Kia to Recall 71,000 Sportage SUV Models

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Korean automaker Kia will recall roughly 71,000 older 2008 and 2009 Sportage SUV vehicle models in the United States for continued potential fire risks and advises owners to park the car outside of their homes until repairs are complete. Furthermore, the same year and model of the SUV was subject to a recall that seemed to have been resolved in 2016 due to the possibility of water getting into the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), causing a short circuit and catching fire. Currently, the company is recalling the same recalled vehicles due to a potential engine compartment fire that might start while parked or in motion and originate from the same component, the HECU. According to Reuters, Kia has had eight reported vehicle fires and fifteen localized melting or heat accidents since 2017 for the Sportage model, which already underwent the 2016 recall. Kia claims that no accidents, injuries, or deaths were reported as a result of the HECU catching fire.

What to do if your Kia is recalled?

Until they can take the car to be fixed, the NHTSA advises drivers to keep these vehicles outside of structures and far from other cars and anything else that can catch fire. Additionally, the NHTSA states that the fix is currently "under development." By December 20, 2022, owners who are subject to the recall could receive a mail notification. Moreover, you can call Kia customer support at 1-800-333-4542 if you have any inquiries. The recall number for Kia is SC253. You can also visit www.nhtsa.gov or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Also, Read- Hyundai & Kia Are Easy Prey For Thieves, Counted in Most Stolen Cars Owners can also use the NHTSA website to enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their Kia Sportage is included in the recall.