Recall wrap: Fire risk for almost 100,000 Kia vehicles

Kia Australia has recalled close to 100,000 cars this week over a potential fire risk that affects a wide range of models including the Cerato small car and Sportage SUV, some of which were manufactured as far back as 2009.

Those affected include the Kia Carens UN (2009-2012), Cerato TD (2009-2013), Optima TF (2010-2015), Sorento XM (2010-2014), Soul AM (2010-2013), Sportage KM (2009), Sportage SL (2009-2013), Sportage SLe (2013-2014), Rio UB (2011-2016), and Rondo RP (2012-2018).

The potential fault lies within the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), a piece of equipment responsible for controlling an array of safety systems within a vehicle, including the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control.

According to Kia, the HECU unit fitted to at least 98,000 vehicles could remain ‘live’ even after the vehicle has been switched off.

Kia says if moisture enters the HECU, an electrical short circuit can occur, which could result in an engine compartment fire, even when the vehicle is switched off and parked.

The South Korean car-maker will contact all known owners by mail to arrange an inspection and free repair, where required, however until then, Kia says affected vehicles should not be parked near any flammable structures or in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

A full list of affected VINs is attached the corresponding recall notice for each model: Carens UN, Cerato TD, Optima TF, Sorento XM, Soul AM, Sportage KM, Sportage SL, Sportage SLe, Rio UB, and Rondo RP.

Audi is warning owners of its full-electric sports car range of potential braking issues, following the discovery of a manufacturing issue on some vehicles.

A total of 457 units have been recalled, including all variations of the 2020-2024 built Audi e-tron range (both GT and RS GT), which the German car-maker says is fitted with front axle brake hoses that could deteriorate over time.

If this occurs, it could cause brake fluid to leak, resulting in reduced braking performance, says Audi in its recall notice.

Audi will contact affected owners – a list of affected VINs can be found on the federal government’s Vehicle Recalls site – to arrange free repairs, where necessary.

In other news, just 17 units from BMW’s local range have been called back over brake concerns, including two electric models, the iX1 and iX2, along with a handful with SUVs: X1, X2, X5, X6, and X7.

The BMW-owned MINI brand is also affected in a separate recall, with 13 examples of the 2024-built Countryman (U25 model code) and Cooper S (F66 model code) also affected.

All vehicles involved in the BMW-related recall were built between 2022-2024, with both car-makers saying a manufacturing defect is behind the potential fault/s.

‘A component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break. If this occurs, a higher pedal force will be required and the braking distance may be extended. In addition, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems may not function’ says BMW in both recall notices.

Drivers will be alerted by the brake warning light in the instrument cluster as well as a message on the infotainment screen.

BMW Australia will contact affected owners to have vehicles inspected and repaired, free of charge, however a list of affected VINs for BMW and MINI can be found attached to the recall notice on the Vehicle Recalls database.

Separate to the slew of Kia vehicles affected by a potential fire risk, the Korean car brand has also called back 6155 units of its latest Carnival (KA4 model code) people mover, over concerns around the power-steering system.

All variants of the 2024 Kia Carnival are affected, including those fitted with a combustion engine along with the newer petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) variants.

Kia says a manufacturing defect could result in the ‘main wiring harness to come in contact with the steering column shaft and become damaged’.

‘This may result in the loss of power assisted steering’ says Kia in its recall notice.

A list of affected VINs can be found attached to the recall notice on the Vehicle Recalls database however Kia says it will contact affected owners to immediately schedule appointments for a free inspection and repair.

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