The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·23V652000·Announced 2023-09-25

Kia Recalls Multiple Models Due to Electrical Short Fire Risk

Kia is recalling 1.7 million vehicles because an electrical short in the brake control unit may cause an engine compartment fire.

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: The recall involves a risk of engine compartment fire which can increase the risk of injury, meeting the criteria for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or high-risk structural/electrical defects under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

Kia America, Inc. is recalling approximately 1,730,192 vehicles, including 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo models. The recall addresses a defect in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) where an electrical short may occur.

This electrical short can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven. Such a fire increases the risk of injury to occupants or bystanders. The source text does not report specific instances of injury or death associated with this defect.

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed on November 14, 2023, and owner notification letters were mailed between March 29, 2024, and June 18, 2024. Owners can 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 SORENTO, RIO, OPTIMA HYBRID, SOUL
Brand
KIA
Manufacturer
Kia America, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Brake System / Electrical
Hazard
Affected units
1,730,192

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 (12)

  • SORENTO
  • RIO
  • OPTIMA HYBRID
  • SOUL
  • SPORTAGE
  • OPTIMA
  • CADENZA
  • K900
  • RONDO
  • FORTE KOUP
  • BORREGO
  • FORTE

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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