Kia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire

Kia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire

August 13, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – August 13, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 21,575 cars with 2.5 liter-turbocharged engines which may develop a fuel leak in the fuel pump system. This may cause a fire, which increases the risk of injury and a crash. Vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2021 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 Kia K5
  • 2022 Kia K5

This is the latest in a series of Kia and Hyundai recalls due to fire risk. The component in question is the high pressure pipe (Kia fuel rail) with part number 35305-2S200.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this recall receive fuel through a so-called direct injection system. This is a popular type of a fuel injection system that delivers gasoline directly into the engine allowing for greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Gasoline is transported to the engine via the fuel pump connected with a series of metal pipes called fuel rails. In affected vehicles, one or more pipes may not have been tightened during the assembly or may be out of shape due to a manufacturing error. In both cases, pressurized fuel may escape and spray on the engine and other nearby components.    

Risks

Fuel that sprays onto hot components in the engine compartment can easily ignite and cause a vehicle fire. This increases the risk of a crash, as flames and smoke may distract drivers and cause them to panic. Another risk is the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, which may lead to injury. 

Warning signs

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

Other Kia and Kia Sorento recalls

This recall is another in a series of ongoing fire-related issues Kia vehicles are experiencing lately, including one caused by a leaking ABS module.

The 2022 Kia Sorento is not subject to any recalls. At the same time, 2014 and 2015 Sorento were recalled last summer due to a brake fluid leak which can lead to a fire, as reported.

The repair

Affected pipes will be checked for fuel leaks and then replaced or simply tightened as necessary.  Owners should have been notified on July 21, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This Kia Recall includes more than 20,000 Sorento and K5 vehicles. To perform a Kia recall check, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls more than 20,000 vehicles due to risk of fire
Kia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire

Kia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire

June 11, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – June 11, 2021 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 440,370 cars for a possible brake fluid leak, which may result in a short circuit and  cause a fire. This increases the risk of a crash and injury. The affected component is the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), with several part numbers that start with 58920.

The recall supersedes a 2020 recall that encompassed the same model years and is a result of an ongoing investigation that has so far resulted in seven recalls.

 This Kia recall includes the following sedans and SUVs:

  • 2013 Kia Optima
  • 2014 Kia Optima
  • 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2014 Kia Sorento 
  • 2015 Kia Sorento 

Recall summary  

The anti-lock brake system, or ABS, is a safety system that adjusts the braking force to each wheel, to “prevent them from locking up when braking.” This gives the driver better control over the vehicle when having to stop quickly, especially in less-than-ideal road conditions. As a result of a supplier error, brake fluid may leak into the HECU, which is part of the ABS module, and cause the electronic circuitry inside it to short out, which may result in an engine fire. 

The fire may occur “while parked or driving,” according to Kia.

Previous recall

This recall supersedes the previous recall that was conducted in 2020 for the same model years because of an enhanced remedy that was developed by Kia subsequent to the start of the previous recall.  

It is also a result of an ongoing investigation launched in 2019 by auto safety regulator, the National Highway Safety Administration, into “non-collision related fires on model year…2011-2014 Kia Optima and Sorento, and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles,” which now also includes the 2011-2015 Kia Soul cars. 

The investigation has so far resulted in seven recalls, including the December for almost 300,000 Kia vehicles that may catch fire.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short by the malfunction indicator light (MIL) or the ABS warning light.  Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood. 

Risks

A fire that occurs while driving is a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards. Besides increasing the risk of collision and posing a threat to other drivers, it may not be possible to stop and evacuate the vehicle in time, which may result in injury or death. There is also a risk of property damage, as the burning vehicle may damage surrounding structures and vehicles. 

Safety tips

Until the vehicle is repaired, it is important to park it outside, away from other vehicles and structures. This will prevent additional property damage in the event of fire when the vehicle is stationary. 

In case a fire breaks out while driving, the driver and all occupants should follow these steps to get themselves to safety quickly.

