Kia recalls more than 39K vehicles over faulty HVAC system that can cause fire

Kia America is recalling over 39,500 US vehicles over a faulty HVAC system that could cause a fire and increase the risk of injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

An estimated 1% of the 39,536 vehicles – or approximately 395 cars – have the defect, Kia said in a recall report on Monday.

The recall includes certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles that contain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that may have a faulty wiring assembly.

Kia blamed a quality control issue at its parts supplier, which is based in Mexico, for some of the unusually thin wiring gauges – which could cause the HVAC system to overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Drivers may notice some warning signs, including an inoperable blower motor in the HVAC system, a burning or melting smell or smoke pouring through the vents, the automaker said.

The recall includes all 2021-2023 Kia Sorento LX vehicles manufactured from Sept. 10, 2020, through Dec. 29, 2023, at Kia’s factory in Georgia.

Kia’s 2024 Sorento vehicles are equipped with a different HVAC system, so they are not subject to the recall.

Owners should bring their vehicles to a Kia dealership, where the wiring harness and blower motor resistor will be replaced, free of charge.

Interim notification letters notifying owners of the risk are expected to be mailed Nov. 24.

Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, likely in December.