The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·16V815000·Announced 2016-11-10

Kia Recalls 2008-2009 Sportage Vehicles Due to Fire Risk

Kia is recalling 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles because a wire harness cover may allow water to enter, causing corrosion and an increased risk of engine compartment fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (electrical wiring) that creates an increased risk of an engine compartment fire, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating involving significant injury or property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured between August 9, 2007, and May 13, 2009. The recall involves 71,704 vehicles.

The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed, allowing water to reach the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit. If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion. If no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KIA SPORTAGE
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
71,704

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • SPORTAGE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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