Kia Is Recalling 380,000 Sportage and Cadenza Models Over Engine Fire Risk

Kia is recalling 379,931 vehicles including the 2017-2019 Cadenza and 2017-2021 Sportage models. The reason? A risk of an electrical short in the engine compartment that could lead to a fire, according to documents published on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

The risk is real enough that Kia recommends owners park their vehicle outside and away from structures until they can have the faulty part replaced.

The short circuit occurs within the hydraulic electronic control unit, but the exact cause is unknown at this time. Owners may see the pressure light, ABS light or MIL light go on on the dashboard before the fire starts, or possibly smell or see smoke. Kia will begin notifying owners of the recall beginning April 30, and dealers will address it by replacing the fuses in the electrical junction box.

Kia said it is not aware of any fires resulting from a short circuit with the affected models. Problems related to fire hazards are starting to mount for the Hyundai/Kia group, however. In fall of last year, the two automakers recalled 591,000 units for a brake fluid leak that could cause a fire. Earlier in 2020, Hyundai recalled 430,000 Elantras for the possibility of water getting into the ABS module and starting a fire.

Recently, it was the electric Kona that was recalled.

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