Kia an affiliated of the Korean automaker Hyundai said they are recalling nearly 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the engines can stall or catch fire.
According to company officials, the recall spans the years and models 2012 and 2013 Sorento SUVs, 2012 through 2015 Forte and Forte Koup cars, and 2011 through 2013 Optima Hybrid cars.
Officials said, 2014 and 2015 Soul SUVs and 2012 Sportage SUVs are also included in the recall.
Kia says in documents posted Saturday by the U.S. government that no manufacturing defect has been found, but it’s recalling the vehicles to mitigate any risk of fire.
In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating Kia and Hyundai engine fires. The agency went forward in the investigation after the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety filed a petition seeking the investigation. When the inquiry began, the agency said it had owner complaints of more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries and one death.
Dealers will notify buyers then inspect the engines for fuel or oil leaks and replace them if necessary.