Approximately 71,000 Kia Sportage vehicles from 2008-2009 in the US will be recalled for fire concerns.
The recall fix is currently being developed to address the risk of a fire originating from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit during parking or driving.
Since 2017, eight vehicle fires and 15 localized melting/damage incidents have been reported in the South Korean Sportage utility vehicles with a 2016 recall repair.
Kia advises owners to park outside, away from buildings and other vehicles, until the recall repair is complete.
Earlier this year, Kia and NHTSA met monthly to discuss the concerns.
The company said that “post-recall fire incidents are unknown and still under investigation.”
So far, the incidents haven’t resulted in any deaths, injuries, or collisions. In late December, Kia plans to send owners notices of the recall.
