Its Recall Mondays: Kia Sportage Is In The Hot Seat

AUTOMAKER: Kia Motors America

NO. OF IMPACTED CUSTOMERS: 71,704

SUMMARY:

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.

CONSEQUENCE:

If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.

REMEDY:

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.