Kia Recalls Nearly 300,000 US Cars Due To Fire Risk

Kia Motor Corp. announced Saturday that it is recalling 295,000 vehicles in the U.S.

The South Korean automaker said that some of its vehicles experienced engine compartment fires while drivers are in the car.

The recall includes some of the 2012-13 Sorento, the 2012-15 Forte and Forte Koup, the 2011-13 Optima Hybrid, the 2014-15 Soul and the 2012 Sportage vehicles, according to Reuters.

The recall comes after Kia and affiliate Hyundai Motor Co. agreed to a record $210 million civil penalty on Nov. 27 due to their failure to immediately recall 1.6 million vehicles for engine issues. Kia was hit with $70 million worth of penalties, while Hyundai was hit with the other $140 million.

Hyundai Motor Co. owns roughly 34% of Kia Motors.

In 2019, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted an investigation into Kia and Hyundai cars and recommended that the companies recall various models that had higher fire complaint rates.

Kia announced in early 2019 that it would develop a Knock Sensor Detection System software update.

Kia dealers around the U.S. will be required to do an inspection on various vehicles to check for fuel or oil leaks in the engine, as well as perform engine tests.