Kia recalls 72,000 vehicles over engine fire danger and urges owners to park outdoors

Nov 19, 2023

Kia has recalled 72,000 vehicles over a potentially life-threatening danger - for the second time.

The recall covers older models of Kia small SUVs, and the potential engine fire should be taken seriously, they caution.

Kia issued the recall for all Sportage SUVs for model years 2008 and 2009.

The hydraulic engine control device is at risk of engine fires for drivers, Fox 5 New York reported. Kia noted that fires can start whether the ignition is on or off, making them particularly dangerous.

Kia warns that it is best for owners to park outside and away from buildings or other vehicles until a solution has been reported, according to the outlet.

An automaker from Korea, Kia has documented eight fires and 15 car-melting damages from April 2017 to the present.

It's the second time that Kia has had to recall its Sportage SUVs. In 2016, the cars were recalled because of corrosion in a wiring harness near the engine control unit.

Owners can check if their car is affected by entering their Vehicle Identification Number into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FOX 5 reported.

Through NHTSA's Safe Car app, owners can enter the VIN, and get a notification if any recall takes place.

"Kia Motors America is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007 to May 13 2009," a record on Cars.com reported

"The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board.

"If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit."

The recall of Sportage SUVs comes after it had to recall over 70,000 vehicles in September over a similar fire risk.

The U.S. Sun previously reported that Kia recalled 2016-2022 Sorentos, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrids, 2022-2022 Sorento Plug-In Hybrids, and 2017-2022 Sportages.

Kia said those models risk catching fire if the SUVs have the genuine tow hitch harness feature.

The recall's fire hazard was traced back to a broken circuit board inside the trailer hitch that can short-circuit and ignite.

Customer service for Kia can be reached at 1-800-333-4542.