Electrical system: wiringRecall 16V-815 · 2008–2009 Kia Sportage
Kia Motors America recall 16V-815 covers 71,704 2008–2009 Kia Sportage for a electrical system: wiring problem, reported to NHTSA on November 10, 2016. The manufacturer's latest report (2018 Q2) shows 51% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 16V815000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles manufactured August 9, 2007, to May 13, 2009. The wire harness cover on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may be improperly sealed allowing water to get onto the HECU circuit board. If the water is contaminated with salt, such as could occur from melted snow, the wire harness connector pins may corrode and the circuit board may short circuit.
The risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion, if no corrosion is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover, free of charge. The recall began on November 28, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC138.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
51%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 6,088 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from August 9, 2007 to May 13, 2009. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.