Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

Kia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire

February 26, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 26, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 72,848 2013 – 2014 Kia Optima sedans with 2.0 and 2.4 GDI engines, whose low-pressure fuel lines may develop a leak. This may cause a fire, increasing the risk of injury and a crash. 

These vehicles were affected by an identical recall from February 2020, which apparently failed to solve the issue.

This is the latest recall in a long string of Kia and Hyundai fire-related recalls, as reported.  Both manufacturers are currently subject to a U.S government investigation due to ongoing fire issues spanning millions of vehicles.

Recall summary  

In affected vehicles, the low-pressure fuel line, which goes between the tank and engine, may crack as a result of heat exposure and cause a leak which may lead to a fire.

Background of the recall

This Optima fuel hose issue goes back several years. Kia first addressed it by inspecting the suspected fuel line and replacing those that already developed cracks. As an additional preventive measure, dealers insulated the hose with heat-protective tape to protect it from future deterioration.   

However, on some vehicles, this repair may not have been done properly, necessitating this recall.

The components in question are the fuel feed line, with part numbers 31310-3Q100 for the 2.0L engine and 31310-3Q900 for the 2.4L engine. 

Recall risks

This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers. You can find out all about the risks caused by vehicle fires in this article about a different Kia fire recall.

Warning signs

A fuel leak would result in a strong gasoline smell and, in case of fire, smoke or melting odor inside the car. In addition, the vehicle may display a malfunction indicator light (MIL) on the dashboard. 

Other Kia Optima recalls

Over 440,000 of 2013-2015 Kia Optimas were recalled in June of last year, also due to the possibility of these cars catching fire because of brake fluid leaking into the cars’ anti-lock brakes (ABS), as reported. For more fire-related Kia recalls, please visit this page.

The repair

Dealers will fix this issue by replacing the low-pressure fuel hose with the updated one. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 15, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Kia Optima fuel leak recall is affecting more than 700,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls Optima sedans due to risk of fire
Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

Kia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk

February 13, 2022 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – February 13, 2022 –  Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 126,747 cars that may catch fire, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. This recall is just of the many Kia and its shareholder Hyundai had to do because of fire-related issues that have been plaguing both manufacturers.

SUVs and sedans that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Kia K900
  • 2014 – 2016 Kia Sportage

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a safety system that adjusts the braking force to each wheel, preventing them from locking up while braking hard or on slippery surfaces. On affected vehicles, the ABS module may overheat and cause a fire inside the engine bay.  The exact reason for overheating is still unknown, although it is suspected to be caused by an “internal electrical short“.

The component in question is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)  – which is part of the ABS module – with part numbers 58920-3T380 and 58920-3W810 for K900 and Sportage, respectively.

Recall risks

For more on the risks of this recall, please visit this article about a similar Kia recall.

Safety tips

Kia advises owners to park their vehicles outside, away from other vehicles and structures. This will prevent additional property damage in the event of a fire when the vehicle is stationary. 

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short by the check engine or ABS warning light.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Other Kia Sportage recalls 

In March 2021, 2018-2021 Sportage cars were part of a recall due to the same issue, as reported.

Additionally, over 50 model-years are currently subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation to see if the remedies that have been issued for existing recalls are enough to fix the problem. The regulators are also looking into complaints about vehicles not part of these recalls catching fire to see if they need to be recalled as well. 

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will replace the fuse with an uprated one, which will prevent the HECU from short circuiting and overheating. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 31, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall caused by Kia engine fires is affecting more than 120,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls K900 and Sportage cars over fire risk
NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

NHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights

February 6, 2022 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – February 6, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will not have to recall its 2011-2013 Kia Sorento SUVs over failing headlights. The finding follows a U.S government investigation which looked into reports of headlight failures with the goal of identifying a safety-related problem.

Investigation summary  

After receiving over 1,300 complaints from owners of these vehicles,  the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), initiated the investigation in June 2020.  According to the complaints, headlights on the SUVs would shut down on their own, without any apparent reason. 

Investigation conclusion 

Upon closer examination, the regulator has discovered that headlight issues in question are caused by a connector that may overheat. When that happens, the low beam light may start flickering or even shut down completely. In most cases, this issue was limited to one headlight. And even if both low-beam headlights would shut down, the driver was still able to turn them back on by toggling the headlight switch to the “ON” position. 

Because Kia has started replacing these connectors in 2019 as a part of extended warranty,  the regulator concluded last month that there was no need for a recall. 

