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DETROIT (AP) – Kia is recalling nearly 295,000 vehicles in the United States because the engines can stall or catch fire.
The recall comes just a week after Kia and Korean affiliate automaker Hyundai were fined by the US government for allegedly delaying recalls.
The recall involves certain 2012 and 2013 Sorento SUVs, 2012 to 2015 Forte and Forte Koup cars and 2011 to 2013 Optima hybrid cars. Also includes 2014 and 2015 Soul SUVs and 2012 Sportage SUVs.
Kia says in documents released by the U.S. government on Saturday that no manufacturing defects were found, but it is recalling the vehicles to mitigate any risk of fire.
The recall comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the 2019 Kia and Hyundai engine fires. The agency opened the investigation after the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety filed a petition asking investigation. When the investigation began, the agency said it had received complaints from homeowners about more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries and one death.
Kia will notify owners starting January 27. Dealers will inspect engines for fuel or oil leaks and replace them if necessary. The company is also developing a software update for the knock sensor.
Last week, NHTSA announced that Kia and Hyundai were to pay $ 137 million in fines and for safety upgrades because they moved too slowly to recall more than a million vehicles whose engines can fail. . The fines resolve a three-year government investigation into corporate behavior involving the recall of several models dating from the 2011 model year.
Kia is to pay $ 27 million and invest $ 16 million in safety performance measures. Another payment of $ 27 million will be postponed as long as Kia meets safety requirements, NHTSA said.
Kia has denied the US claims but said it wants to avoid a lengthy legal battle.
Engine failures and fire issues with Hyundais and Kias have plagued businesses for more than five years.
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