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
Kia Motors Recalls Nearly 2,000 Forte Vehicles Due to Incorrect Headlamp Aiming

Kia Motors Recalls Nearly 2,000 Forte Vehicles Due to Incorrect Headlamp Aiming

November 27, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – November 27, 2018 – Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlamps due to incorrect aiming of the headlamp beam. The potential number of units affected is 1,754.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the headlamps on affected vehicles may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming. The LED headlamps may not have been produced by the supplier with the proper low-beam lamp aiming, resulting in a potential leftward deviation in low-beam lamp aiming. Insufficient illumination of the roadway caused by improperly aimed headlamps may result in the driver having reduced visibility, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Timeline of Events

During normal quality check of production process on July 27, 2018,  Kia Motors Mexico (“KMM”) identified an LED headlamp with a leftward deviation in low-beam lamp aiming during production. KMM notified the supplier of the issue.

Between July 28 – August 15, 2018, the supplier conducted an internal evaluation relating to improper low-beam lamp aiming with the LED headlamps, and identified the Master Headlamp used on the production line for headlamp aiming adjustment purposes as being not accurately adjusted. The supplier began use of a properly-adjusted Master Headlamp beginning on August 15, 2018.

Between August 16 – September 10, 2018, KMM conducted field monitoring and found no customer complaints. Between September 11 – October 8, 2018, KMM requested Kia Motors America, Inc. (“KMA”) to inspect KMA’s port stock vehicles, and subsequently, the potential aiming issue was confirmed and KMA advised Kia Motors Corporation (“KMC”) of inspection results.

Between October 9 – October 23, 2018, KMC and supplier conducted further review and confirmatory testing to determine the existence of potential non-compliance issue, and on October 24, 2018, KMC made the decision to conduct a non-compliance recall although no customer complaints have been registered and there have been no reported accidents or injuries.

The Solution

The recalled parts are the LED headlamps, Part Number 92101-M7200 and 92102-M7200. All owners of the subject vehicles will be notified by first class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer. Kia will instruct dealers to inspect the headlamps and, if headlamp aiming is out of spec, replace the headlamp(s), free of charge. Kia will reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred if necessary. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC171. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-771.

Sean ReyesKia Motors Recalls Nearly 2,000 Forte Vehicles Due to Incorrect Headlamp Aiming
Kia Recalls More Than 16,000 Stinger Vehicles for Wiring Harness Issue

Kia Recalls More Than 16,000 Stinger Vehicles for Wiring Harness Issue

November 5, 2018 Sean Reyes

Laguna Hills, CA – November 5, 2018 – Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles for electrical problems relating to a wiring harness. This recall is expected to affect 16011 vehicles in North America.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Recall Safety Report, the front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment of affected Stinger vehicles may get damaged from contacting a burr on a sheet metal hole on the left fender apron body panel. Such contact can damage the insulation on one or more wires and cause increased electrical short, thereby generating heat. Once sufficient heat is generated, thermal damage may occur to surrounding materials. The damaged wiring harness may then short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. Owners may or may not be alerted to an issue by illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Light (“MIL”) or activation of limp home mode.

Timeline of Events

On May 3, 2018, Kia Motors America, Inc.’s (KMA) Consumer Affairs Department was notified by dealer of a fire involving a 2018MY Kia Stinger, which affected other vehicles and a structure. On September 6, 2018, KMA inspected the subject Stinger vehicle and identified the origin of fire to likely have occurred in left rear of engine compartment behind left strut tower and under the left hood hinge support. The potential cause of fire was identified as damage to wiring harness insulation resulting in electrical arcing and/or resistance heating.

KMA subsequently conducted inspection of Stinger vehicles at the port for any potential front wiring harness damage and found none. KMA was able to identify that stamping direction of the left fender apron body panel was changed on April 5, 2018, and although testing was conducted to evaluate any potential relationship between front wiring harness damage and fire, the incident could not be replicated during testing. A potential for thermal damage was confirmed due to an electrical short caused by damaged wires, however, and in late October, KMC made the decision to conduct a safety recall due to the single fire incident. No injuries were reported.

