Kia Follows Hyundai’s Lead With Engine-related Recall

We suspected Kia would follow the lead of Hyundai, which earlier this week announced a recall on nearly 150,000 vehicles in Canada to update the engine control module.

It’s now official: close to 80,000 Kia vehicles in the country will be recalled as part of a similar “Product Improvement Campaign.”

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The goal is to detect potential problems before an engine fails, according to the recall notice available on Transport Canada’s website.

Affected Kia models include the 2016-2018 Forte and 2014-2015 Rondo equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, as well as the 2010-2011 Forte, 2010-2012 Rondo, 2011 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-litre engine.

Kia will soon notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.

If you happen to own one of the models listed above and experience unusual engine noise, reduced power or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

Parent company Hyundai claims it has not found any specific issues with the engines, but felt it was necessary to “add an extra layer of protection” to the control module. 

Back in December, Kia recalled nearly 40,000 vehicles in Canada because a fire could break out in the engine compartment while driving. It was described as a preventative measure to prevent fire risk due to potential fuel leaks, oil leaks and/or engine damage.