Other 2015 Kia Optima recalls

Apart from this recall, the 2015 Kia Optima and 2015 Kia Sorento were among the cars recalled in December 2018 due to fire risk because of a fuel leak. The cars involved in that recall previously received a new engine.

Other 2015 Kia Sorento recalls

Please see above.

The repair

As a part of the repair, dealers will inspect the ABS module and replace it with an updated unit if a brake fluid leak is discovered. As an additional safety measure, dealers will replace the ABS fuse with one that is rated at a lower amperage, which will reduce the risk of fire in case of an electric short. The repair is free and the recall is expected to begin on  July 2.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 440,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Sorento recall. To find out if your Optima or Sorento is a part of it, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls more than 440,000 vehicles over risk of fire
Kia recalls SUVs over stall and fire risk

Kia recalls SUVs over stall and fire risk

May 4, 2021 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – May 4, 2021 – Kia Motors (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is recalling 147,249 vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, which may stall or catch fire while driving as a result of internal damage. This increases risk of a crash and may result in serious injuries to vehicle occupants.  This Kia vehicle recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2021 Kia  Seltos
  • 2020 Kia Soul 
  • 2021 Kia Soul

The component in question is called “piston assembly,” part number 23041-2E801. This is the latest in the series of ongoing fire-related Kia and Hyundai recalls.

Recall summary  

The engines of these cars contain piston oil rings, whose function is to seal the combustion chamber  – where gasoline and air mix  – from other parts of the engine, partly to ensure that no extra oil is passed into the chamber.

Due to a supplier error,  the recalled vehicles’ piston oil rings were “improperly heated” during production.  As a result of this, they may become excessively hard to the point where they start chipping. This may result in the seal between the other parts of the engine and the combustion chamber breaking, which may cause extra oil to get into the engine and damage it.

The damage may cause the car to stall while driving. If the car continues to be driven, parts of the piston assembly can break apart and pierce the engine. This may result in the vehicle catching fire as oil escaping from the engine comes in contact with the “hot exhaust components.”

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this problem if they hear the engine make a metallic rattling sound and feel it vibrate. In most cases, this will be accompanied by an illuminated “ oil pressure warning light” on the dashboard. To prevent any further damage, the driver should stop the vehicle in the first safe spot and turn off the engine. 

Risks

Stalling while driving may lead to potentially dangerous situations, especially if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic. Car fires are very dangerous and kill over 300 people a year on average,  as reported.

For tips on what to do if your car catches fire, please see this article about last year’s Kia Stinger recall for mystery fire risk.

Other Kia engine recalls

Both Kia and Hyundai have been subject to multiple fire-related recalls. Recently, the latter – which is part-owned by Hyundai and builds vehicles on its platform – recalled over 300,000 Kia Cadenza and Kia Sportage cars because of fire risk related to a part within the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Faulty engine rod bearings were the culprit behind a recent Hyundai recall due to the stall and fire risk.

Seltos Kia 2021 is not subject to any additional recalls.

The repair

To fix the issue, Kia Motors dealers will conduct a special engine examination in affected vehicles . If an oil ring flaw is found, the dealer will replace the whole engine. In certain cases, the dealer might also install software that will alert the driver that the piston oil ring is damaged.

The recall is slated to begin on June 11.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This recall includes nearly 150,000 Kia vehicles. To do a Kia recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls SUVs over stall and fire risk
Kia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

Kia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk

March 19, 2021 Rebecca Rand

Irvine, CA – June 17, 2022 – Kia Motors (KIMTF:OTC US) has remedied 261,537 electrical issues that might cause engine fire in several vehicles including the 2017-2021 Kia Sportage. Additionally, 11,485 of these Kia Sportage and Kia Cadenza models have been deemed unreachable, and 9,550 models have been removed from the recall. In total Kia remedied the engine compartment fire issues in three groups during 2021 and one group during the first quarter of 2022.

