Kia recall: 380,000 vehicles over fire risk; owners should park outside

Kia recall

Kia warns owners of roughly 380,000 vehicles in the United States of an engine compartment fire risk and suggests they park them outdoors.

The South Korean automaker specified that certain 2017 through 2021 Sportage SUVs and 2017 through 2019 Cadenza sedans are in need of repairs. Indeed, Kia says the issue involves a short circuit in the hydraulic electronic brake control unit. If this happens, there will be excessive current and a risk of a fire. Until repairs are completed, owners should park their Sportage SUVs and Cadenza sedans away from structures.

The affected vehicles are not equipped with Kia’s Smart Cruise Control system, according to Kia.

Meanwhile, owners should be aware of signs that there may be a fire such as a warning light on their dashboard alerting them about tire pressure, anti-lock brake or something else. Additionally, the vehicle may give off a burning or melting odor.

Kia began alerting owners on April 30, 2021. Dealers will fix the problem by replacing fuses in the electrical junction box.

There are no reports of collisions, fires or injuries due to the problem, according to documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA Investigation into Kia, Hyundai

Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating both Kia and Hyundai engine fires back in 2019. The NHTSA opened the probe after the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety filed a petition seeking an investigation. The inquiry came after reports of one death, 103 injuries and complaints about more than 3,100 fires.

Furthermore, the NHTSA says Kia and Hyundai must pay $137 million in fines and for safety improvements after waiting too long to recall more than 1 million vehicles with potential engine failure. This puts an end to a government probe into the company’s actions since the 2011 model year.

Kia did not admit fault, but paid up to avoid a costly and lengthy legal fight.

Kia California Lemon Law Attorney

Kia 2021 recall

NHTSA documents show that Kia and Hyundai have both grappled with engine failure and fire problems affecting more than 6 million vehicles since 2015. Owners of these vehicles should not have to put up with repeated issues that devalue their considerable investment.

If you are having problems with your 2021 Sportage SUV or 2017 through 2019 Cadenza sedan, Johnson Attorneys Group is here to help. The issues you are dealing with may be prerequisites for a Lemon Law claim.

Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION at 855-703-4186. In lemon law cases, our attorneys fees do not come out of your settlement. That’s because the manufacturer is required to pay them directly to us under California Lemon Laws.

James Johnson ESQ
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