Kia Recalls Niro SUVs (Again) Over Fire Risks
» Posted January 23, 2023 • Resources | Share This Post
Kia has yet another car fire problem on its hands.
The Korean auto manufacturer is calling back more than 27,000 Niro sport utility vehicles for the second time, according to Consumer Reports. Dealerships tasked with fixing the vehicles the first time around “may not have properly repaired a hybrid powertrain component that could cause a fire if it fails,” the news outlet says.
The recall covers certain 2017-2018 Niro SUVs built from November 1, 2016 to September 11, 2017.
“The automaker started investigating the issue after reports of repaired vehicles catching fire,” Keith Barry writes for Consumer Reports. “It found that, in some cases, dealerships had not actually fixed the problem even though they reported they had.”
The cost-conscious carmaker and its parent company, Hyundai, have announced several recalls in recent years over similar fire concerns. Hyundai and Kia have recalled some 1.2 million cars over engine failure and car fire issues this year alone, according to Consumer Reports.
“Since 2010, more than 3,100 Hyundai and Kia vehicles have caught fire, injuring 103 people and killing one,” Consumer Reports found, citing NHTSA data. “These fires may be related to a type of four-cylinder engine used by both automakers.”
The companies were hit with $210 million in civil penalties by NHTSA just two years ago for slow playing the recalls.
Last year, Kia recalled nearly 150,000 vehicles–mostly 2021 Seltos SUVs and 2020-2021 Soul Wagons - citing a pistons issue that it said could cause engines to overheat and cars to stall or catch fire.
Owners have at times been encouraged to park their cars outside and away from structures because of the fire risk.
Legal Rights for Hyundai and Kia Owners in California
Although the defects pose a serious threat to drivers, passengers and anyone else on the road with Hyundai and Kia vehicles, there is little reason to believe that the companies are taking the issue seriously.
That is where the California lemon law comes in. The law provides some important rights and protections for car owners and lessors in the Golden State.
Formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the law requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back vehicles that the companies are unable or simply unwilling to fix. That includes covering the purchase price and monthly payments, as well as picking up the tab for rental cars and other related expenses.
The law also forces car manufacturers to pick up the tab for various legal fees incurred by owners and lessors enforcing their rights. It is vital to have an experienced lemon law attorney in your corner.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
