The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·21V137000·Announced 2021-03-04

KIA Sportage and Cadenza electrical short circuit poses engine fire risk

Certain 2017-2021 Sportage and 2017-2019 Cadenza vehicles have a defective hydraulic control unit that may short-circuit and ignite an engine compartment fire. Owners should park outside until repairs are completed.

NHTSA safety advisory

Park this vehicle outside

NHTSA advises parking it away from buildings and other vehicles until the repair is done — the risk exists even when the vehicle is switched off.

This is the agency’s own advisory, not our assessment. Contact the manufacturer or a dealer, and see the official NHTSA notice for the current guidance.

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: This is a structural vehicle defect involving a potential engine compartment fire caused by electrical short-circuit. Although no reported injuries or deaths are mentioned in the source, the serious nature of the hazard and the precautionary parking requirement indicate significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and 2017-2019 Cadenza vehicles. The affected vehicles contain a defect in the electrical circuit of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).

The electrical circuit in the HECU may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Approximately 379,931 vehicles are affected by this recall across multiple model years.

Kia will notify owners and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box at no cost. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake will also receive a software update to the HECU. The recall began on April 30, 2021.

Until the repair is complete, owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution. Owners can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
KIA SPORTAGE, CADENZA
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Category
Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
379,931

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 (2)

  • SPORTAGE
  • CADENZA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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