South Korea motor-vehicle manufacturer Kia Motors Corp. is recalling more than 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of a possible engine-fire hazard.
The company said owners of affected vehicles will be provided with free inspections and an engine change if necessary at any of its dealers nationwide.
The affected models include the 2012-2013 Kia Sorento, 2012-2015 Kia Forte, 2011-2013 Optima, 2014-2015 Soul and 2012 Sportage. The company said the vehicles were being recalled as a result of an increased risk of their engine compartments suddenly catching fire while underway.
Customers can bring their vehicles to any authorized dealer where technicians will inspect engines for fuel or oil leaks. Dealers have been instructed to perform any necessary repairs or replace the engine if required.
Kia said it was developing knock sensor detection software that will be installed in all affected vehicles.
Kia and its affiliate Hyundai Motor agreed to pay a record $210 million in civil penalties after regulators determined they failed to recall their defective vehicles in a timely manner.
The civil penalties included an upfront payment of $27 million, around $16 million in costs for necessary safety measures and another $27 in deferred penalties. The penalty was added to another settlement over recalls in 2015 and 2017 over substandard bearings that lead to engine failure in some models.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the companies were aware that some of their vehicles had engine issues but failed to act quickly. The safety regulator added that some 1.6 million vehicles were likely affected.
Kia said it decided to issue the recall order "based on (the administration's) recommendations" and as a preventative measure to ensure the safety of its customers.
The administration launched an investigation in 2019 after it received increased reports of some Kia and Hyundai models catching fire while being driven. In July, the agency ordered Kia to recall certain models with high fire complaint rates.
