This recall is intended to address issues related to a previous recall for the same issue.
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Another recall for the 2013-2014 Kia Optima sedan is being made; this one is for 72,848 vehicles to remedy a low-pressure gasoline pipe that could catch fire. These particular vehicles have been recalled twice before. Due to the possibility of a gasoline hose cracking, they were already recalled in 2020.
The carmaker claims that when dealers carried out the initial recall, they might not have correctly repaired the low-pressure gasoline pipe with heat protective tape, and in other instances, a fuel hose with damage evidence was repaired with tape when it should have been replaced.
This recall, covering Hyundai and Kia vehicles, is the most recent in a line of fire-related ones. There were 155 warranty claims, 12 customer complaints, and eight cases submitted to Kia’s internal dealer-support technical center that resulted in this most recent action, according to paperwork supplied to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. After the initial recall, there have been no reports of fires, fatalities, injuries, or collisions linked to fuel-hose issues.
Dealerships will now install a new, upgraded low-pressure fuel hose in its place.
NHTSA initiated an inquiry into Hyundai and Kia vehicles that employ a 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine design that both companies share, known as the Theta II, following more than 3,000 reports of fires and a petition by the advocacy group Center for Auto Safety. A class-action lawsuit over the fires is currently under progress. Hyundai and Kia vehicles have previously been recalled due to issues with their oil pans, catalytic converters, fuel and oil leaks, and engines.
Owners should pay attention to this new recall advisory even if previous recall work has already been done, as this is the main lesson to be learned.
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.
When did the Kia Optima experience engine issues?
Engine issues with the Kia Optima are widely documented. The 2011-2014 Kia Optima is alleged to have a significant engine manufacturing fault, which may cause its bearings to wear prematurely. Uncontrollable engine seizing could result from this, raising the possibility of collisions or crashes.
Which Kia vehicles are subject to a 2021 recall?
Certain 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). Engine damage could come from improper heat treatment of the piston oil rings. Tip: Not all vehicles from the same year, make, and model are subject to recalls.
Fuel system, gasoline, engine
Certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles previously had their engines replaced under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. During the engine replacement process, the high pressure fuel line that links to the fuel pump output may have been broken, misaligned, or poorly torqued, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
A fuel leak with an ignite source nearby can make a fire more likely.
Owners have been informed by Kia, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe for free as needed. beginning on January 17, 2019, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC172 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags: Frontal: Driver side: Inflator module
One 2016 Optima has been recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The frontal air bag’s ability to fully inflate in the event of a collision may have been compromised in this vehicle because the end seal for the driver’s air bag inflator may not have been placed correctly.
An air bag that does not fully inflate during a collision increases the chance of injury.
On January 10, 2017, a fix was made for the troubled automobile. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC143 is the Kia recall number.
Power train: Axle assembly: Axle shaft
Certain 2016 Kia Optima models with 2.4L engines and production dates between November 13, 2015, and April 23, 2016, are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The driveshaft for the right front axle could break.
The car won’t be able to move if the driveshaft splits and separates from it. Furthermore, if the parking brake is not engaged when getting out of the car, the car may roll. Any scenario has the potential to raise the crash risk.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will free of charge replace the driveshaft on the front axle. Beginning in November 2016, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC139 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags: Frontal
Certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles produced between November 10, 2015, and February 12, 2016, are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The second stage of the driver’s frontal air bag did not deploy in these vehicles because a chemical enhancer needed for it to did not load, necessitating collisions.
There is a higher chance of getting hurt or dying if the second stage air bag fails not deploy.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will free of charge replace the driver’s frontal air bag module. Beginning on May 6, 2016, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. Kia’s number for this recall is SC131.
How do I find out if the recall affects my Kia?
One of the popular Japanese companies that was involved in the biggest airbag recall in history was Kia. Approximately 507,000 Kia vehicles were among the 33.8 million vehicles that have so far been recalled. Due to the enormous number of impacted automobiles that run a substantial danger of fatal airbags, the Takata Airbag Recall is a massive concern. Due to prolonged exposure to extreme heat and humidity, the bags run the risk of exploding when they are deployed.
Five Kia cars from 2010 to 2013 are currently covered by the Takata recall program. Owners of impacted automobiles should expect a letter from Kia informing them of the situation. To solve the issue, they could potentially work with Kia Customer Service at 800-333-4542.
What year has Kia been recalled?
Nearly 485,000 Hyundai and Kia owners in the United States are being advised to park their vehicles outside because they still risk catching fire even when the engines are off.
The two Korean automakers’ recalls are the latest in a lengthy line of fire and engine failure issues that have plagued the businesses for the last six years.
This time, contamination in the antilock brake control module is the issue, which may result in an electrical short. This raises the possibility of a fire occurring while the cars are being driven or parked.
Affected models include some Kia Sportage SUVs from 2014 to 2016 as well as the K900 sedan from 2016 to 2018. Certain Santa Fe SUVs from 2016 to 2018, Santa Fe Sports from 2017 to 2018, the 2019 Santa Fe XL, and Tucson SUVs from 2014 and 2015 are among the Hyundai models that have been recalled.
According to documents published on Tuesday by American safety officials, owners should park the cars outside and away from buildings while repairs are being completed.
What is a Kia Optima’s worst year?
The Kia Optima has experienced some especially troublesome years during the past ten years. particularly the years 20112015.
Based on records of complaints filed about the Kia Optima throughout the course of its existence, CarComplaints rates 2011 as the Kia Optima’s worst year. Similar issues can be found throughout the years 2012 through 2015, which saw 500 to 1000 complaints on average over that time.
The engine failure, which averages a $4,600 repair bill and happens after 102,000 miles, is the largest issue with the 2011 Kia Optima.
Other issues from 2011 to 2015 include:
- steering issues
- issue with the fuel system
- defective interior accessories
- Electrification issues
- defective brakes
- Body and paint issues
Most concerns from prior years began to wane in 2016, and the majority of significant issues were resolved between 2017 and 2020. The greatest model years of 20172020 may now be found at reasonable price points because the Kia Optima is now only available on the used market.
Are there any transmission issues with Kia Optima?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Due to the transmission’s duty to convert the proper amount of power into the appropriate speed,
How far will a Kia Optima drive?
A Kia Optima can go 200,000 miles or more before experiencing serious problems. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, you can expect the vehicle to last up to 13 years without experiencing any issues. This is dependent on correct application and ongoing care.
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.
Has Kia solved the issue with their engines?
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.
What drawbacks exist with Kia vehicles?
Everyone can find a Kia, but the drawback of buying a Borrego, Forte, Optima, Sorento, Spectra, Sportage, or any other model you can afford is that you will almost certainly have transmission issues. Owners of Sorentos are likely to have noticed jerking when changing, especially when moving uphill at a speed of roughly 75 mph.
Kia’s transmission issues, however, go beyond jerking. A 2019 Kia Forte owner from Delaware claims that, despite having less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, the transmission has already been changed twice. Similar depressing transmission-related experiences are common among Forte owners.