Irvine, CA – November 4, 2022 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF) is once again recalling 71,704 2008 and 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUVs due to the risk of these vehicles catching fire while driving or parked.
These cars were previously repaired for the same problem in 2016 but caught fire several times since, prompting the manufacturer to issue another recall. This is the latest chapter in the Kia and Hyundai fire-related saga.
Recall summary
The vehicles in question may experience an “engine compartment fire originating from around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU)”, which is part of the anti-lock brake system, or ABS module.
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, in at least one case, the vehicle that caught fire had “corroded wiring near connector and foreign substances/corrosion on printed circuit board (PCB),” which is a “medium” used to host the car’s “electronic components.”
Background of the recall
The same vehicles were repaired in 2016 due an electrical short within HECU caused by corrosion from an “improperly sealed” HECU cover. Dealers addressed the problem by inspecting the modules and replacing them if any traces of corrosion were present.
But it appears that the repair may not have been sufficient, given that the current recall comes on the heels of 8 fires and 15 “melting” incidents that occurred in cars post-repair.
Recall risks
Risks with vehicle fires are well documented here and in previous similar recalls, such as this Hyundai fire issue from August 2022.
Warning signs
If the HECU module overheats or catches fire, the ABS warning light on the dashboard may illuminate. Apart from that, the driver or occupants may notice the smell of burning or observe smoke.
Safety tips
Kia advises owners to park outdoors and away from buildings or other vehicles until the problem has been resolved. For tips on what to do in the even of fire, please visit the following article about yet another Kia fire recall.
Other Kia Sportage recalls
These fire issues are not the only problem that has been troubling the Korean manufacturer lately. Just a few days ago, they had to recall a batch of brand-new Kia Sportages that might catch fire.
Vehicle fires are a problem that Kia and its sister company, Hyundai, have been tackling for some time now. These issues have been recapped in this article.
The repair
At this time, the manufacturer is working on a solution for this Kia fire risk issue. Once available, the final repair will be free of charge.
Vehicle owners will receive notification about the current issue on or around December 22, 2022.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
More than 70,000 SUVs are being recalled over this Kia engine fire risk. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
