If you’ve recently acquired a 2017-2021 Kia Sportage or a 2017-2019 Kia Cadenza, there’s important news for you. Kia has announced a recall affecting approximately 380,000 of these vehicles due to a fire hazard, as reported by the Associated Press.
The recall is prompted by a potential short circuit in the control unit of the hydro-electric emergency brake, which can generate excessive heat and possibly ignite a fire. Kia advises that drivers may notice burning or melting odors inside the vehicle and may also see warning lights on the dashboard, such as the tire pressure or anti-lock brake indicators. However, this recall does not apply to vehicles equipped with Kia’s “Smart Cruise Control,” so owners of these models need not worry.
Starting on March 30, owners can bring their vehicles in for repairs once Kia begins notifying those affected by the recall. In the interim, the company recommends that drivers park the affected vehicles outside to reduce the risk of fire.
To date, there have been no reported injuries, fatalities, or fires connected to the recall, so Kia is taking these precautions as a safety measure. Given the automaker’s past experience with recalls related to engine fires, this proactive approach seems wise.
As of now, Kia has indicated that no other models are impacted by this issue.
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