After 161 Engine Fires, Kia Remembers 2011 Sorentos To Reduce Threat

Kia says that no defect has been present in its Theta II MDI engine, however that it’s going to set up a knock sensor to “mitigate an unreasonable hearth danger”

Kia’s engines are as soon as once more on the coronary heart of a security concern, and it’s being inspired to provoke a recall because of the heightened danger of fireside. The motion will have an effect on 79,812 Sorentos from the 2011 mannequin yr that weren’t outfitted with a knock sensor.

The difficulty pertains to a wider investigation into Kia and Hyundai automobiles from the 2011 to 2016 mannequin years that was launched by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). It was prompted by stories of fires in automobiles that had not been concerned in collisions.

In paperwork launched by NHTSA, Kia said that, after an data request in 2022, it decided that there was no security defect development that warranted a recall. Nevertheless, this yr, the regulator suggested Kia to provoke a recall for 2011 Sorentos outfitted with the Theta II 2.4-liter MPI (multipoint injection) engine, and Kia complied.

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In accordance with NHTSA, it’s conscious of a complete of 161 fires that occurred in automobiles outfitted with the engine, in addition to a number of burns and accidents. Kia writes that neither a design defect, nor a selected manufacturing error have been present in the Sorento, however admits that it’s recalling the automobiles to “mitigate an unreasonable hearth danger because of potential engine harm.”

The doc states that there are quite a few causes for this elevated danger, and in sure situations, house owners could obtain warning indicators of an impending engine failure, equivalent to uncommon engine noises, the illumination of the examine engine gentle, the presence of a burning odor, and even smoke.

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To attenuate the potential hearth danger, Kia has initiated a recall for particular 2011 Sorentos. Starting on February 9, the corporate will contact house owners, instructing them to carry their SUVs to a close-by dealership. There, a knock sensor detection system shall be put in at no cost, and if wanted, the engine shall be changed. This could assist the automobiles detect an impending engine failure.

As well as, after the sensor is put in, Kia will provide prolonged guarantee protection for 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever happens first, for associated engine block repairs.