Washington, D.C. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9th, 2007, to May 13th, 2009.
The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
Recall Information
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
Report Receipt Date: November 10th, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V815000
Component(s): Electrical System
Potential Number of Units Affected: 71,704
| Vehicle Make / Model | Model Year(s) |
| Kia / Sportage | 2008-2009 |
Consequence
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 28th, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1.800.333.4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC138.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to www.safercar.gov
