Kia is recalling 380,000 vehicles in the U.S. over risks of fire

Kia Motors Corp will recall almost 380,000 units of its Cadenza and Sportage model units. The decision to issue the recall comes after the South Korean carmaker discovered the vehicles’ electrical circuit might cause a fire in the engine compartment.

As per Reuters, the Kia Motors’ car recall for the mentioned models that were manufactured from 2017 to 2021. The company’s service centers and dealers will be accepting the vehicles for fuse replacements in the electrical box.

Owners told to park their Kia automobiles outside

In connection with the issue, Kia released an advice memo for owners of the affected models. Until the repair is completed, the company asked the owners to park their vehicles outside or away from buildings as a measure to prevent any mishap.

While a recall has been placed, Kia stressed that there is no report of injuries or crashes arising from the issue stated. It was only ordered after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started to probe Hyundai and Kia engine fires in 2019.

To be more precise about the affected vehicles, the models are Sportage SUVs made from 2017 to 2021 and the Cadenza cars that were built from 2017 to 2019.

Kia explained that the short circuit in the hydraulic electronic brake control section might cause unnecessary current, and this increases the risk of fire. At any rate, ABC News reported that the recalled models have no Smart Cruise Control system in its body.

Kia also told owners to watch out for warning signs that may be indicating that a fire is about to happen. The company said that drivers might observe tire pressure, see anti-lock brake or warning lights on their dashboard before an issue or a fire breaks out. They should also watch out for a burning smell or an odor like something is melting.

The details of the recall

The carmaker said it would be notifying the owners of the affected vehicles starting April 30. Meanwhile, prior to this recall announcement, Kia, along with Hyundai, was actually fined by the NHTSA in November last year.

The South Korean automakers were slapped with a $137 million penalty because they are so slow in recalling over 1 million vehicles over safety issues of cars made in 2011. According to the NHTSA, engine failure and fire problems have been detected in Kias, but the company denied this allegation.