Kia announced recalls for almost 70,000 Sorento and Sportage SUV model vehicles from 2016 to 2023 after they were found to pose a fire risk due to a faulty tow hitch.
According to a release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, owners of vehicles that qualify for the recall should park outside due to the fire risk.
The models affected by the recall are 2016-2022 Sorentos, 2021-2023 Sorento Hybrids, 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, and 2017-2022 Kia Sportages, according to the agency.
The recall is estimated to affect 1% of cars, according to Kia, but the NHTSA shared that those affected are at risk. Models qualifying for the recall come with a tow hitch harness that was built-in or was purchased as an add-on accessory.
There have been three Sorento models confirmed to have started on fire, as well as 30 "localized melting incidents," according to the NHTSA.
However, there have been no crashes, injuries, or fatalities due to the recall, according to the agency.
The release said that fires start because debris and moisture accumulate in the two hitch harness' circuit boards, creating a short circuit.
Dealers are no longer selling the tow hitch harness as they were instructed to stop. Kia said it is working on a remedy for the issue, adding it would notify owners between Nov. 14-18.
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