Kia Recalls 294,756 Vehicles for Engine Compartment Fire Risk
Kia is recalling 294,756 vehicles from 2011-2015 due to a risk of engine compartment fire while driving. Dealers will inspect for leaks and update software.
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 risk of engine compartment fire while driving, which is a significant injury hazard and falls under the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury reports or structural/functional defects posing high risk.
Plain-English summary
Kia Motors America is recalling 294,756 vehicles, including 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage models. The recall addresses a defect where an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. This condition increases the risk of injury to occupants.
Dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test, and make any necessary repairs, including engine replacement, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software at no cost to the owner. The recall began on January 27, 2021.
Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 for more information. Kia's number for this recall is SC200. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.safercar.gov.
The recalled product
- Product
- KIA FORTE KOUP, SOUL, FORTE, SORENTO
- Brand
- KIA
- Manufacturer
- Kia Motors America
- Category
- Vehicle — Passenger Car / SUV
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 294,756
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 (6)
- FORTE KOUP
- SOUL
- FORTE
- SORENTO
- SPORTAGE
- OPTIMA HYBRID
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · KIA
- HighKia Recalls 2025-2026 EV9 Vehicles for Front Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-21
- SevereKia Recalls 2020-2024 Telluride Vehicles Due to Front Seat Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- SevereKia Recalls EV6 and EV9 Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-02
- HighKia Recalls 2027 Telluride Models for Seat Belt Retraction Defect
NHTSA · 2026-06-02
- High2022–2026 Kia Carnival vehicles recalled for fuel system leak risk
NHTSA · 2026-04-10
Same manufacturer · Kia Motors America
See all →- HighKia Recalls 2012-2013 Optima for Headliner Plate Detachment Risk
NHTSA · 2022-08-01
- Severe2022 Kia Sorento and Telluride recalled for spare tire brake defect
NHTSA · 2022-07-19
- High2021-2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid front seat belt pretensioner failure
NHTSA · 2022-06-23
- High2022 Kia Telluride recall: instrument cluster display may go blank
NHTSA · 2022-05-17
- High2022 KIA EV6 Parking Brake Software Defect May Cause Vehicle Rollaway
NHTSA · 2022-05-11
Same hazard · fire
See all →- HighKibbi Recalls 2026-2027 Renegade RVs Due to Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-09-05
- SevereAmana Through-The-Wall Air Conditioners Recalled Due to Fire Risk
CPSC · 2026-09-03
- Severe
- High
- SevereTiffin Recalls 2026-2027 Wayfarer RVs Due to LP Tank Defects
NHTSA · 2026-08-31