Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires Spark Another Federal Investigation and Possible Recall

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS), a nonprofit auto safety group, is asking for an immediate recall for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the U.S. CAS claims that more than 2.9 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles sold in the U.S. could suffer from a defect that causes engine fires. According to the organization, consumers have filed numerous complaints over the issue.

Kia and Hyundai Under Investigation Again for Vehicle Fire Complaints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received 220 complaints from consumers about the issue since 2010. Consumers also reported instances of melted wires, smoke and burning equipment. Multiple models could be affected by the issue. These models include 2011-2014 model-year Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe vehicles as well as 2011-2014 model-year Kia Sorento and Optima vehicles. Complaints also suggest 2010-2015 model-year Kia Soul vehicles could suffer from the potential defect.

NHTSA has been investigating Kia and Hyundai engine failures since 2017, and there have been several non-collision car engine fire claims made. Last year, a vehicle fire may have led to the death of a person in Ohio. Hyundai and Kia claim they are investigating the issue to determine the cause of the fires. Vehicle fires can be caused by various issues, such as a manufacturing defect, improper maintenance or repairs, or some other external factor.

CAS has filed a petition demanding NHTSA to investigate the fires separately from engine failure complaints. If NHTSA finds that they were too slow to recall again, the agency could order heavy fines and additional recalls.

The Bay Area car engine fire lawyers at Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. help clients who have been injured by these auto defects. Our firm has experience with product liability cases that involve fires. Call Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. if you or a loved one suffered harm due to Hyundai and Kia engine fires.