Kia has issued a seat belt recall for the 20212022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid. Certain 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid and 2022 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may blow up when they deploy in the case of a collision.
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How can I find out whether my Kia engine is being recalled?
It is stressful to be aware of automobile recalls. Missing a recall might have disastrous consequences. There are, however, a number of actions you can take to address a car recall.
- Each owner of an impacted vehicle received a letter from Kia. It’s crucial to have your address up to date on file.
- In the absence of a letter, you can search for car recalls using the VIN.
- You can call Kia at 1-800-333-4542 if you didn’t get a letter.
- Make a time slot with the dealership to install the replacement control unit. Short circuits, which are the root of the fires, are prevented by the new control unit’s lower amperage values.
What is covered by the Kia engine recall?
A fuse can be changed by a dealer. The control modules will also be examined by Hyundai dealers, who will replace them if necessary. Kia will ship them on March 31, and Hyundai will send them starting on April 5.
Owners can check if their car is being recalled by going to www.nhtsa.gov and entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
According to Hyundai, the company “acts rapidly and efficiently to recall the vehicle and remedy the fault at no cost to impacted customers” when it discovers a safety flaw.
Drivers may notice or smell warning indications, according to Kia. They might see smoke coming from the engine compartment, smell something burning or melting, and the antilock brake warning light might turn on.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration intensified a number of investigations into the engine compartment fires that have plagued the Korean automakers, leading to Tuesday’s recalls.
In December, the organization combined two 2017 investigations into a brand-new engineering examination that covered more than 3 million automobiles from the model years 2011 through 2016. At that time, the NHTSA had gotten 161 reports of engine fires, some of which had happened in recalled cars.
The first engine failure and fire-related recall from the companies dates back to September 2015. According to NHTSA records, they have since issued at least eight further recalls for a variety of engine issues.
The organization stated that it is assessing whether earlier recalls covered enough vehicles. The effectiveness of earlier recalls will also be evaluated, as well as the long-term viability of linked programs and non-safety field operations being carried out by Hyundai and Kia.
The automakers claimed to have carried out a number of recalls to address engine problems at the time, including recalls, new engine monitoring technology, and offering extended warranties.
The recalls announced on Tuesday are different from the engine failure issue that led to the majority of the prior Hyundai-Kia fire recalls, according to Michael Brooks, chief counsel for the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety. “Although NHTSA has the power to force a recall and maybe a buyback of all impacted vehicles, the distinct fire flaws that have plagued millions of Hyundai cars across multiple model years makes this a very difficult process,” he said.
Because Kia and Hyundai took too long to recall more than 1 million vehicles with potentially dangerous engines, the NHTSA announced in November 2020 that they would be forced to pay $137 million in fines and make other safety measures. The penalties ended an earlier investigation on the companies’ actions involving multiple model recalls going back to the 2011 model year.
For safety performance measures, Kia was required to pay $27 million and put $16 million into them. As long as Kia complies with safety requirements, a further $27 million payment will be postponed, according to NHTSA.
Despite denying the U.S. accusations, Kia claimed it wished to avoid a drawn-out legal battle.
Since 2015, Hyundai and Kia have issued more than 30 U.S. recalls for fire and engine-related issues, according to data gathered by the Center for Auto Safety. More than 20 models, totaling more than 8.4 million cars, from the model years 2006 through 2021 are included in the recalls.
A large number of recalls included production flaws that prevented oil from passing past the engine block. Many of them need pricey engine replacements.
Additionally, 3.7 million vehicles from Hyundai and Kia were the target of a U.S. “product enhancement program” to install software warning drivers of potential engine issues.
Which Kia models have issues with the engines?
The fact that engine problems frequently occur while a Kia is being driven makes the issue even more concerning. Diane, a 2011 Optima owner, claims that the car’s engine failed while traveling at roughly 65 mph, almost killing two persons.
What specific models is Kia recalling?
According to Consumer Reports, the following vehicles have been recalled: the 20162018 Hyundai Santa Fe, 20172018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL, the 20142015 Hyundai Tucson, 20142016 Kia Sportage SUVs, and the 20162018 Kia K900 sedan.
Is Kia going to cover engine issues?
In a deal to address the engine issues, the government declared in November 2020 that Hyundai and Kia would pay $137 million in fines and for safety enhancements. The announcement put an end to a three-year government investigation on the companies’ actions regarding model recalls dating back to 2011 model year.
Do Kia engines come with a lifetime warranty?
Please stop by a Kia dealership to get this software update if you haven’t already. The short block assembly, which consists of the engine block, crankshaft and main bearings, connecting rods and connecting rod bearings, and pistons when damaged as a result of failing connecting rod bearings, is covered by a lifetime warranty.
How much does a Kia engine replacement cost?
