Kia recalls more than 39K vehicles over faulty HVAC system that can cause fires
Kia America is recalling over 39,500 US vehicles over a faulty HVAC system that could cause a fire and increase the risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
An estimated 1% of the 39,536 vehicles – or approximately 395 cars – have the defect, Kia said in a recall report on Monday.
The recall includes certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles that contain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that may have a faulty wiring assembly.
Kia blamed a quality control issue at its parts supplier, which is based in Mexico, for some of the unusually thin wiring gauges – which could cause the HVAC system to overheat and potentially cause a fire.
Drivers may notice some warning signs, including an inoperable blower motor in the HVAC system, a burning or melting smell or smoke pouring through the vents, the automaker said.
The recall includes all 2021-2023 Kia Sorento LX vehicles manufactured from Sept. 10, 2020, through Dec. 29, 2023, at Kia’s factory in Georgia.