Other Kia recalls 

Despite the complaints and corresponding investigation, there is no Kia headlights recall or Kia Optima headlight recalls caused by this particular issue. However, Kia and Hyundai are being investigated because of ongoing recalls related to fires, as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This Kia Sorento highlight issue did not result in a recall, although there may be other ones that are affecting these SUVs. To do a Kia recall check and see if your vehicle is due for any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicNHTSA closes Kia investigation over failing headlights
Kia recalls five models over defective airbags

Kia recalls five models over defective airbags

February 5, 2022 Joseph Estabillo

Irvine, CA – February 5, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 410,619 units spanning various models over faulty airbags that may fail to inflate in case of a crash, putting the occupants of the car at the risk of injury.

The Kia airbag recall involves the following models:

  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul
  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Sedona
  • 2017 – 2019 Kia Soul EV
  • 2017 – 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2017 Kia Forte Koup

Recall summary

These models use airbags that cushion occupants’ heads and prevent them from hitting the vehicle’s interior during a crash. The airbags are regulated by a computer called the airbag control unit (ACU), which is protected by a cover.

Manufacturing defects can cause this cover to make contact with – and possibly damage – the electronics responsible for controlling the airbags. When this happens, the airbags may become deactivated and not work in the event of a crash.

The component involved in this recall is the “Airbag Module Assembly” with multiple part numbers, including 95910-B2050 and 95910-B2600.

Recall risks

Faulty airbags  expose the vehicle’s occupants to a higher risk of serious injury during a crash.

Warning signs

If the airbags are deactivated, the airbag warning light will come on the dashboard.

Other Kia recalls 

There was a Kia Forte recall in September because of faulty trunk latches, which in rare cases if someone is stuck inside may prevent that person from opening the trunk.

In addition to that, earlier model-years of the same car – as well as close to 3 million of other Hyundai and Kia cars – are being investigated to see if the manufacturers will be required to issue new recalls for these cars based on an increased risk of fire. Kia and Hyundai have been in the crosshairs of the U.S. auto safety regulator for the past couple of years because of their vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons, as reported.

The repair

If the airbag warning light is on, the ACU will be replaced with an improved one. If the ABWL is not on, an update to the airbag’s software will be installed. Both measures will ensure that the airbags inflate during a crash to protect occupants.

All repairs will be done free of charge and owners who already paid out of pocket will be reimbursed. Notifications with more information will be sent March 21 and March 25, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 400,000 vehicles are being recalled because of this Kia airbag issue. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloKia recalls five models over defective airbags
Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

Hyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire

January 30, 2022 Rebecca Rand ,

Washington, D.C. – January 30, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is looking into whether Hyundai (OTCMKTS:HYMTF) and Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) will need to recall additional vehicles that may be prone to catching fire and whether remedies for the recalls both manufacturers have already issued are adequate to lower the risk of fire. Both companies have already issued various recalls for vehicles catching fire, sometimes for unknown reasons.

This latest development is part of an ongoing probe into the situation that affects an estimated 3 million vehicles. A partial list of the vehicles is below:

  • 2013 Hyundai Elantra
  • 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
  • 2017 Hyundai Tucson
  • 2013 – 2014 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2011 – 2014 Hyundai Sonata
  • 2011 – 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2016 – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2016 Hyundai Veloster
  • 2012 – 2015 Kia Forte

Summary

On December 21, the regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA), opened this probe – called an engineering analysis – on the heels of “161 fires potentially due to engine failures,”  which resulted in three injuries. 

Out of the complaints submitted, 125 were about vehicles that were not previously included in any fire-related recalls, while the rest was about cars that  have already been repaired under one of the eight recalls that have so far been issued due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire. 

The full list of vehicles being investigated is available here. Hyundai owns 33.8% of Kia.

‘Caught fire while parked and turned off’

Some of the cars previously not included in a fire-related recall are the ​​2013 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Kia Sorento and 2012-2015 Kia Rio with as many as 550,000 of them potentially subject to recalls. 

In one of the related complaints, the driver alleges that his or her car caught fire while turned off in a parking lot of a restaurant. Witnesses mentioned hearing “electrical sparks” before the fire. The driver did not have insurance that would cover the loss of his or her “only mode of transportation.”

In another situation, a 2013 Elantra with only “8-12 miles on it” was “fully engulfed” after minutes of catching fire for unknown reasons. A third driver lost his or her brakes but did not receive any additional warnings before seeing smoke coming out from the back of the car while out on the highway.

Potential inadequate remedies

Over 35 complaints are about cars that received recall repairs, but still ended up having engine issues. The following recalls may need to be “re-done” with a new repair:

Background of the investigation

Hyundai and Kia have been under the scrutiny of the U.S. government since 2017 when NHTSA opened queries regarding Theta II engine recalls that contained various “inaccuracies” in the associated reports. Both manufacturers were found liable and paid hefty penalties – $70 million for Kia and $140 million for Hyundai – and were required to take a host of safety-related measures to ensure that these omissions would not happen in the future. 

