In December 2020, automaker Kia announced that the company would be recalling almost 300,000 vehicles due to a potential vehicle safety defect that could lead to engine compartment fires.
What Prompted the Kia Engine Recall?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not reported the cause of the potential defect, but stated that fuel or engine oil leaks may be a warning sign. Although no particular defect has been identified, Kia decided to recall the vehicles out of an abundance of caution in order to prevent any risks to consumers after it was determined that a small percentage of the companyโs vehicles may have the potential to catch fire. Engine compartment fires may be dangerous, especially if these fires occur while the vehicle is being driven on the highway or near other vehicles.
Consumers whose vehicles are affected by the recall may be eligible to have their engines replaced by their dealership. 294,756 Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. are anticipated to be included in the recall. Kia is intending to notify owners of potentially affected vehicles beginning on Jan. 27, 2021.
Consumers who are in possession of these vehicles may be recommended to bring them in to a local dealership for inspection, where repairs or parts replacements may be made. Additionally, Kia will provide consumers who own affected vehicles with a 15 year/150,000 mile warranty for engine repairs related to connecting-rod bearing damage. The company may also provide compensation to consumers who have already spent money repairing the defect.
What Kia Engines Are Being Recalled?
Several types of Kia vehicles are affected by the recall. According to Business Insider, the NHTSA reports that 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid vehicles are included, in addition to the 2012 Sportage, 2012 and 2013 Sorento, and 2014 and 2015 models of the Soul containing the 2.0-liter Nu engine. Several models of Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles are also affected, including 2012 and 2013 models containing the 2.4-liter Theta II engine, and 2014 and 2015 models equipped with the 2.0-liter Nu engine.
Similar recalls have been announced already in 2020 for Kia and Hyundai vehicles prone to experiencing engine fires. Earlier in the year, auto manufacturers announced a recall of more than 440,000 Kia vehicles and 203,000 Hyundai vehicles for a brake fluid leak defect.
This recall, announced in September 2020, affected Kia Optimas and Sorentos, as well as Hyundai Santa Fes. According to statements from the manufacturers, the recall was initiated regarding a potential defect that could allow brake fluid to leak inside of a hydraulic control unit for the anti-lock brakes. This leakage could result in engine fires and internal parts melting.
What are the Signs of a Defective Kia Engine?
While it is unknown exactly what may be causing Kia engine fires, the NHTSA has reported that owners of recalled vehicles may want to be on alert for warning signs including engine noises, the check engine or low oil lights turning on, a smell of fuel or burning, visible oil leaking, or smoke. Consumers who notice these signs may want to avoid driving their vehicle and take it to their dealership to be inspected.
If you own one of the Kia vehicles affected by the engine compartment fire recall, you may be able to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights. Navigating the legal system may be confusing, and having a qualified attorney at your side may make it easier for you to ensure that you are receiving the vehicle repairs or reimbursement you are owed.
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12 thoughts onKia Engine Recall Initiated over Potential Engine Compartment Fires
Sometime ago my mom had a 2016 Kia Sportage and there was some issues with it soo she got another Kia Sportageโฆ few weeks ago found out there were recalls other than the engine we didnโt know about โฆ my mom got the 2019 Kia in and they did the recalled ones now get thisโฆ the salesperson told my mom there was a lawsuit against Kia by the federal govt regarding to the engine soo they did something to the 2019 Kia while the other 2016 was drivable and advised us to get it towedโฆ it was a Wednesday that I got the 2016 kia towedโฆ and they had it all the way to the following week which is tues when we found out that on a Monday they would replace the engine cause it was badโฆ next day they called us and said Kia denied the engine replacement. They only did the other recalls like the tow hitch and fuse box something like thatโฆ. Now the day I called to get the 2016 Kia towed back home which was on a Wednesday my mom went In to talk to them about why they denied her some guy in there was being really abrupt with her and I video recorded the whole thing. At first they werenโt going to give the Kia back unless she paid something that was done on the car โฆ I guess they changed their mind and released the car cause the tow guy was gonna take it anywayโฆ they know about the lawsuit they just simply donโt care! When we got home to move it to the car port we started the car and it sounded sooo bad like a lawnmower and something was burning โฆ it was not like that before we took it inโฆ they actually did something to the engine and we donโt know whatโฆmy mom and I donโt know who to talk to 1. She gave the car to me while itโs still in her name 2. Sheโs at that age where sheโs an elderly woman 3. Weโre both disabled โฆ we just donโt know who to talk to I tried reaching out to several places and had no luck