Kia Optima Recalled for Problems with Fuel Leaks and Engine Fires

Another recall has been issued for Kia Optima vehicles, this time involving 72,848 Kia Optima sedans from 2013-2014 to fix a low-pressure hose that may spark a fire. According to Consumer Reports, this is the second time these specific vehicles have been recalled. Kia last recalled them in 2020 because the Optima fuel hose could crack. The latest hazard could put drivers and passengers in great danger.

Cause for the Kia Optima Recall

Kia said in documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that when dealers performed the initial recall, they may not have properly repaired the low-pressure fuel hose with heat-protective tape. In other cases, a fuel hose with evidence of damage was repaired with tape when it should have been replaced. This marks the latest in a series of fire-related recalls involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles. NHTSA’s documentation showed 155 warranty claims, 12 customer complaints, and eight cases were submitted to Kia’s internal dealer-support technical center from which this action stemmed. So far, there have been no known reports of fires, deaths, injuries, or crashes related to this issue. Dealerships will replace the low-pressure fuel hose with a new, improved one. The recalled vehicles were manufactured between Nov. 15, 2012, and Dec. 18, 2013, at Kia facilities in Georgia.

Kia and Hyundai Fire Issues

NHTSA launched a probe into Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine design. Both share after more than 3,000 reports of fires and a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, an advocacy group. A class-action lawsuit relating to the fires has also been filed. Consumer Reports strongly urges owners to heed this new recall alert even if they had previous recall work done in their vehicles. Vehicles with fire hazards have the potential to cause severe burn injuries. Those who have been injured due to a vehicle defect have legal rights. They could file a product liability claim against the automaker and/or parts suppliers who may be involved. To prove a product liability claim, plaintiffs must provide evidence that shows that the product was defective and that the defective product caused their injuries, damages, and losses. Injured victims in such cases would be well-advised to retain the services of an auto defect law firm that has the resources to pursue large automakers and corporations financially

 .   Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/kia-optima-recalled-again-to-address-fuel-leaks-engine-fires-a2506310726/