In 2019, NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation to investigate claims of “non-crash fires,” which resulted in multiple recalls. The investigation has now been upgraded to this engineering analysis, which typically takes a year and may result in additional recalls. 

Will your vehicle be part of a new recall?

No new recalls have been announced as of the publication of this article, but future Hyundai engine recalls and Kia engine recalls may be coming. To do a Kia recall check or a Hyundai recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Rebecca RandHyundai and Kia may need to recall more vehicles that may catch fire
Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

Kia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors

December 19, 2021 Aleksandra Snesareva

Portland, OR – December 19, 2021  – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 2,956 2022 Kia Carnival minivans with sliding door issues that result in an open door while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to the passenger.

Recall summary  

Due to faulty parts inside the sliding passenger-side door, the latch may become “stuck in the open position.” The door may then open while the vehicle is moving.

The component in question is the “Remote Controller Assembly” with part number 814C2-R0100.

Recall risks

Driving with an open door increases the risk of the passenger falling out of the vehicle, especially at high speeds. 

Warning signs  

The driver will hear “four audible alert chimes” and will see the “the door-ajar warning” illuminate in the instrument panel even if the car is not moving. If the driver ignores the warnings and starts driving at speeds higher than 6 mph, he or she will hear “continuous” additional chimes and will see the warning in the instrument cluster, along with a “flashing red graphic.”

Other Kia recalls 

This model-year is subject to an April recall because of fire risk caused by a fuel leak.

Certain Kia vehicles have been long-plagued by the so-called “non-collision” fires, which are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation, as reported. In fact, in November, the manufacturer recalled over 10,000 Kia Optima Hybrid and Optima PHEV sedans that may catch fire as a result of premature engine wear.

The repair

Dealers will replace two parts in the remote control assembly to ensure that the door closes properly. The repairs will be done free of charge and owners who paid for their own repairs will be reimbursed.

Notifications about the repair were sent to vehicle owners on December 16, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Carnival recall includes more than 2,500 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaKia recalls new Carnival minivans with faulty sliding doors
Kia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

Kia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire

November 21, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – January 31, 2022 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA),  is currently conducting an investigation to see if the remedy offered in this recall was adequate. Please bookmark this page and come back for any updates. You can find more information about why this is happening here or use our free vehicle lookup tool to see if your car is part of a recall.

Irvine, CA  – November 21, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS: KIMTF) is recalling 10,731 cars whose engines may stall or catch fire as a result of premature wear, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall is the newest addition to the long list of fire-related issues that have been plaguing Kia. 

Vehicles that are affected by this recall include:

  • 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2017 Kia Optima PHEV
  • 2018 Kia Optima PHEV

Recall summary  

Connecting rod bearings are designed to cut down on the friction between engine parts.

In the affected vehicles, these bearings may suffer from premature wear, which may cause the engine to stall while driving. In addition, the connecting rod can snap and pierce the engine, which may cause an oil leak and result in a fire. 

Background of the recall

This recall is very similar to a recall conducted by Hyundai last year for the same reason. At least six fires have been reported leading up to this recall.

The reasons behind this and other Kia fire-related recalls are not clear. The affected component is the “engine assembly sub” with part number 189N12EH00.

Recall risks

As reported, stalling can lead to dangerous situations, especially if it happens in high-speed traffic. 

A fire inside the engine compartment that occurs while driving has a wide range of potential hazards. For more information, please visit this article.

Warning signs

Warning signs that may alert the driver include vibrations and metallic rattling coming from the engine. In most cases, the “ oil pressure” warning light on the dashboard will be illuminated. If that happens, the driver should stop the vehicle in the first safe spot and turn off the engine to prevent any further damage.

Other Kia Optima recalls 

This recall is one of the eight recalls that came about as a result of an ongoing U.S. government investigation into the reasons behind “non-collision” collision fires that keep affecting Kia vehicles. Other recalls related to this issue include a June recall affecting Kia Optima and Kia Sorento vehicles and one in December of last year affecting Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento and Kia Soul vehicles.

The last 2018 Kia Optima recall was conducted in 2018 due to a risk of stalling while driving.

The repair

As a part of the repair, dealers will inspect the condition of rod bearings. If there are signs of wear, the whole engine will be replaced. Additionally, updated control software that would detect if engines start producing any unusual vibrations will be installed. After the software installation, the warranty for engine block assembly repairs will be extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

All repairs are free.

Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners on November 29, 2021.  