Irvine, CA – March 19, 2021 – Kia  (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has recalled 379,931 cars whose engines may catch fire due to an electrical issue.  The recall includes the following mid-size cars and compact SUVs:

  • 2017 Kia Cadenza
  • 2018 Kia Cadenza
  • 2019 Kia Cadenza 
  • 2017 Kia Sportage
  • 2018 Kia Sportage
  • 2019 Kia Sportage
  • 2020 Kia Sportage
  • 2021 Kia Sportage 

The 2020 Kia Cadenza and 2021 Kia Cadenza are not included in the recall. The affected part is the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which is part of the anti-lock brakes’ system (ABS). The part numbers are 58920-D9100 and 58920-F6210 for Sportage and Cadenza, respectively.

Recall summary  

The recall stems from an electrical issue in the HECU, a component of the anti-lock braking system, which ensures that the car maintains contact with the road and prevents the wheels from locking, as reported.

A short in the wiring of the HECU may spark a fire in the engine compartment. The recall has been issued for cars sold in the United States and South Korea, where Kia is based. Kia said in recall documents that they did not know what was causing the short-circuit in the HECU.

Ongoing fire issues

Shorting in the ABS system seem to be an ongoing issue for this manufacturer.

In the past five years, Kia and its parent company, Hyundai, have recalled over 2.5 million cars due to fire risks arising from ABS problems. Kia is also subject to an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looking into the frequency of vehicle fires in Optima, Sorento, and Soul vehicles.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to this issue if he or she notices the illumination of “tire pressure,” ABS or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights. The latter is also known as the “check engine” light. 

Additionally, the driver may smell “burning [or] melting odor” and see “smoke from [the] engine compartment,” according to the manufacturer.

Safety tips

Kia has advised that owners should park their recalled cars outdoors and away from structures until they have their cars repaired.

Read more about the dangers of vehicle fires and what to do if one occurs in this article about a recent Kia Stinger recall.

The repair

Kia dealers will replace certain fuses in the car’s electronics to prevent the HECU from short-circuiting. Certain vehicles will also receive a software update. Both repairs will be conducted free of charge.

Owner notifications with more detailed instructions will be sent out on April 30.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 380,000 vehicles are included in this Kia vehicle recall. Want to check for Kia recalls? Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandKia recalls Cadenza and Sportage over engine fire risk
Kia Motors recalls nearly 300,000 cars over engine fire risk

Kia Motors recalls nearly 300,000 cars over engine fire risk

December 15, 2020 Rebecca Rand

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 – January 20, 2022 Update – Kia Motors (KIMTF:OTC US) has remedied issues with 101,964 vehicles at risk of engine fires including the 2012 Kia Sportage. An additional 22,555 Kia models have been deemed unreachable as well as 26,994 models that were removed from the recall. In total Kia remedied the engine fire issue in three groups all during 2021.

Irvine, CA – December 15, 2020 – Kia Motors (KIMTF:OTC US) is recalling 294,756 vehicles whose engines may catch on fire. This mirrors the more recent 2017-2021 Kia Sportage and 2017-2019 Kia Cadenza engine fire recall due to electrical issues. The recall includes the following: 

  • 2012-2015 Kia Forte compact sedans equipped with 
    • 2.0L Nu Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines  
    • 2.4L Theta II Multi-Port Injection (MPI) engines
  • 2012-2015 Kia Forte Koup cars equipped with 
    • 2.0L Nu GDI engines 
    • 2.4L Theta II MPI engines
  • 2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid cars equipped with 
    • 2.4L Theta II MPI engines
  • 2012-2013 Kia Sorento SUVs equipped with 
    • 2.4L Theta II MPI engines
  • 2014-2015 Kia Soul hatchbacks equipped with
    • 2.0L Nu GDI engines
  • 2012 Kia Sportage compact SUVs equipped with
    • 2.4L Theta II MPI engines

Recall summary

The recall stems from a risk that the engines could catch fire while driving.  Neither Kia nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found a definite cause for the high rates of engine fire in these models. Kia said that the recall was a “preventative measure” that would attempt to address any existing fuel leaks, oil leaks, or engine damage to mitigate fire risks.

