The announcement from Kia follows an investigation by I-Team Reporter Jackie Callaway, who spent months researching hundreds of spontaneous fires in Kia and Hyundai automobiles.
The recall plan, which was scheduled to take effect on Friday, calls for inspections to determine whether high-pressure fuel pumps were installed correctly during engine recall replacements.
Kia estimates the recall could affect over 50,000 Kia Optimas, 17,000 Kia Sorentos, and about 1,000 Kia Sportages.
“The remedy for the previous recall 17v224 may not have been properly performed in all cases by the Kia dealers,” Kia said in a memo. “In some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak increasing the risk of fire.”
The automaker has yet to roll out the plan because it’s waiting for NHTSA approval, which has been delayed due to the government shutdown.
Kia says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue.
Source: ABC Action News – WFTS-TV