Various Kia vehicles have been part of a recall here in the U.S. for a few months now, but Australia is joining in now. More than 50,000 Kia Stinger and Sportage vehicles have been recalled due to the risk of fire. This is in addition to the ongoing recalls in the U.S. and other countries.

Which Kia cars are on recall?

Product Safety Australia announced that the Kia QL Sportage (2016-2021) and Kia CK Stinger (2017-2019) are both being recalled due to fire. The recall notice says that more than 57,000 cars are part of the recall.

The Sportage and Stinger have a similar engine defect as the U.S. versions that can catch fire. The vehicles do not even need to be turned on to catch fire, which adds to the danger. Kia owners have been told not to park the cars in enclosed places such as garages until the issue is remedied.

The impacted Kia vehicles were sold between April 2015 and October 2020. It is estimated that Kia will recall 57,851 vehicles. Owners can check the Kia Australia page to verify if the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are part of the recall.

Is there a recall on Kia engines?

This recall from Kia is similar to other recent recalls. Kia is worried that the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit can remain “on” even when the car is technically switched off.

Additionally, there is worry about moisture getting into the unit. If this happens, the moisture could cause a short circuit and create a fire. “A vehicle fire could increase the risk injury or death to vehicle occupants or bystanders and/or damage to property.”

Kia recommends calling a local dealership to confirm if the vehicle is part of the recall. The dealership will inspect and repair the vehicle free of charge.

This is similar to the issues in the U.S.

Earlier this year, Kia recalled some U.S. vehicles for a similar reason. According to Consumer Reports, a potential fire hazard sparked the Kia Seltos and Kia Soul recall. Kia recalled 147,249 vehicles with a 2.0L engine.

The impacted vehicles are as follows. The 2020-2021 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured from Nov. 24, 2018, through Oct. 24, 2020. The 2021 Kia Seltos manufactured from Nov. 20, 2019, through Oct. 15, 2020.

“An inconsistent heat-treating process for the piston oil rings can damage the engine and lead to a loss of power, thereby increasing the risk of a crash,” Consumer Reports noted. The recall notice says that owners will be directed to bring the cars in for inspection in June.

The dealership will replace the engine free of charge. Additionally, the dealerships will install software to alert drivers if there is damage to the piston oil ring. If owners have already incurred costs related to this recall, Kia will reimburse the owners.

Owners can go to the NHTSA website to check if the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches those recalled.