Background of the recall

This recall was prompted by a June 2018 petition by the Center For Auto Safety, a consumer watchdog group that pushed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate the high rate of engine fires in certain Kia vehicles. While they have not yet determined the cause of the fires, NHTSA has recommended this recall based on the fire complaint data they got from Kia. 

As a result of the same investigation, Hyundai is set to perform a 130,000 car recall, including  2012 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs, 2011-2013 and 2016 Hyundai Sonata hybrids, and 2015-2016 Hyundai Veloster hatchbacks. The recall is being conducted also due to the risk of a fire, as well as that of stalling while driving.

This is the second 2013 Kia Sorento recall related to engine fires. Fires also led to 2011-2012 Kia Sportage and 2013 Kia Optima recalls, according to NHTSA records.

Vehicle fires

Car fires are very dangerous. Please see the following article for tips on what to do if your vehicle catches fire.

Engine noise, the check engine light, the low oil light, fuel smell, burning smell, oil leaking, and smoke may indicate an active or potential fire in the recalled vehicles. 

Repair

This Kia Motors recall is slated to begin on January 27, 2021. Kia will notify owners by mail, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment and perform an engine test. If they discover any problems, the dealer will repair them for free. This includes a replacement engine, if necessary. 

Kia is also working on a free software update designed to prevent engine damage, which dealers will install when available.  

Owners who have already repaired this defect on their own dime may be eligible for reimbursement.

Is your vehicle affected by this recall?

Nearly 300,000 cars are included with this Kia motors recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.


Rebecca RandKia Motors recalls nearly 300,000 cars over engine fire risk
2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk

2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk

October 26, 2020 Rebecca Rand

Pleasanton, CA – October 27, 2023 – Kia announced that 4,241 cars that were part of this recall were still in need of repair. To see if your car is one them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Pleasanton, CA – March 3, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has remedied issues with 19,276 luxury sports sedans including the 2019 Kia Stinger dealing with a risk of fire caused by a failure with the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, 991 of these vehicles have been categorized as unreachable and 477 have been removed from the recall. One group of Kia models were remedied in 2020 and four groups were remedied in 2021 for this issue with the ABS Unit that may cause an engine compartment fire similar to a recall that affect several 2014-2015 Kia Sorento and 2013-2015 Kia Optima models in 2021.

Pleasanton, CA – August 28, 2020 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) has announced a recall of 28,200 luxury sports sedans over concerns of an engine compartment fire, potentially caused by the anti-lock braking system (ABS). The recall includes all 2019 Kia Stingers equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines.

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is an important component of the ABS that prevents the wheels of a car from locking and allows the car to maintain traction with the road.

Recall summary

In recalled cars, there is a risk that an engine compartment fire may occur where the HECU is located.  However, while the recall notice points to the ABS unit as the culprit of fire, other documents from the regulator National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) stop short from confirming that, instead listing the cause of the fire as “unknown.”

At least six Kia Stingers had caught fire before the manufacturer issued the recall.

Risks

Car fires kill over 300 people a year on average and injure over a thousand, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Their report blames at least 20% of vehicle fires between 2009 and 2017 on equipment failures. As far as manufacturer Kia is concerned, there are many recalls caused by fire hazards. In 2021, several Kia Compact SUVs were recalled for fire risk due to electrical issues.

Warning signs

 Before the car catches fire, the driver may notice the following:

  • Tire pressure,  ABS  or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) warning lights come on
  • The car emits a “burning/melting odor”
  • Smoke appears from under the hood

What to do in the event of a fire

If you notice any of these conditions, stop your car someplace safe. If you suspect there is an actual fire under the hood, do not open it. Oxygen will rush in and feed the flames. Instead, get yourself and others away from the vehicle, at least 100 feet.

Call the fire department at 911 when you are in a secure location. Do not return to the vehicle for any reason.

The repair

Kia has yet to offer a repair for this recall. The automaker will be notifying owners by mail starting October 26, at which time it will lay out the next steps of the recall process.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 9,000 Kia Stingers are included in this recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s vehicle identification number look up tool.

