Following Hyundai, Kia also recalls 295,000 vehicles in the US due to fire risk

[Image source = Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Kia Motors is recalling 295,000 vehicles in the United States due to engine stalling or fire risk. This comes just one day after Hyundai Motor decided to recall 129,000 vehicles for similar reasons.

On the 5th (local time), major foreign media reported that Kia is recalling 295,000 vehicles due to engine shutdown and fire risk.

The recall targets include the 2012?2013 Sorento, 2012?2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011?2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014?2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage.

Kia explained through a document released by the U.S. regulatory authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the previous day, that "no manufacturing defects were found," but "the recall was decided to reduce the risk of fire." Kia plans to notify owners of the recall starting January 27 and recall 295,000 vehicles in the U.S.

Dealers will inspect for engine fuel and oil leaks and replace parts if necessary. Kia is also preparing a knock sensor program update.

Foreign media reported that this recall came just one week after Kia and Hyundai were ordered by the NHTSA to pay a total fine of $137 million and invest in performance improvements for delaying the recall of about one million vehicles equipped with potentially faulty engines.

Earlier, NHTSA had launched an investigation into engine fires in vehicles produced by Hyundai and Kia last year. At that time, vehicle owners reported over 3,100 fire incidents, 103 injuries, and one death.

Following the NHTSA investigation results, Hyundai announced the previous day that it would recall 129,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to engine failure. The recall targets include the 2012 Santa Fe, 2015?2016 Veloster, and 2011?2013 and 2016 Sonata Hybrid models.

NHTSA found that the connecting rod bearings in these models may wear prematurely, potentially causing engine damage. This could lead to engine shutdown and oil leaking onto hot surfaces, increasing the risk of fire.

Meanwhile, on the 27th of last month, NHTSA imposed fines totaling $81 million (approximately 89.9 billion KRW) on Hyundai and Kia, with $54 million (about 59.9 billion KRW) on Hyundai and $27 million (about 29.9 billion KRW) on Kia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.