numbers with a black background. We can see the nettle at night but we have to stare at it for a long time to be able to see it during daylight hours. Obviously, it is unsafe to stare at the speedometer for a long period of time while driving. It is also unsafe to not know the speed at which we are driving. We sent a letter to: Consumer assistance center Kia motors America, Inc. P.O. Box 52410 irvine, ca 92619-2410 they called and said there is nothing they can do to fix the problem. Taking your eyes off the road as long as it takes to determine the speed is at least as long as it would take to read or send a text message which is very unsafe. We have another car with a white nettle on a black background and it is very easy to read. We have had over 20 cars in our lifetime and have never had one with a speedometer that is this difficult to read.

- Morehead City, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the digital speedometer needle was virtually invisible on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 5.

- Independence, MO, USA

I cannot see the speedometer needle on.bright days. I found myself staring at the speedometer trying to see my speed for way too long ( 4 seconds or more). It is extremely difficult to see the needle as it is a 1/2inch dark red tip against a dark black background. If there is any ambient light striking the instrument cluster at an angle, the reflection masks my ability to see the needle. Not having an accurate indication of my speed or staring at the speedometer for too long of a time is a very dangerous situation. The dealer said there is nothing he can do as the manufacturer will have to correct the problem.

- Howell, MI, USA

In bright sunlight it is extremely difficult to see the speedometer needle. The needle is dark red against a dark black background. Additionally it is only about 1/2" in length. If there is any ambient light striking the instrument cluster at an angle, the reflection masks the ability to see the needle. Not having an accurate indication of your speed is a very dangerous situation.

- Newfoundland, PA, USA

The speedometer needle is a small red line which is invisible in either sunlight or with driver wearing sunglasses. There is no way to see what my speed is. Especially a problem setting cruise control as I have to remove my glasses, take my eyes off the road, to see how fast I am going in order to set the cruise control. This issue is well documented on Kia Sorento forums. Please request Kia come up with a software update to change the color or intensity of the speedometer needle.

- Ocala, FL, USA

Cpsc:X1380106A. 2014 Kia Sorento. Consumer stated the concern is not being able to read the electroluminescent speedometer in the daylight. The consumer stated it was difficult to see how fast he was going. The sunlight glare made it nearly impossible to see and it required him to take his eyes off the road for up to five seconds.

- Salisbury, NC, USA