May 16, 2025Electrical systemEngineFire
In 2022, my 2013 Kia Sportage (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a spontaneous engine compartment fire while parked. I was unaware of any existing recalls at the time. The vehicle was stationary and turned off when the incident occurred. I extinguished the fire myself. There was no crash involved, but the damage rendered the vehicle inoperable. I later discovered that this exact vehicle is subject to Recall 23V652000, related to an electrical short in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) that can result in an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or driving. As of now, the recall remains open and unrepaired under this VIN. I was never notified of this critical safety recall before the incident. Kia’s authorized dealer in Puerto Rico (MOTORAMBAR) confirmed the recall but declined responsibility for the damage already caused, offering only the standard fuse replacement. I have submitted a written complaint to Kia and am now documenting this safety failure with NHTSA. This fire was not caused by misuse or wear-and-tear — it occurred under normal conditions and clearly matches the exact language of the recall defect. I believe this represents a serious failure of notification and manufacturer accountability. I am seeking resolution and accountability through both Kia and the NHTSA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11661375
Apr 13, 2021Electrical systemEngineFuel systemFire
MY 2013 KIA SPORTAGE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE THE GAS PEDAL DIDNT WORK I PULLED OVER AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE
NHTSA ODI 11407958
Oct 25, 2019Electrical systemEngineFire
ON JUNE 26, CAR PARKED IN SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE (UNDER HOOD) WHILE I WAS AT WORK.
NHTSA ODI 11271022
Nov 16, 2018Electrical systemEngineFire
WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH MY KIA SPORTAGE WENT DEAD. I PULLED OVER ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TRIED TO START IT AGAIN BUT IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER THAT, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE KIA WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND CHECKED BY MECHANICS, WHO SAID THAT THE ROD BEARING WENT BAD AND IT SEIZED THE ENGINE. THE STARTER WAS ALSO FRIED IN THE PROCESS. KIA AGREED TO REPLACE THE PARTS BUT WOULD NOT AGREE TO PAY THE APPROXIMATELY $2500 LABOR COST. THE VEHICLE STILL SITS AT THE DEALERSHIP AWAITING REPAIR. IT'S BEEN OVER 2 MONTHS NOW. I PLAN TO PURSUE HAVING KIA PAY FOR THE LABOR AS WELL. I NOW OWE $7000 ON A CAR THAT WILL NOT RUN.
NHTSA ODI 11152115
Apr 18, 2016Electrical systemSeatsFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES ERUPTED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND EXITED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED, BUT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
NHTSA ODI 10860134