You must speak with your dealership to find out the precise cost of replacing the engine in a 2015 Kia Optima. You may be eligible for a free engine replacement if the engine suddenly failed without any prior notice and was caused by metallic debris that was obstructing the oil path and harming the bearings.
as the engine’s self-destruction was not your fault. As far as we know, only engines manufactured between 2011 and 2014 qualified for these recalls. Therefore, if you own a 2015 Kia Optima, getting it fixed will cost you a big penny.
Therefore, a brand-new engine for the 2015 Kia Optima will generally cost between $5,000 and $6,500.
These are the prices you should expect to pay if you want to restore your Kia Optima to proper operating condition. Many users claimed that they had previously replaced their engines.
A sizable sum, but sometimes that is the price to be paid. If you don’t want to lose this money on an engine replacement, sell it and try to recoup some of it.
Is a blown engine covered by the Kia warranty?
Kia is unbeatable with one of the best powertrain warranties available. By putting a strong statement of faith in the quality, workmanship, and materials used in its products, Kia conveys a positive message about the efficiency of its automobiles.
For 10 years or up to 100,000 miles, the Kia powertrain guarantee will cover any damage or flaws from the manufacturer. This guarantee covers all of the critical components of the vehicle, including the engine, driveshaft, propeller shafts, differential, axle, and transaxle.
What models of Kia engines are on fire?
According to Brooks, “the recall did not address the fundamental faults with the engine design that gave rise to these difficulties in the first place.”
Brooks informed the I-Team that a consumer alert is unavoidable in light of the most recent allegations from the I-Team as well as the continued complaints of flames and engine failures that the Center for Auto Safety is receiving.
We’ll start notifying consumers, he said, and work to spread the news to others looking at used autos.
The 4 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles produced between 2011 and 2019 that could be included in the consumer advisory all feature the Theta 2 engines that have been involved in multiple recalls.
- Hyundai Sonata 20112019
- Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, 20132019
- Hyundai Tucson, Models 20142015, 20182019
- Kia Optima, 20112019
- Kia Sorento, 20122019
- Kia Sportage 20112019
According to Brooks, the only way to avoid these complaints from coming in “is to warn people to prevent them from owning one of these vehicles in the first place,” as stated by ABC Action News.
Regarding the announcement from the Center for Auto Safety, we contacted both automakers.
Hyundai’s reaction was
In order to solve engine problems, Hyundai has taken a variety of proactive measures, such as carrying out a number of recalls, introducing a new engine monitoring and diagnostic technology, offering extended warranties, and improving our customer service response. Hyundai promotes a culture of openness and responsibility because customer safety comes first in all we do.
Kia answered:
The safety of our cars is our first concern at Kia America. We promote an environment of openness and accountability, and we take great pride in the reliability of our products and our excellent safety record. As part of ongoing monitoring efforts, we regularly assess our vehicles, and we submit quarterly reports to NHTSA detailing any consumer complaints, notices, or claims for any safety issues. Every Kia car marketed in the US complies with or surpasses all requirements for vehicle safety set out by the federal government.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration declared in December that it would look further into the extent of the recalls and the efficacy of its remedies. NHTSA reported 158 injuries and over 5,000 fires as of December. Two deaths involving on-fire Kia Souls were covered by the I-Team.
Multiple flaws are linked to the fires in recent recalls. They include fuel line leaks that can cause vehicles to catch fire while moving, electrical issues with the anti-lock brake system, and defective recall repairs.
Thousands of Kia Optimas from 2011 to 2014 were recalled in 2018 as a result of the I-exposure Team’s of subpar recall repairs. The 2011 Optima owned by Mathias was exempt from the recall, though.
We requested Meier Fire Investigations’ Richard Meier, a fire investigator, to look over Mathias’ car. He came to the conclusion that there was a fuel pipe gas leak.
The fuel line connector coming off and spilling gasoline is the most likely reason, according to what Meier has seen so far.
According to Mathias, “You must correct those. That only increases the risk to more people.”
Several Kia fire victims, like Yolanda Lawson, informed us that their brakes failed after their cars caught fire. Both the conventional and emergency brakes, according to Yolanda, failed. To get the automobile to stop, she forced it into the median.
Fourteen months after his leased 2019 Kia Soul caught fire, Jordan Carlton passed away in 2020. Becky, his mother, who was in the car with him, got away. Jordan’s father, Robert Carlton, claimed that the brakes failed and kept his son from exiting the car in time to save himself.
The I-Team discovered that Yolanda’s 2017 Sportage was recalled by Kia in March 2021 due to a potential electrical fire hazard. Yolanda said that she was never notified of a recall.
Kia was requested by The I-Team to inspect Maureen Huckler’s 2015 Soul. According to a report that Kia gave to Maureen, the engine’s catastrophic failure, which left a hole in the engine block and caused engine oil to spill over the exhaust system, was what started the fire.
However, records indicate that the car was recalled in 2020 for an engine inspection to check for flaws that can cause a fire. In March 2021, the examination was carried out by a Kia dealer. After six months, the Soul caught fire.