Rebecca Rand2019 Kia Stinger recalled for mystery fire risk
Kia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks

Kia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks

October 23, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – August 27, 2020 – Kia Motors America (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has recalled 440,370 Optima and Sorento vehicles, due to a brake fluid leak, which increases the risk of an engine fire. The recall includes: 

  • 2013-2015 Optima Sedans
  • 2014-2015 Sorento SUVs

Recall summary  

These cars are equipped with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which is a component of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking. Due to an error on the part of a supplier, brake fluid may enter the HECU, cause an electrical short and create a fire risk. 

This is the second recall Kia is conducting for a similar issue. In April, the manufacturer recalled Sedona and other Sorento vehicles, of several different model years, due to another error that allowed moisture to enter the control unit.

Risks 

A fire in the engine compartment can injure the vehicle occupants. If the driver loses control of the vehicle due to a fire, other vehicles, pedestrians, and property may be at risk.

Engine fires are a real risk for drivers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated over 171,000 engine fires annually from 2014 to 2016. 

Warning signs

In some instances, the driver may see the ABS light or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) come on prior to the fire. She also may become aware of “burning/melting smell [or] smoke from [the] engine compartment,” according to the recall notice.

What to do in the event of a fire?

If you suspect that your vehicle is on fire:

  • Pull over
  • Turn off the engine
  • Get all of the occupants away from the vehicle
  • Call 911

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will examine the HECU and determine if brake fluid is leaking. If the a brake fluid leak is found, the dealer will replace it free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2020.

Vehicle owners should park the vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until repairs can be made.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 440,000 vehicles are included in this Optima and Sorento recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Optima and Sorento recalled with brake fluid leaks
Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

Kia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights

October 14, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – July 28, 2020 – Kia Motors Corporation (NASDAQ:KIMTF) has recalled 86,921 cars that operate with smart cruise control (SCC). In certain situations, the brake lights will not light up when the SCC brakes the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.  The recall includes 2020 Kia Telluride SUVs.

Recall summary  

When the SCC system is on, if it senses another vehicle is within a certain distance in front of it, it will automatically apply the brakes to slow down. This is meant to keep the vehicle from coming too close to the one in front of it and reduce the risk of a crash. 

In recalled cars, the brake lights will not come on when a trailer is attached to the back of the car.

Risks 

If the trailer brake lights do not turn on, other drivers are not warned that the vehicle is slowing. This could cause a rear-end collision, which may injure the people in both cars. 

If the driver in the vehicle behind changes lanes quickly to avoid a collision, people nearby or in other vehicles may be injured.  If a driver loses control of a vehicle, it may cause property damage. If an accident happens, items in the trailer can damage the vehicle it’s attached to or other vehicles or may injure people in the area.

The repair

The dealer will notify owners and install a wire harness, which will allow the trailer brake lights to operate correctly. The recall begins in September and it is free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 86,000 vehicles are included in this Kia Telluride SUV recall. To see if your truck is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Telluride recalled for faulty trailer brake lights
Kia Sedona minivans recalled for potential fire hazard

Kia Sedona minivans recalled for potential fire hazard

September 7, 2020 Ken Boyd

Pleasanton, CA – July 1, 2022 – Kia Motors America (OTC:KIMTF) has remedied issues with 4,078 2020 Kia Sedona that were dealing with electrical issues caused by an alternator failure. Additionally, 54 of these 2020 Kia Sedona have been deemed unreachable, and 20 have been removed from the recall. Two groups of these Kia Sedona models with alternator failures were remedied in 2020, four groups in 2021, and 1 group during the first quarter of 2022.

Pleasanton, CA – July 8, 2020 – Kia Motors America (OTC:KIMTF) has recalled 5,385 Kia Sedona vehicles because a  nut on the generator of the electrical power in the car was not sufficiently tightened during assembly. The nut may loosen over time, which creates an extreme risk of fire.  Affected vehicles include:

  • 2020 Kia Sedona

Recall summary  

In July, Kia announced that a nut on the alternator was not properly tightened when the car was in production. The alternator converts energy generated by the engine into electricity, which charges the vehicle’s battery and powers the electrical system. 

