Sportage and Cadenza Models Recalled
Owners of nearly 380,000 Kia vehicles are being warned to park their cars outdoors because of an engine compartment fire risk. The auto manufacturer, which is based in Korea, has issued a recall of certain Sportage models from the years 2017 through 2021. Cadenza model sedans from 2017 through 2019 were also included in the Kia recall. The notice states that a short circuit issue within the electronic hydraulic brake control unit may result in an excessive current, thereby causing an increased fire risk. The recall advises that owners of the affected vehicles should park them in an area that is outdoors and away from any structures until they are able to have the vehicles repaired.
Kia will start formal notification of owners on April 30, 2021. Kia dealerships will repair affected vehicles free of charge by replacing electrical fuses.
More Information for Kia owners
The vehicles under the Kia recall are those that are not equipped with the manufacturer’s Smart Cruise Control feature.
Warning signs indicating an excessive current issue could include activation of dashboard warning lights such as the anti-lock brake indicator or tire pressure alert. A burning smell may also be present.
No Injuries Reported to Date
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the federal agency that handles such vehicle recalls. In documents provided to the agency from Kia, it is stated that there have been no reports received of fires, crashes, or injuries related to the electrical problem.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a news clip covering the recent Kia recall.
Kia and Hyundai – History of Engine Fires
The NHTSA opened an investigation into engine fires in Hyundai and Kia vehicles in 2019 after a nonprofit organization, the Center for Auto Safety, registered a petition requesting an investigation into the issue. At the time the inquiry was started, there had been complaints from vehicle owners of 3,100+ fires, one death, and approximately 100 injuries.
This past November, the NHTSA ordered Hyundai and Kia to pay fines and money toward improvements to safety in the amount of $137 million. This was ordered because the companies had taken too much time to recall the more than 1 million vehicles that had engines with a risk of failure. The $137 million levied was the culmination of a probe by the U.S. government into the behavior of the companies in relation to multiple recalls of various models dating back to 2011. Of the portion that applies specifically to Kia, payment of $27 million is to be deferred for as long as the company meets conditions related to safety, according to the NHTSA.
Millions of Engines Affected
Documents from the NHTSA reveal that more than 6 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been affected by an engine fire and engine failure issues since 2015. Kia does not admit to the allegations from the NHTSA, but asserts that the company is not interested in a prolonged legal battle.
How to Check for Recalls
The NHTSA website has a recall page where vehicle owners can enter their car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if the vehicle is affected by any recalls. The agency also offers a SaferCar app which notifies the user if a recall for their model vehicle is issued.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyers
Thanks for reading our legal blog. My name is Ed Smith, and for close to four decades, I’ve been a Stockton personal injury lawyer, advocating on behalf of injured Northern Californians. Malfunctioning vehicles can cause accidents at home as well as on the road. If you were injured due to the negligence of another person or business, do not hesitate to contact our injury lawyers for free and friendly legal advice. Allowing us the opportunity to protect your interests will free up space for you to focus on healing. Call us today at (209) 227-1931, or from outside the Stockton area code, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/flames-fire-hot-speed-burn-car-1099698/
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