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.
In This Article...
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.
How can I find out whether my Kia has been recalled?
Kia Recall Hotline: 1-800-333-4 KIA (4542)
To find out if your Kia vehicle is subject to a recall, look up the VIN on the Kia recall search website. This might be connected to the tires, seats, accessories, and other parts of the car.
- Call the NHTSA’s Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT for more information (1-888-327-4236)
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: Control unit/module
Some Sportage and Cadenza models from the model years 2017 through 2021 are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). A fire in the engine compartment could result from the electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) short-circuiting.
Certain fuses in the electrical junction box will be replaced by dealers when Kia notifies owners of them. A HECU software update will also be sent to vehicles with electronic parking brakes (EPB). There will be no fees for the repairs. As a precaution, owners are recommended to park outdoors and away from buildings while the recall repair is ongoing. A recall was initiated on April 30, 2021. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC206.
Seat belts: Front
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.
Metal shards from a seat belt pretensioner explosion could be launched inside the car, hurtling toward the occupants.
Dealers will provide a complimentary cap to protect the seat belt pretensioners. Letters informing owners will likely be mailed on August 19, 2022. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC241. The NHTSA recall number 22V-127 is replaced and expanded by this recall. The new remedy must be finished on vehicles that have previously undergone repairs due to the earlier recall.
A select number of 2022 Sorento Hybrid and 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.
The seatbelt pretensioner(s) will be free to be replaced by the dealer. On May 3, 2022, owner notification letters were sent out. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC231. NHTSA recall number 22V-447 has taken the place of this recall. The new remedy must be finished on vehicles that have already undergone repairs as part of this recall.
What goods have lately been recalled?
- Recalled Kidde Smoke Alarms Number Over 450K. Alka-Seltzer Plus Products Are Recalled by Bayer. Dr.
- Recalled Graco High Chairs Because of Fall Hazard. Due to a burn risk, KitchenAid kettles have been recalled. VTech is recalling two well-liked baby products.
- Listeria has caused the recall of buttermilk biscuit dough. Warning from FDA Regarding Bone Treats
What models of Kia Sportage are being recalled?
In order to prevent a vehicle fire, Kia Australia is recalling 31,074 vehicles from the Sorento and Sportage ranges.
The business claims in their recall notice that the Heater Core Element may operate at a higher temperature than intended, damaging the connector.
Vehicle occupants or other road users may be more likely to suffer injuries or pass away if there is a vehicle fire.
The 201520 UM Sorento and the 201621 QL Sportage are the models of its Sorento and Sportage SUVs that are affected by the recall.
Since what year are Kias catching fire?
The antilock brake control module is contaminated in this most recent recall, which was notified on Tuesday and may result in an electrical short.
The risk of fire both when the cars are being driven and when they are parked is increased by the electrical short.
The impacted Kia models are listed below:
The recalled Hyundai models are as follows:
How many Kias have burned up so far?
In recent years, both Hyundai and Kia have issued many recalls involving more than 3.5 million vehicles that could catch fire for a variety of reasons. With a 33.88 percent stake, Hyundai Motor Company is Kia Motors’ largest stakeholder.
There have been previous recalls on Hyundai and Kia vehicles because of fire risks connected to brake fluid leaks, faulty oil pans, gasoline leaks, oil leaks, ABS sensor difficulties, HECU problems, and engine issues. The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, as well as the Kia Cadenza, Optima, Sorento, and Sportage, have all been the subject of additional recalls from both automakers for similar HECU-related problems.
In connection with these most recent recalls, Hyundai reported being aware of eight fires, while Kia reported being aware of three engulfed Sportages. According to NHTSA paperwork, neither recall is associated with any injuries or collisions.
After concluding that Hyundai and Kia had delayed prior recalls, NHTSA levied civil fines for the two automakers totaling $210 million in 2020.
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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