Kia recalls Sportage, Stinger over fire hazard

KIA Australia (KAU) has been forced to recall 57,851 combined examples of its Sportage medium SUV and Stinger large sedan over a potential fire risk stemming from an electrical fault.

While recalls due to potential fire hazards are not uncommon, Kia’s issue is arguably more severe as the fire hazard remains even when the car is switched off.

The defect stems from the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which handles the operation of the anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and traction control systems.

In the affected vehicles, the HECU can remain on even when the car has been switched off, and if moisture enters the HECU, it can cause an electrical short circuit.

A short circuit has the potential to cause a fire in the engine compartment, which could result in bodily harm or property damage.

The affected vehicles include 56,203 examples of the QL Sportage built between 2016 and 2021, and 1648 examples of the Stinger from 2017-2019.

Sportage examples were sold between April 14, 2015 and October 20, 2020 while the Stingers in question were sold between December 14, 2016 and March 27, 2019.

Given the risk of fire at any time, KAU is urging vehicle owners to not park their vehicle indoors (such as in a garage), or nearby any flammable materials.

The Korean car-maker will contact all known owners of the affected vehicles by mail, and owners are urged to contact their nearest dealer to arrange an inspection and repair of the vehicle free of charge.

Concerned owners can head to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Product Safety website for further information and a complete list of affected model VIN numbers.

Through the first four months of the year, KAU has sold 2820 examples of the Sportage, marking an 11.6 per cent slide over the corresponding period last year. 

Meanwhile, the Stinger has found 615 homes, an increase of 20.4 per cent year-on-year.