Kia has decided to recall 36,248 sedans that are equipped with its 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine because of a potential risk of fire caused by hose deterioration, as revealed by the NHTSA on Monday.
Specifically, there is a concern with the oil feed pipe and hose of the left-hand turbocharger which may deteriorate prematurely, becoming exposed to increased heat from the exhaust manifold. This degradation could result in oil leaks, and when combined with the high temperatures from the exhaust components, it may lead to an engine fire while the vehicle is in motion.
The recall primarily impacts the midsize 2018-2023 Kia Stinger sedan, with an additional 792 units of the full-size 2019-2020 Kia K900 sedan also being included. Both models have been discontinued, with the Stinger being the last of its kind in 2023 and the K900 concluding with the 2020 model year.
Kia has identified 25 cases of oil leakage and one engine fire, although no accidents or injuries related to the recall have been reported by Kia.
In the recent years, Kia and its parent company Hyundai have faced challenges related to engine fire issues in various models. Last September, Hyundai joined Kia in recalling 1.7 million vehicles due to an electrical fault that could potentially lead to an engine fire. Other concerns included an overheating oil pump, a short circuit in the anti-lock braking system, and a rod bearing that could puncture the engine block, all contributing to an increased risk of engine fire.
Combined, the two brands have initiated a total of seven recalls related to engine fires in the past three years, each for distinct reasons on different engines.
Owners affected by the recall can anticipate receiving a notification by mail instructing them to take their vehicles to a Kia dealership to have the turbocharger hose assembly replaced. This service will be provided at no cost to the owners, and reimbursement will be offered to those who had previously incurred expenses for the repair. For further details, please feel free to reach out to Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or visit Kia’s recall hub.
Image Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock