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Optima Hybrid engine recall includes more than 10,000 vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use  MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls vehicles over risk of engine fire
Kia Sedona recalled for opposite flashing turn signal

Kia Sedona recalled for opposite flashing turn signal

November 7, 2021 Vishal Venugopal

Irvine, CA – November 7, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 88,576 units of the Kia Sedona minivans with faulty turn signals that may flash in the opposite direction. This can result in a collision. Model years involved in this recall include:

  • 2015 Kia Sedona
  • 2016 Kia Sedona
  • 2017 Kia Sedona

The affected component is the “Smart Junction Box” (SJB) with multiple part numbers starting with 91950.

Recall summary  

This Kia Sedona minivan recall addresses faulty software that incorrectly interprets which turn signal to activate.

There have been no reports of crashes or injuries stemming from the problem.

Warning signs

In an affected vehicle, the unintended turn signal direction will illuminate on the instrument cluster, notifying the driver of the faulty indication.

Recall risks

An inoperable or incorrect turn signal can confuse drivers and pedestrians around you, increasing the risk of an accident.

Other Kia and Hyundai recalls

Hyundai Sonata vehicles were also recalled earlier this week over turn signal problems.

The 2020 Kia Sedona was recalled last month to address a potential fire hazard caused by a loose nut on the alternator.

The last 2016 Kia Sedona recall was conducted in 2019 because of a faulty “occupant detection harness.” The harness may break and fail to detect that there is a child in the front seat in the event of a crash. This may lead to the airbags being deployed and result in an injury to the child. 

The repair

Dealers will update the software on the junction box to resolve the issue. Kia will notify affected owners on November 12, 2021 and will reimburse any repair expenses incurred prior to the recall.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 88,000 vehicles are included in this Kia recall. To do a Kia recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalKia Sedona recalled for opposite flashing turn signal
Kia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches

Kia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches

September 1, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA  – September 1, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 253,074 cars with truck latches whose interior emergency release may become faulty. This prevents the person inside the trunk from opening the trunk gate, which increases the risk of injury. Vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2016 – 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2018 – 2019 Kia Rio

Recall summary  

On vehicles that are affected by this recall, including a 2017 Kia Rio, trunk latch may not be opened from the inside using the interior emergency release. This happens because of the damage to the internal components of the trunk latch which is caused by high temperature. 

The affected components installed in Kia Forte have part numbers 81230-A7010 or 81230-A7030, while those in Kia Rio have part numbers 81230-H9011 and 81230-H9031. 

Risks

A faulty trunk release would prevent the person closed inside the trunk from getting out of it, increasing the risk of injury or even death.

Warning signs

Owners may notice that the trunk sometimes fails to open or close. 

Other Kia vehicle recalls

Among previous Kia Forte recalls, one that covers potential issues with the oil pump that may cause engine damage is the most recent. 

There are no other Kia Rio recalls associated with the 2018 or 2019 model years.

As reported, thousands of Kia and Hyundai cars – including 2012-2015 Kia Forte sedans – have been subject to ongoing recalls due to fire risk.

The repair

Kia authorized dealers will replace the affected trunk latch assemblies with improved ones. Owners should receive their notifications by mail around October 5, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This trunk latch recall includes more than 250,000 vehicles. To check if yours is part of this recall, please  use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls vehicles with faulty trunk latches
Kia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters

Kia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters

September 1, 2021 Mikaela Bolker

Irvine, CA – September 1, 2021 – Kia (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has announced a recall for 5,143 vehicles due to a blank instrument cluster on startup, which augments the risk of a crash or an injury.

This recall is for 2022 Kia Telluride SUVs.

The component in question is the “Instrument Cluster Assembly,” with the part numbers 94001-S9500 and  94001-S9510.

Recall summary 

The Kia Telluride LCD monitor displays various important instrumentation to the driver, including the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer. Under certain conditions, the current software cannot load the large file required on startup for the welcome message, so the screen remains blank.

Risks

A blank LCD display may be missing important instrumentation, such as the digital speedometer, gear selection indicator, and odometer. A lack of access to this information may heighten the risk of a crash. 

Other Kia recalls

There are no other 2022 Kia Telluride recalls at the moment.  In July 2020, Kia issued another Telluride recall for 86,921 2020 Kia vehicles due to faulty brake lights.

Thousands of various Kia and Hyundai models – including Kia Optima, Soreno and Soul– have also been subject to a series of recalls due to the risk of fire. The recalls have had different causes ranging from brake fuel leaks to internal damage. 

Repair

The repair is a free update of the software that controls the Kia Telluride screen.  Owners will be notified via letter starting August 3, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall? 

Approximately 5,143 vehicles are part of this Kia Telluride recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Mikaela BolkerKia recalls vehicles with faulty instrument clusters
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