Detroit Kia will call the workshop more than 193,000 cars and minivans due to a fault that could cause the engine to catch fire.
The largest of two recalls announced today by the US government covers almost 142,000 medium-sized Optima 2013 and 2014 model vehicles. They have turbo engines with direct injection of 2 or 2.4 liters.
Kia reported that a fuel line may deteriorate and break under the effects of heat, causing a fire. The company is working on ways to repair the fault. That retreat will begin on April 16.
The second recall covers some 51,000 Sedona minivans, 2011 and 2012 models. The fuel injector pipe in the engine can crack under the effects of heat, and emanate gasoline. Dealers will replace the injector tube from April 16.
No injuries have been reported to people following any of the two failures. But Kia has received eight complaints of fuel leaks at Optimas and 24 similar ones at Sedonas.
The recalls are the latest in a series of problems that can cause fires in engines of vehicles manufactured by Kia or its South Korean subsidiary Hyundai. In the past, such failures have prompted investigations by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In recent days, Kia withdrew almost 229,000 SUVs from the Sedona and Sorento brand due to the risk of moisture entering the computers that regulate the brakes, which can cause short circuits and fires. Hyundai removed almost 430,000 Elantra vehicles from the market due to the same problem.
Last April, the NHTSA opened two investigations after receiving reports of more than 3,100 fires and 103 lacerations caused by Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Investigations were initiated at the request of Center for Auto Safety, a consumer defense association.
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