Kia Stinger Fuel Pump Defect Could Cause Power Loss

Another day, another Kia recall over a serious safety issue that could put everyone on the road at risk.

Korean automaker Hyundai is recalling more than 18,000 Kia Stinger sedans, it recently told federal car safety regulators. A fuel pump problem could cause vehicles to lose power without warning, according to the company.

“Misalignment of the fuel control valve plunger in the high pressure fuel pump can result in uneven wear,” Hyundai said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Overtime, this wear can cause the plunger to remain in a stuck open condition. If the plunger remains in the stuck open condition, over-pressurization of the high pressure fuel pump can occur and may potentially result in the loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds.”

The defect could wreak havoc on drivers, passengers and others, the company acknowledged.

“A loss of motive power increases the risk of a crash,” Hyundai told NHTSA.

The recall covers certain 2018-2021 Stingers, which were produced between September 2017 and January 2021. 

Hyundai plans to alert owners of recalled vehicles via mail by November 10. In the meantime, owners can check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are included in the recall.

The automaker will ask owners to bring their vehicles to local dealers for inspections and repairs.

“Kia dealers will be instructed to inspect, and if necessary, replace the high pressure fuel pump with a new one,” Hyundai said in the NHTSA notice. “In addition, dealers will update the software logic of the engine control unit to prevent a loss of motive power while driving should the defect condition occur.”

The company said it would reimburse owners for expenses incurred related to the defect.

Hyundai, Kia Recalls Keep Coming

These kinds of recalls are sadly becoming routine for Hyundai and Kia owners in California and across the country.

The companies in August recalled some 92,000 vehicles, for example, citing possible engine fires. The move came just five months after Hyundai and Kia called back some 571,000 vehicles over separate fire risks.

Fortunately, there is some good news for Kia and other car owners who live in California. You have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The law generally requires carmakers like Hyundai and Kia to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

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.