The Solution

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed free of charge. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be repaired, and a cover will be installed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall SC170. Owners may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153). The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-754.

Sean ReyesKia Recalls More Than 16,000 Stinger Vehicles for Wiring Harness Issue
Kia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features

Kia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features

June 14, 2018 Sean Reyes
Irvine, Calif. – June 14, 2018 – Kia Motors America has recalled more than 500,00 vehicles potentially equipped with defective air bag control units, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:
  • 2010-2013 Kia Forte sedans produced between Feb. 24, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2013 Kia Optima sedans produced between Aug. 12, 2010, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedans produced between Feb. 15, 2011, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2010-2013 Kia Koup sport sedans produced between June 5, 2009, and Aug. 31, 2012.
  • 2011-2012 Kia Sedona minivans produced between March 3, 2010, and Aug. 14, 2012.
The South Korean automaker suspects all of the vehicles referenced in the recall contain defective components.

The Defect

The vehicles involved in this action likely contain defective ACUs with application-specific integrated circuits that are prone to electrical overstress during frontal crashes. In the event of ASCI failure, front air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment is inhibited, leaving both drivers and front passengers susceptible to injury. However, as of May 28, 2018, Kia has yet to receive field reports connecting the defective ACUs to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In March 2014, a customer filed suit against Kia, alleging that the frontal air bags installed in his 2012 Kia Forte sedan failed to deploy during an accident, according to an internal chronology document given to the NHTSA. The automaker reported this event to the NHTSA, which then reached out to Kia for more information regarding the potential defect in July 2014.
Between March 2015 and June 2015, Kia conducted tests on the vehicle, including one trial during which an engineer attempted to download the ACU but was unable to communicate with the module. This prompted the car company to connect with its Michigan-based ACU supplier ZRF TWR. Personnel from the vendor replicated Kia’s actions and were unable to connect to the ACU. External engineering consultants looked into the matter and determined that ACU had compromised the front impact sensors, rendering the air bags in the vehicle useless. ZRF TWR then informed Kia that the NHTSA was investigating numerous models using its ACU units.
Kia continued to investigate the matter throughout the remainder of 2015, 2016 and 2017. These analyses failed to reveal a root cause. However, owners continued to report air bag deployment issues, forcing the automaker to expand the group of potentially affected vehicles to include Optima and Koup sedans and Sedona minivans.
Between January and February 2018, the NHTSA reconnected with Kia on several occasions to discuss the defective ACUs and requested that it re-establish a partnership with ZRF TWR to finally resolve the issue. In March, Hyundai recalled a large population of vehicles suffering from ACU failure, an event that engineers had linked to ASCI degradation caused by electrical overstress. On March 14, 2018, Kia officials met with the NHTSA in Washington D.C. to discuss the ACU failures occurring in its vehicles in the context of the findings mentioned in the Hyundai recall disclosure. Following this meeting, the NHTSA requested that Kia open a new investigation to assess whether the ASCIs in its ACUs were susceptible electrical overstress.
Throughout May 2018, Kia engineers conducted several tests, including a number of trials at the Vehicle Research and Test Center. On May 24, 2018, the automaker met with the NHTSA to review the data collected during one such test and found that vehicle involved showed signs of ASCI breakdown as a result of electrical overstress. This finding compelled Kia to issue a voluntary recall May 28, 2018.

The Solution

Kia has not yet developed an effective remedy, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. However, the car company does intend to reach out to dealers July 24, 2018, and contact owners via first-class mail July 27, 2018. Owners in need of assistance prior to the start of the recall can speak with Kia customer service staff by calling (888) 333-4542. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SC165. They can also connect with the NHTSA directly by using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesKia recalls vehicles with defective air bag features
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