Kia to recall 300,000 cars in U.S. over engine fire risk

Kia is recalling 295,000 cars in the U.S. over concerns the engines could stall or catch fire.
Vehicles included in the recall campaign are the 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, the 2012 Sportage, the 2012-2013 Sorento, the 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup and the 2014-2015 Soul.
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) said there has been no manufacturing or design defected identified yet, but Kia is recalling the vehicles to mitigate any risk of fire as a preventive measure.
Kia will notify owners starting on January 27, 2021. Dealers will inspect the engine compartment to make sure repairs or replace engines in the worst case. Kia also plans to conduct a knock sensor detection system software update.
Hyundai also recalled 129,000 cars in the U.S. this month because connecting rod bearings could wear out prematurely and also cause engine fires.

(multiple sources on December 5, 2020)