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

Kia Australia has announced a nationwide product safety recall for the Kia Sorento large SUV and the Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, due to a software issue that could lead to vehicle fires.

A total of 31,074 Kia SUVs are affected, including the previous (fourth-generation) QL-series Sportage built between 2015 and 2021, and the previous (third-generation) UM-series Sorento built over 2014-2020.

All variants are affected by the recall, which the South Korean car-maker says relates to a software issue with the heater core element that may allow it to operate at a higher temperature than intended, potentially causing damage to the connector.

“If this occurs it may result in a vehicle fire,” said Kia in its recall notice.

Kia advises affected owners to connect their local Kia dealership to have the HVAC control unit software updated and the heater core element and connector inspected and replaced if damaged.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Kia Sorento, Sportage

Meanwhile, 379 examples of the discontinued Kia Soul have been recalled for the second time in a matter of months to repair a similar fault.

All variants of the Kia Soul built between 2013 and 2015 are involved, with Kia saying the front airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident due to a manufacturing issue with the airbag control unit.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Kia Soul

Also today, Mercedes-Benz has recalled 264 examples of the MY21 C-Class (C 200) and S-Class (S 450) due to concerns over the software in both models.

“Due to a software issue, the rear turning indicators, brakes and hazard lights may not operate as intended. The driver will receive warning signals in the instrument cluster,” said the German car-maker.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Mercedes-Benz C 200, S 450

A further two examples of the latest (MY22) Mercedes-Benz C-Class have also been called back over a software issue that could see the overhead control panel fail.

“In this case, voice connection with the emergency call centre may fail and vehicle data will not be transferred,” said Benz.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Separately, Mercedes-Benz says a manufacturing defect could cause the timing chain in 19 examples of its E-Class large sedan to “wear prematurely and break”.

Vehicles affected include the E 220d produced between 2016 and 2018, which may experience a sudden loss of power, increasing the risk of an accident. 

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Mercedes-Benz E 220d

In a fourth recall announced today, Mercedes-Benz is calling back 50 examples of its 2021 E-Class and S-Class sedans over a safety defect.

All variants are affected, with Mercedes-Benz saying the driver assistance system may not detect when the driver’s hands are removed from the steering wheel and will not warn the driver or perform an autonomous stop.

“If the vehicle continues to operate without driver intervention, it may increase the likelihood of a crash resulting in injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users. In the event of a medical emergency such as the driver losing consciousness, the vehicle may continue to drive instead of stopping and making an automated emergency call,” said Mercedes-Benz in its recall notice.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class

Finally this week, 405 examples of the pure-electric Porsche Taycan have been recalled for the second time since March, although this time round it concerns a seating issue.

Models affected include the Taycan (Y1A), Taycan Cross Turismo (Y1B) and Taycan Sport Turismo (Y1C), all built between 2019 and 2021.

The German car-maker says the protective fabric covering over the wiring harness on the front seats may become damaged when adjusting the seat.

Porsche says if this occurs “it will activate the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster” and “there is no guarantee that the restraint systems will function correctly”.

Recall notice – click here
VIN list: Porsche Taycan

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