2008-2009 Kia Sportage crossovers recalled over fire risk

Kia has issued an urgent safety recall that applies to over 70,000 units of the Sportage built during the 2008 and 2009 model years. The crossovers included in the campaign can catch fire, and the South Korean firm is urging owners to park outdoors and away from buildings.

Assigned recall number 22V-800 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall applies to 71,704 units of the Sportage built from August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. Kia estimates the problem affects about 1% of those vehicles, but this isn't the first time that they've been recalled due to a fire risk: Recall number 16V815000 issued in November 2016 aimed to fix the same problem.

Kia told the NHTSA that a fire can ignite in the engine compartment, near the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), and that the risk is present regardless of whether the car is parked or being driven. While the cause of the fire is unknown, the company warns that an illuminated ABS warning light is a sign that a blaze may be about to start. It's not aware of fatalities, injuries, or crashes linked to the fire risk.