Kia USA recalls 295,000 cars over engine-compartment fire risk

KUALA LUMPUR: After being fined with a record civil penalty of US$210 million last week by US auto safety regulation for failing to issue a timely recall of 1.6 million vehicles, Kia Motors didn’t miss the bell the second time. The automaker along with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) has now issued a recall notice for 295,000 cars in the United States over potential fire risk in the engine compartment.

As per NHTSA’s recall report, the owners of the affected Kia models should be alert for malfunction signs like smoke, engine noise, fuel smell, oil leaking, burning smell, and the illumination of check-engine light or low-oil light. The report also stated that no design or manufacturing defect has been identified yet, and Kia Motors America is recalling the cars as a preventive measure to reduce ‘any unreasonable fire risk’.

Following Kia cars are listed in the NHTSA’s safety recall report -

• Kia Optima Hybrid - model year 2011-2013
• Kia Sorento - model year 2012-2015
• Kia Forte - model year 2012-2015
• Kia Forte Koup 2.4L Theta II - model year 2012-2013
• Kia Forte Koup - model year 2014 - 2015
• Kia Soul 2.0L Nu - model year 2014 - 2015

The car owners of the affected Kia cars will be notified by the company starting January 27th 2012. Once in dealership, the car's engine compartment would be inspected for oil or fuel leaks and will undergo an engine test. It will be followed by necessary repair and engine replacement.

Besides the automaker will provide a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for engine repairs concerning connecting-rod bearing damage. Owners will be reimbursed for any past repair expense incurred due to the problem. Kia intends to carry out a software update that’ll add a Knock Sensor Detection System.

For more details, concerned car owners can check Kia USA or NHTSA official website.

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