Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. recalled more than 500,000 vehicles late last month, most due to engine damage and fire risks.
The bulk of the recall involves nearly 380,000 Kia Souls (2012-2016 models) due to the fire risk. Potential oil pan leaks caused the separate recall of 155,000 Hyundai
The two automakers operate as separate entities but share a corporate parent that facilitates the sharing of engine parts and designs.
CBS reported that the Soul’s engine might produce “high exhaust gas temperatures [that] can damage the catalytic converters…[which] can cause abnormal combustion and damage pistons and connecting rods.”
A former Kia employee told news organizations in January that he warned the automaker in 2017 that allegedly faulty repair work during another recall poised a fire risk. He claimed to have been ignored by his superiors in the company’s warranty department.
In response to the former employee’s allegations, Kia issued a statement defending its record as “a responsible company” that “takes all reported concerns seriously.”
“All automobiles contain combustible materials,” the statement said, “and a vehicle fire may be the result of any number of complex factors.”
Kia and Hyundai automobile owners can search their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out whether the recall includes their vehicles.
Image courtesy of Kia.