The nut in question maintains the electrical connection between the battery wire and the alternator terminal. If  it  is loose, a resulting electrical arc may cause a fire.

Risks 

A loose alternator terminal nut creates an extreme fire risk. In February of 2020, Kia received a customer complaint which alleged that a 2020 Sedona caught on fire. The manufacturer investigated and found that an alternator terminal nut was missing. Kia inspected a group of Sedona vehicles and determined that some terminal nuts were not properly tightened.

What to do in case of a fire

Car fires are extremely dangerous.  If your vehicle catches fire, here is what you should do:

  • Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible
  • Turn off the engine
  • Immediately get yourself and your family away from the vehicle
  • Call 911

If you think that there is a fire under the hood, do not open it to avoid feeding the fire oxygen.

The repair

To eliminate the risk of fire, the B+ alternator terminal nut must be inspected and tightened, if necessary. The update itself should take less than half a day.

There is no charge for this repair, and the recall is expected to start on August 14, 2020. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 5,300 cars are included in this Kia recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydKia Sedona minivans recalled for potential fire hazard
Hyundai and Kia Recall Nearly 168,000 Vehicles for Potential Fuel Leaks and Fire Risk

Hyundai and Kia Recall Nearly 168,000 Vehicles for Potential Fuel Leaks and Fire Risk

January 26, 2019 Sean Reyes ,

Laguna Hills, Calif. – Jan. 26, 2019 – Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Motors Corp are recalling close to 168,000 U.S. vehicles at risk of fuel leaks. This recall comes after a previous recall in 2017 for engine fire risks. The companies will also offer software upgrades for 3.7 million vehicles. The new recall covers 68,000 various Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles from the 2011 through 2014 model years, and also affects 100,000 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

The Defect

According to Reuters, engine replacements during the prior recall could have involved a high-pressure fuel pipe that may have been damaged or improperly installed. The faulty installation could increase the risk of fire. Hyundai and Kia now also state that the high-pressure fuel line may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly adjusted during the engine replacement procedure. That could allow fuel to leak and increase the risk of fire.

Timeline of Events

According to Reuters, in 2015, Hyundai recalled 470,000 U.S. Sonata sedans. The reason for the recall was given as a possibility of engine failure that could result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Kia did not recall its vehicles, which share the same “Theta II” engines, at that time.

In 2016, a South Korean whistleblower reported concerns regarding this design flaw to NHTSA. The U.S. agency had been investigating the timeliness of three U.S. recalls, and the number of vehicles recalled.  In March 2017, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 572,000 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles with “Theta II” engines, claiming a small amount of manufacturing debris was responsible for potential engine stall, and Kia recalled 618,000 Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles with the same engine at the same time.

According to Consumer Reports, in May 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation into the recalls. The Center for Auto Safety (CAS), a consumer watchdog group, filed a formal petition with the NHTSA in June 2018 to investigate multiple fire complaints.

The Solution

Authorized dealers will inspect the connection between the high-pressure fuel pipe and the fuel pump outlet. If leaking fuel is detected, the dealer will replace the fuel pipe and properly install a new one, at no charge to owners.

In addition to the recall, both automakers have announced a software update and warranty extension. This announcement affects approximately 2 million 2011-2018 Hyundai Sonata sedans and 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs, and about 1.6 million 2011-2018 Kia Optima sedans, 2012-2018 Kia Sorento SUVs, and 2011-2018 Kia Sportage SUVs. The software update is reported to protect the engine from damage that could lead to vibrations or stalling. Kia and Hyundai will also extend engine warranties to 10 years and 120,000 miles for owners of affected vehicles who contact their dealer for a free software update.

Hyundai and Kia will notify owners of the recall details via first-class mail. Owners of affected vehicles may call Hyundai at 800-633-5151 or Kia at 800-333-4542. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sean ReyesHyundai and Kia Recall Nearly 168,000 Vehicles for Potential Fuel Leaks and Fire Risk
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