Kia® Car Fire Lawsuit | Kia Car Fire Lawyer, Attorney

Kia recalled millions of vehicles after owners reported sudden car fires that destroyed their cars within minutes. Over 3,000 non-crash engine fires and 103 injuries were reported in the U.S. by April 2019.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Kia car fire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured or burned when your Kia vehicle caught on fire, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Automotive & Crashworthiness Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Kia Issues 2nd Recall for 440,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Hazard

On May 10, 2021, Kia issued a second recall for over 440,000 vehicles that can catch on fire, even when parked. The recall involves:

Kia Optima sedans (model-years 2013 through 2015)
Kia Sorento SUVs (model-years 2014 and 2015)

Kia reported 6 complaints of engine fires in the recalled Optimas, plus 2 reports of “isolated melting” in the recalled Sorentos, but no crashes or injuries.

Kia previously recalled these same vehicles in 2020 due to the same problem. This time, dealers will inspect the computers and replace them if necessary, and install a new fuse that poses less of a fire hazard.

Kia Recalls 380,000 Sportage SUVs and Cadenza Sedans for Fire Hazard

In March 2021, Kia recalled nearly 380,000 Sportage SUVs and Cadenza sedans due to a fire hazard, and asked owners to park outside until they are repaired. The recall involves certain 2017-2021 model-year Kia Sportage SUVs, and certain 2017-2019 model-year Kia Cadenza sedans that do not have Smart Cruise Control.

Kia Driver Reports Terrifying Fire on Highway

In February 2021, the driver of a 2016 Kia Forte was forced to jump out of the vehicle when his engine caught on fire while driving at 40-mph on a rural highway. The brakes also stopped working, and fearing for his life, he opened the door and and jumped out of the vehicle.

Kia Recalls 295,000 Vehicles for Engine Fire Risk

In December 2020, Kia recalled about 295,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to a risk of engine fires while driving. The recalled vehicles include certain:

2012-2013 Kia Sorento
2012-2015 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup
2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
2014-2015 Kia Soul
2012 Kia Sportage vehicles.

The recalls comes about 1 week after the Kia and Hyundai Motor America were fined $210 million by the US government for delaying a recall of 1.6 million vehicles with Theta II engines.

Hyundai & Kia Recall Another 600,000 Cars for Fire Hazard

In September 2020, Hyundai and Kia recalled more than 600,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because brake fluid leaks could spark engine fires.

Kia recalled around 440,000 Kia Optima sedans (2013-2015) and Kia Sorento SUVs (2014-2015). Kia reported 8 engine fires. Hyundai recalled about 203,000 Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs (2013 2015). Hyundai reported 15 engine fires.

Safety Officials Investigate 3,100 Fires and 103 Injuries

In April 2019, federal safety officials began investigating Hyundai and Kia after receiving reports of at least 3,100 non-crash engine fires and 103 injuries. The investigations cover around 3 million vehicles, including:

Hyundai Sonata (2011-2014)
Hyundai Santa Fe (2011-2014)
Kia Optima (2011-2014)
Kia Sorento (2011-2014)
Kia Soul (2010-2015)

Hyundai & Kia Reach $758 Million Settlement

In October 2019, Hyundai and Kia agreed to pay $758 million to end several class action lawsuits from car owners who say their vehicles can suddenly burst into flames.

Safety Group Demands Recall: “Almost One Report Every Single Day”

Investigators with the Center for Auto Safety are demanding a recall of more than 3 million vehicles, citing hundreds of reports of Kia cars catching on fire while they are simply being driven down the road.

Kia Car Fire Recall

In January 2018, Kia announced a limited recall for cars and SUVs that were previously recalled for an engine repair. Kia says the cars may be at risk of catching on fire if the high-pressure fuel line to be damaged, misaligned, or improperly adjusted during the earlier repair.

Why Are Kia Cars Catching on Fire?

Damage to the high-pressure fuel line could allow fuel to leak onto the engine and catch on fire. Kia is asking consumers to bring their cars into dealerships to have the high-pressure fuel line inspected. If they see evidence of leaking fuel, the fuel pipe will be replaced for free.

What Cars Did Kia Recall?

Kia recalled the following vehicles in January 2018:

All 2011-2014 Kia Optima sedans manufactured from Aug. 12, 2010 through May 15, 2014 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224
All 2012-2014 Kia Sorento SUVs manufactured from April 19, 2011 through Feb. 10, 2014 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224
All 2011-2013 Kia Sportage SUVs manufactured from Dec. 30, 2010 through Aug. 30, 2013 that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17V224.

For more information, owners of the recalled vehicles may call Kia at 800-333-4542.

Safety Investigation Finds Nearly 300 Car Fire Reports

An investigation by the Center for Auto Safety found at least 276 drivers in 44 states reported non-collision fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles through the first week of January 2018, which is significantly higher than the rate of fires in similar cars.

What is the Problem?

The fires are occurring while the vehicles are being driven or parked — not as a result of a car accident. Furthermore, Kia recalled some of the vehicles, but many vehicles that were not included in the recall have also been linked to fires.

Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, warned:

“Kia and Hyundai undertook the smallest step possible to respond to hundreds of complaints over many years regarding their vehicles bursting into flames while people are driving them.”

What Kia Cars are Linked to Fires?

The following Kia vehicles are linked to reports of fires:

2011-2018 Kia Sportage
2011-2015 Kia Optima
2011-2015 Kia Sorento
2010-2015 Kia Soul

Kia Worker Whistleblower on Car Fires: “People’s Lives Are At Risk”

A former worker at Kia’s corporate headquarters says he warned Kia about car fire hazards as early as 2007 because he believed the engine repairs were not being performed correctly. After he raised concerns, he says Kia pushed him out of his job.

Do I have a Kia Car Fire Lawsuit?

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Kia Car Fire Lawsuit