The safest, most attentive driver can find themselves in grave peril, particularly when they are driving a defective vehicle. These issues can take many forms and are often unknown until a dangerous incident occurs through no fault of their own.
Economy auto brand Kia has been in the recall spotlight several times over the past few years. The latest involves nearly 300,000 Optima sedans from 2013 to 2015 model years combined with 156,000 Sorento SUVs with model years from 2014 and 2015.
Why a second recall?
Apparently, vehicle components are catching fire. The notifications go so far as to encourage owners of those vehicles to leave them out of the garage and far from other structures. Leaking brake fluid could short circuit the car, resulting in an engine fire. Perhaps most daunting for owners is the possibility of a fire while driving.
This recent history of Hyundai and Kia reveals dangerous defects that put not only drivers at risk but anyone traveling in the vicinity of a car that could spark a fire in one split second. Not to mention the countless issues with fuel and oil leaks. While injuries and death have not been factors, it is only a matter of time before severe or life-ending injuries occur.
More than 3,000 fires have been reported since the first recall. Anecdotally, a Kia dealer revealed that following the completion of the original recall, a vehicle’s engine components melted. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating both car manufacturers, and a class action lawsuit has been filed.