So far, there has been eight fire incidents related to this issue
Engine fire risks have led to Kia issuing a second recall involving over 440,000 cars and SUVs in the US. Owners are reportedly told to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures as a precaution against fire that could happen even when the engines are not running.
The recall covers 2013-2015 model year Optima and 2014-2015 model year Sorento. This is the same group of vehicles recalled last year due to a potential brake fluid leak that may leak internally inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) which, over time, can result in an electrical short circuit, thus increasing the risk of fire in the engine compartment.
In the previous recall, dealers were instructed to inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the unit if leaking brake fluid is found. This time a new multifuse with a lower amperage rating (30-ampere instead of 40-ampere previously) will be installed to mitigate the fire risk.
According to a document issued by the NHTSA, Kia says it has received complaints of six fires in Optimas and two in Sorentos, while one dealer reported “isolated melting” in an Optima after completion of the initial recall fix. However, there were no reports of fatalities, injuries or crashes in the affected vehicles.
