Kia Australia is conducting a safety recall for a number of its vehicle models equipped with a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which controls the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) within a vehicle.
Kia says there is a risk of an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is turned off, if the HECU malfunctions causing a short circuit.
This in turn increases the possibility of an accident, serious injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property.
A number of different Kia models are affected, spanning man manufacturing years. The full list is as follows:
Model Year 2011-2013 AM Soul
Model Year 2009-2013 SL Sportage
Model Year 2013 SLe Sportage
Model Year 2009-2010 KM Sportage
Model Year TD 2011-2013 Cerato
Model Year 2010-2015 TF Optima
Model Year 2011-2015 XM Sorento
Model Year 2011-2016 UB Rio
Model Year 2010-2013 UN Carens
Model Year 2013-2019 RP Rondo
Kia estimates the recall affects around 80,000 individual vehicles. Kia will be sending letters to all affected customers, informing them of the recall. Customers can then contact the nearest Kia dealership to arrange a time to take their car in to be fixed free of charge.
Kia will be fitting a new fuse into the main junction box on all affected vehicles. Kia says there have been no injuries caused by this fault as yet, but recommends getting the problem seen to as soon as possible.
.
