News

May 28, 2024

Kia Sportage SUVs Recalled Again Due to Fire Risk

This is the latest in a series of fires involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles Kia is recalling over 71,000 Sportage SUVs from the 2008 and 2009 model years because they may catch fire while driving or

This is the latest in a series of fires involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles

Kia is recalling over 71,000 Sportage SUVs from the 2008 and 2009 model years because they may catch fire while driving or parked. The automaker says owners should park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. Currently, there is no fix for the problem; owners will be notified when a repair is available.

The problem has to do with the hydraulic engine control unit (HECU), which is part of the antilock brake system (ABS). The HECU has been involved in many other fire-related recalls involving Kia vehicles.

Kia previously recalled these vehicles in 2016 to replace the HECU and a related connector. Since then, the automaker tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is aware of eight vehicle fires and 15 incidents of what Kia calls “localized melting” related to this recall. There have been no injuries or crashes.

Learn what to do when there’s no fix for your car’s recall.

Both Hyundai and Kia have issued multiple recalls in recent years that include more than 3.5 million vehicles that may be at risk of catching fire for various reasons. Hyundai Motor Company is the largest shareholder in Kia Motors, with 33.88 percent ownership.

Find out why so many Hyundai and Kia vehicles are getting recalled for fire risk.

Previous recalls related to fire risk in Hyundai and Kia vehicles involved brake fluid leaks, faulty oil pans, fuel leaks, oil leaks, ABS sensor problems, HECU issues, and engine problems. Both automakers have issued several other recalls for similar HECU-related issues in vehicles, including the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, and Kia Cadenza, Optima, and Sorento.

Hyundai said that it is aware of eight fires related to these latest recalls, and Kia said it knows of three Sportages that caught fire. No injuries or crashes are related to either recall, according to NHTSA documentation.

In 2020, NHTSA announced civil penalties totaling $210 million for Hyundai and Kia after the agency determined that the automakers did not conduct earlier recalls in a timely manner.

Learn more about car recalls at CR’s guide to recalls.

If any vehicle you are driving catches fire, here’s what to do, according to experts CR has consulted with.

Vehicles recalled: Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured between Aug. 9, 2007, and May 13, 2009, that were previously recalled in 2016 under NHTSA campaign 16V815.

The problem: An as-yet-undetermined issue with the HECU may cause an engine compartment fire when the vehicle is parked or driving.

The fix: Kia has not yet developed a fix for this problem. In the meantime, owners should park outside and away from structures.

How to contact the manufacturer: Kia will begin contacting owners by mail on Dec. 22, 2022. The automaker will contact owners again when a fix is available. Owners may also contact Kia at 800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign number: 22V800. Kia’s own number for this recall is SC253.

Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.

If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.

Stay informed about recalls that might affect your vehicle using our Car Recall Tracker. Create a free account now to become a CR member.

Keith Barry

Despite my love for quirky, old European sedans like the Renault Medallion, it's my passion to help others find a safe, reliable car that still puts a smile on their face—even if they're stuck in traffic. When I'm not behind the wheel or the keyboard, you can find me exploring a new city on foot or planning my next trip.