Kia Recall 2020: 229,000 Sorento, Sodeno Recalled Over Electric Issue Causing Fires

South Korea's Kia Motors Corporation and its parent firm, Hyundai Motor Group, are again taking fire for a seemingly intractable noncrash engine fire problem plaguing some of their motor vehicle models since 2015.

The danger of water seeping into an antilock brake computer and possibly triggering a fire forced Kia Thursday to announce a recall of nearly 229,000 Sedona minivans from the 2006 to 2010 model years. Also covered by the recall are Sorento SUVs from 2007 through 2009. Kia said its dealers will install a relay in the main electrical junction box to stop power from flowing to the brake computer when the engine is off. The recall is expected to start April 10.

Kia admitted to receiving reports of seven fires, but no injuries. Hyundai said it has three reports of fires and no related injuries.

The short circuit can occur even if the engine is turned off. Because of this danger, Kia is urging owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the problem is fixed. Kia and Hyundai said the rate of fires is low.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explained moisture can make its way into the antilock brake control computer and cause an electrical short and a possible fire.

Earlier this month, Hyundai recalled nearly 430,000 small cars because of the same problem. Its recall covered certain Elantra models from 2006 through 2011 and Elantra Touring vehicles from 2007 through 2011.

NHTSA records show engine failure and fire problems with Hyundais and Kias have affected more than 6 million vehicles since 2015. Hyundai and Kia have thus far recalled more than 2.4 million vehicles to fix problems that might cause fires and engine failures.

The nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, a consumer advocacy group focused on the U.S. auto industry, has been leading investigations into both Kia and Hyundai. In February 2019, the center sent a letter to Congress explaining the need to protect Americans from the millions of Kia and Hyundai vehicles that might go into flames with little warning and with no solution from both companies in sight.

“Instead of presenting the public a solution for these fires, or a satisfactory explanation, or simply taking responsibility for continuing to sell what appear to be defective engines, both manufacturers have recalled fewer than 10% of the potential fire-prone vehicles and hoped no one would ask about the rest,” said Jason Levine, Executive Director of the Center.

Levine said the center urges Congress to investigate why Kia and Hyundai have refused to fully address this dangerous defect. He also urges Congress to investigate the leadership of the NHTSA and why is "has allowed such continued malfeasance.”