Kia recalls 295,000 vehicles in US for fire risks

Kia Motors Corp is recalling 295,000 US vehicles for fire risks in the engine compartment, which it would inspect for fuel or oil leaks while performing an engine test and making repairs.

The carmakers would also conduct engine replacement, as necessary.

The recall covers some 2012-2013 model year Sorento, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2012 Sportage, and 2014-2015 Soul.

Last week, Kia and affiliate Hyundai Motor Co agreed to a $210 million civil penalty after failing to timely recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine and bearing issues in 2015 and 2017.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the South Korean automakers inaccurately reported some information regarding the recalls.

The new Kia engine recall was based on an NHTSA investigation in 2019 into non-crash fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

In July, the NHTSA recommended recalls on certain models with a higher fire complaint rate.

Meanwhile, Hyundai recalled 129,000 vehicles in the UIS on Friday due to the potential premature wearing out of connecting rod bearings, which may lead to engine damage and increase fire risks.