AFTER BUILDING UP A REPUTATION for outstanding reliability and trouble-free ownership, Kia appears to have hit a bump in the road.
More than 57,000 owners have been warned not to park their cars in an enclosed area (and that includes garages) citing a risk that they may catch fire, even when switched off.
Owners of the Kia QL Sportage and CK Stinger models have been advised to contact Kia Australia immediately.
There appears to be a problem with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Units, and a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a recall. “If an electrical short circuit occurs, this could result in an engine compartment fire when the key is switched off and the vehicle is parked,” says Product Safety Australia.
“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants or bystanders and damage to property.”
The affected cars are the Kia Sportage, model designation QL, built between 2016 and 2021 and the Kia Stinger, model designation CK, built between 2017 and 2019.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit controls the anti-lock braking, stability and traction control systems. It could remain live even after the vehicle is switched off, and should moisture enter the unit, an electrical short circuit could occur.
Kia is contacting all known owners who are urged to arrange for a free inspection and repair at their nearest dealer. In the meantime, they are advised not to park near any flammable structures or in an enclosed area.
As far as we know, no other Kia vehicles are affected.