Kia America recalled over 70,000 Sportage models manufactured between 2008-2009 on Wednesday due to concern that the vehicle will sporadically catch fire.
The vehicle’s Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit inside the engine is vulnerable to catching fire, according to a press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The auto-maker advised owners to not park near their homes, as the threat of the vehicle catching fire persists whether it is running or parked, the press release said.
#Recall: Kia is recalling over 71,000 Sportage SUVs from the 2008 and 2009 model years because they may catch fire while driving or parked. Owners should park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. https://t.co/e9Q4Tp3OOg
— Consumer Reports (@ConsumerReports) October 26, 2022
Individuals who own 2008-2009 Sportages should expect notification letters to be mailed out by the auto-maker around Dec. 22, the press release said. Owners are poised to have their vehicles repaired at local Kia dealerships.
The South Korean auto-maker previously issued a massive recall for 308,000 Sportages built between 2017-2021 for the exact same reason. (RELATED: Two Dead After Plane Crashes Into Car Dealership Parking Lot In Ohio)
RECALL ALERT: Kia is once again recalling certain vehicles following reports of more engine fires. They recommend parking the vehicles outside and away from any structures. Here’s where you can check to see if your vehicle is impacted by a Kia recall https://t.co/nm3p835u97
— Lindsey Mastis (@LindseyMastis) October 27, 2022
Meanwhile, Kia is facing scrutiny due to a TikTok challenge that involves netizens filming themselves using a USB cord to break into the Kia Telluride, The Washington Post reported. The challenge takes advantage of a vulnerable anti-theft protection system in the SUV. (RELATED: Missouri Town’s Car Theft Problem Is So Bad That Police Are Giving Away Steering Wheel Locks)
The “Kia Boys” who broke into my car did $2,500 of damage and the ignition parts are on back order with no delivery estimate 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃
Please for the love of god don’t break into people’s cars for a Tik Tok challenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!— Emyle Watkins ♿️ (@EmyleWatkins) October 20, 2022
Kia released this statement about the crash that killed four teens on the 33 Monday — believed to be linked to the Kia Challenge on TikTok that shows how to steal Kias.
As a result, Kia plans to partner with law enforcement nationwide to provide free steering wheel locks @WGRZ. pic.twitter.com/2Yk9nUiSyP
— Andy Paden (@Andy_Paden) October 27, 2022
Four teenagers in Buffalo, New York, lost their lives in a car crash after breaking into a Telluride, WGRZ reported. Police believe the grand theft auto was inspired by the social media challenge. Kia has released a statement mourning the losses of the teens, noting the troublesome TikTok trend.