Kia Sedona Minivans and Sorento SUVs Are Recalled Due to a Fire Risk
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More than 228,000 Kia Sedona minivans and Kia Sorento SUVs are being recalled over concerns that they could catch fire.
The problem is caused by moisture that can get into the antilock brake system’s (ABS) electronics, which can lead to a short circuit and increase the risk of an engine compartment fire, even when the affected vehicles are parked and turned off.
Kia says it has not yet determined how moisture is getting into the brake system’s electronics, according to a press release. There have been two Sedona and five Sorento fire-related customer complaints so far, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Kia says it is unaware of any injuries related to this problem. The company is instructing owners of affected models to park their vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until a repair has been done.
The affected vehicles include certain 2006-2010 Sedona minivans manufactured from June 15, 2005, through July 15, 2009, as well as certain Sorento SUVs built from June 15, 2006, through Dec. 15, 2008.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 140,446 model-year 2006-2010 Sedona minivans and 88,383 model-year 2007-2009 Sorento SUVs. Kia will notify owners of the vehicles via first-class mail with instructions to bring them to the nearest Kia dealership. The recall is expected to begin on April 10, 2020.
The problem: Moisture may get into the antilock brake system’s electronics, potentially causing an electrical short circuit and increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Kia dealerships will install a relay in the main junction box to prevent power from being directed to the brake system’s ABS electronics when the vehicle’s ignition switch is turned off, at no charge to the owner. Kia says it will also reimburse owners for repair expenses already incurred related to this problem.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. The Kia reference number for this recall is SC186.
NHTSA campaign number: 20V-088.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has a recall that needs to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA's website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
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