Kia Recalling 228,000 Sedona and Sorento Vehicles for ABS Problem

• kia issued a recall for more than 228,000 of its vehicles due to moisture entering the anti-lock brake (abs) module, causing an electrical short and a fire.
• the affected vehicles, 2006–2010 sedona minivans and 2007–2009 sorento suvs, are susceptible to engine fires when the car is off as the module remains energized.
• kia recommends that owners park their vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is done.

kia has issued a recall for 228,829 vehicles, including 2006–2010 sedona minivans and 2007–2009 sorento suvs, due to a heightened risk of an engine fire. the issue can occur when moisture enters the anti-lock-brake (abs) system's electronics, leading to an electrical short.

the affected vehicles are at risk of fire even when they are parked and turned off, as the electronics remain energized. how moisture enters the abs system’s module is not yet known, according to a nhtsa report.

kia says that it is aware of two sedona and five sorento fires as a result of the electrical short, but no injuries have occurred. the manufacturer will begin notifying owners starting in april but recommends owners park their vehicles outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the vehicle is repaired.

kia did not state whether the problem can occur when the vehicle is in use. however, a very similar problem occurred in older hyundai elantra models, and when a hyundai spokesperson was asked whether the issue can occur when the vehicle is in use, c/d was told: "when the vehicle is on, short circuits are preceded by other noticeable symptoms such as noise [or] abs warning lights. so with the vehicle on, the driver is present and will detect preceding symptoms if a short circuit were to occur. in this situation, the foundation brakes continue to be operational."

beginning in april, kia dealers will install a relay to prevent power from being sent to the abs module while the car is off. in the meantime, owners of potentially affected vehicles can check the automaker's recall site or the nhtsa recalls site.