2020 saw a $760 million settlement between Kia and Hyundai in a class-action lawsuit involving engine fires. As a result, Mathias and Yolanda might be eligible to receive funding to make up for their losses. Regarding the Kia Souls, litigation is still going on.
How durable are Kia engines?
People used to love to despise Kia as a brand. Although Kia is now known for producing high-quality cars like the Telluride, the South Korean carmaker has had a difficult past. You may have be aware that Kia has turned the corner and is now one of the most well-known brands on the international market.
There are undoubtedly plenty of Kia models available if you’re interested in purchasing one. However, some individuals may still remember Kia’s previous reputation for being unreliable, leading them to wonder: How long do Kias last?
In this article, we’ll examine the typical lifespan of Kia automobiles. How many miles should your Kia last? Is it a dependable, enduring brand? Which Kias have the longest lifespan and are the most dependable? These inquiries and others will be addressed.
How Far and Long Can You Drive a Kia?
What’s the real scoop on how long Kias last? Kia vehicles are predicted to last up to 200,000 kilometers when driven responsibly. Owners that provided their Kias with the necessary TLC report that they were able to get 200,000 to 250,000 miles out of them and keep them on the road for ten years or longer.
Of course, each driver’s experience with car longevity will be different (pardon the pun). Numerous elements, such as ownership maintenance and driving conditions, have an impact on longevity.
While the more modern Kia lines can clock 200,000+ miles on the odometer, the earlier Kias from around 20 years ago won’t win any medals for dependability.
These figures are competitive with brands like Honda and Toyota. For instance, Reader’s Digest claims that the Kia Rio subcompact sedan can reach 250,000 miles, while J.D. Power rates its dependability well.
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Kias Reliability Ratings
The general reliability of a vehicle is one of the most important variables affecting its longevity. This raises the issue, are Kias trustworthy? How durable are Kias?
In a nutshell: Kia is a trustworthy company. Please, though, don’t take our word for it; instead, let us direct you to the professionals.
Kia has a reliability score that is above average. Although Kia first gained a reputation for being unreliable when it entered the American market, the South Korean manufacturer has since gotten its act together and is now one of the most dependable companies.
It currently ranks as the third most reliable car brand on the market with a RepairPal dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. Only Honda and Acura, two businesses renowned for their legendary dependability, can surpass Kia.
With a low yearly repair cost of $474 as opposed to the country’s average of $652 for all models, Kia also received top marks for cost of ownership. Kia vehicles stay on the road longer than many brands thanks to 0.2 times as many unscheduled maintenance visits per year and a 10% likelihood of significant repairs.
Which Kias are the Most Reliable?
Kia sells premium automobiles for reasonable pricing. Like many automakers, Kia has some models that are better engineered than others. A vehicle has a better probability of remaining on the road and traveling farther if it is more dependable. Some of the most dependable Kias that will last you a long time are listed below:
Kia Rio
As basic a mode of transportation as you can find is the Kia Rio. The Rio won’t blow anyone away, but it provides adequate comfort, usefulness, and acceptable fuel efficiency at a fair price. The base Rio models are quite basic, but the higher trims are fully equipped cars that do the job admirably.
The Kia Rio will last you for a very long time with the right care and maintenance thanks to the combination of Kia’s top-tier guarantee and excellent safety ratings. As previously noted, some Rio owners asserted that their tiny car had logged 250,000 miles.
A quick check of RepairPal reveals that the Rio ranks 6th out of 21 subcompact cars with a dependability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0.
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Kia Soul
The boxy sheet metal Kia Soul is a big-hearted vehicle that usually draws attention. The Soul, however, is more than simply a quirky SUV since it has great utility, great fuel economy, and a ton of contemporary technology. Although many individuals find the base trim to be a little too basic, the Soul’s low price is undoubtedly its biggest selling point.
The Kia Soul requires proper care and maintenance, just like any other vehicle. The Soul may travel up to 200,000 miles and even more if you give it the proper care. The Soul will reward you with 1013 years of dependable service if you maintain your oil changes and dealership servicing.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage belongs in the classy subcompact SUV category. If you’re searching for a chic and versatile suburban SUV, the Sportage is a good choice. It’s not just one of the more visually appealing subcompact SUVs on the market; it’s also lavishly furnished with contemporary features and cutting-edge safety technologies. The Sportage is an SUV that will last even though it doesn’t have a powerful performance.
Again, assuming the Sportage is well-maintained, it should have no issue reaching 200,000 miles or more. Many Sportage owners with more over 200,000 miles on the odometer can be found if you visit some well-known automotive forums. Kia offers 5-year/60,000-mile standard and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties, so you can drive more miles with greater confidence.
According to RepairPal, the Sportage is ranked sixth out of 26 compact SUVs with a dependability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0.
Make Your Kias Last
How durable are Kias? Actually, as the owner, it will also depend on you. It would be beneficial if you drove carefully and responsibly, in addition to adhering to your routine maintenance plan and taking care of repair concerns as soon as they arise.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
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