Texas Kia Car Fire Lawyer

Kia has recalled millions of vehicles due to a risk of engine fines that can engulf the vehicle in flames within minutes, often while they were simply driving down the road.

Need a Texas Kia Car Fire Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was injured or burned in a Kia car fire, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

UPDATE: Kia Recalls 440,000 Vehicles Again for Fire Hazard

On May 10, 2021, Kia announced a second recall for 440,000 vehicles due to a risk of engine fires, including:

Kia Optima sedans (model-years 2013 through 2015)
Kia Sorento SUVs (model-years 2014 and 2015)

Six fires were reported in the recalled Optimas, and there were 2 reports of “isolated melting” in the recalled Sorentos.

The vehicles were previously recalled in 2020 due to the same risk of engine fires. This time, dealers will inspect the computers and install a new fuse that is less likely to catch on fire.

Kia Recalls 295,000 Vehicles for Engine Fire Risk

In December 2020, Kia issued a recall for nearly 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a risk of engine fires while driving, including the following vehicles:

2012-2013 Kia Sorento
2012-2015 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup
2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
2014-2015 Kia Soul
2012 Kia Sportage vehicles.

Kia & Hyundai Fined $210 Million for Delaying Recalls

Kia’s most recent recall comes just days after the Kia and its parent company Hyundai Motor America were fined $210 million by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for taking too long to recall 1.6 million vehicles with “Theta II” engines.

Hyundai & Kia Recall Another 600,000 Cars for Fire Hazard

In September 2020, Hyundai and Kia recalled 600,000 vehicles in North America due to a risk of engine fires caused by brake fluid leaks.

Kia reported 8 engine fires and recalled around 440,000 Kia Optima sedans (2013-2015) and Kia Sorento SUVs (2014-2015).

Hyundai reported 15 engine fires and recalled about 203,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs (2013 2015).

U.S. Officials Investigate 3,100 Engine Fires and 103 Injuries

In April 2019, U.S. government safety officials opened an investigation into Hyundai and Kia after reports of at least 3,100 non-crash engine fires and 103 injuries.

The investigations cover the following vehicles:

Hyundai Sonata (2011-2014)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2011-2014)
Kia Optima (2011-2014)
Kia Sorento (2011-2014)
Kia Soul (2010-2015)

Hyundai & Kia Reach $758 Million Settlement

In October 2019, Hyundai and Kia agreed to a $758 million class action settlement with owners who claim their cars can burst into flames and suffer from premature engine failure.

Safety Group Demands Recall: “Almost One Report Every Single Day”

Investigators are demanding that Kia expand the recall after receiving nearly 1 report of a car fire every day.

Kia Recall

In January 2018, Kia recalled about 618,000 vehicles because a high-pressure fuel line may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly adjusted when the engine was being repaired during a previous recall.

Why Are Kia Cars Catching on Fire?

The problem could allow fuel to leak onto the engine and start a fire. Dealers will inspect the connection between the high-pressure fuel pipe and the fuel pump outlet. If the dealer detects leaking fuel, they will replace the fuel pipe and properly install a new one, at no charge.

What Cars Did Kia Recall?

The recall involves the following Kia vehicles:

All 2011-2014 Kia Optima sedans manufactured from Aug. 12, 2010 through May 15, 2014 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224
All 2012-2014 Kia Sorento SUVs manufactured from April 19, 2011 through Feb. 10, 2014 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224
All 2011-2013 Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured from Dec. 30, 2010 through Aug. 30, 2013 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224.

Owners of affected vehicles may call Kia at 800-333-4542.

Investigation Finds Nearly 300 Reports of Kia Car Fires

The Center for Auto Safety is demanding that Kia expand the recall to include more vehicles. At least 276 drivers in 44 states reported non-collision fires through the first week of January 2018 — often while people are simply driving their cars on the highway.

What is the Problem?

The problem is that some consumers have reported fires in Kia vehicles that weren’t included in the engine repair recalls, according to Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety.

“Kia and Hyundai undertook the smallest step possible to respond to hundreds of complaints over many years regarding their vehicles bursting into flames while people are driving them.”

What Kia Cars are Linked to Fires?

Not all of the following vehicles have been recalled, but they are linked to reports of fires:

2011-2018 Kia Sportage
2011-2015 Kia Optima
2011-2015 Kia Sorento
2010-2015 Kia Soul

Kia Worker Whistleblower on Car Fires: “People’s Lives Are At Risk”

A former safety worker at Kia’s corporate headquarters says he warned the automaker as early as 2017 that the cars could catch on fire due to faulty engine recall repairs. He claims he was pushed out of his job for raising concerns about the car fires.

Need a Kia Car Fire Lawyer in Texas?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.