Kia Recalls 380,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk

Kia is adding two more models to its list of vehicles to recall due to fire risk.

In its latest announcement,  the automaker said it is recalling a total of 379,931 vehicles, specifically units of 2017 to 2019 Cadenza and 2017 to 2021 Sportage.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall was prompted by the risk of an electric short-circuit that could cause fire. Kia advises owners of the affected cars to park outside and away from structures as an added precaution.

The electric short reportedly occurs within the vehicle’s Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit; however, Kia has not yet identified the exact cause. A common indication that an electric short is happening is when the pressure warning light, ABS warning light, or MIL warning light illuminates on the dashboard. A hint of smell or smoke in the vehicle is also a telltale sign.

Kia said it will start notifying owners of the affected vehicles beginning April 30 and assured customers that dealers can remedy the problem by replacing fuses in the electrical junction box.

The automaker also clarified it is not aware of any fires resulting from the issue.

This is not the first time Kia vehicles have been recalled for a similar concern. A number of models from the brand and its sister company Hyundai have previously been recalled due to fire risk.

Based on estimates from the Associated Press, both automakers have recalled six million vehicles due to fire risk and engine failure since 2015. Both brands have also been fined by the NHTSA for allegedly moving too slowly on recalling certain vehicles.