Recall wrap: Fire risk for more than 30,000 Kia cars

Kia Australia has issued several safety recalls this week, most notably a double recall for the popular Kia Carnival people-mover, affecting 26,926 vehicles.

Both recalls involve a fire risk for the previous-generation VQ model (2006-2014), including a potential safety system failure in 14,803 vehicles built between 2006 and 2010 (see if your VIN is listed here) and potential fuel rail problems in 12,123 petrol versions built between 2011 and 2014.

In the latter recall, Kia says a heat induced crack could form on the fuel rail, potentially resulting in a fuel leak that could lead to a fire.

It says it is contacting known owners to arrange inspections, however, replacement parts are not available until July.

Also affecting 3288 BL Sorento vehicles built between 2006 and 2009, the other Carnival recall concerns the potential for an electrical short circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).

Responsible for controlling the vehicle’s anti-lock braking, stability and traction control systems, Kia says the unit can remain live even when the vehicle is switched off, and if moisture enters the HECU a short circuit could occur, potentially resulting in a fire in the engine bay.

Again, replacement parts aren’t available until July and Kia will contact affected Sorento and Carnival owners.

In the meantime, Kia says owners of these models should park their vehicles outside, away from structures and other vehicles.

Today Mazda issued a recall notice for 7443 examples of its popular CX-5 (MY2014 and 15 vehicles) due to faulty daytime running lights (DRLs).

The recall says the DRLs may flicker or fail to illuminate when driving and that Mazda will contact owners to arrange inspection and repair when replacement parts become available in April.

Also today, 5328 examples of the Porsche Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS and Macan Turbo (MY2014-2019) are being called back for remedial work due to a fire risk.

“The service cover for the fuel pump can come into contact with the fuel filter flange under certain circumstances e.g. if the rear seats are used. This can result in the fuel filter flange becoming damaged,” said Porsche.

“If the fuel filter flange becomes damaged, this can result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may cause a fire. If this was to occur, there is a risk of serious injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and property.”

Meantime, Isuzu has issued a recall for D-MAX Crew Cab utes built in 2018 and 2019, affecting 2323 vehicles, due to concerns the rear leaf springs could fracture due to “an insufficient diameter of the front eye”.

The manufacturer says the driver may not have full control of the vehicle if one of the springs breaks, leading to increased risk of an accident or injury.

Isuzu Ute Australia will contact known owners of affected vehicles to have their D-MAX’s rear left spring assembly and parking brake cable replaced where required.

Separately, 395 Skoda Superb vehicles built between 2015 and 2018 have also been hit with a recall this week, thanks to a potentially faulty front indicator.

Skoda Australia says the front turn signal may fail but no warning lights or sounds may be activated, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Parent company Volkswagen Group Australia says it will contact the owners of affected vehicles to arrange repair.