— A Kia Stinger recall is needed to prevent the cars from catching fire, something that has already occurred with at least one vehicle.
More than 16,000 model year 2018 Kia Stingers have wiring harnesses in the engine and passenger compartments that can make contact with burrs on the fender body panels.
Kia was contacted by a dealership in May 2018 concerning a fire in a 2018 Stinger that damaged a home and other vehicles. The automaker also received a letter from a lawyer for the insurance company regarding a joint fire investigation.
A Kia engineer was sent to the joint inspection but the automaker claims attorneys for the insurance company didn't permit the engineer to inspect the Stinger.
From May to September, attorneys for Kia worked with attorneys for the insurance company to schedule an inspection of the Stinger. The automaker determined the fire likely occurred in the left rear of the engine compartment behind the left strut tower and under the left hood hinge support.
Engineers found the potential cause of the fire as damage to the insulation of the wiring harness that caused an electrical arc.
Kia searched its records and discovered changes were made to the left fender apron body panels for the Stingers on April 5, 2018, causing engineers to conduct even more tests. Although a fire couldn't be replicated, Kia did confirm fires were possible due to electrical shorts caused by damaged wires.
The Kia Stinger recall is expected to begin December 20, 2018, when dealers will inspect the wiring harnesses for damage. Covers will be installed if no damage is found, but the wiring harnesses will be repaired and the covers installed if technicians find damage to the wiring.
Affected 2018 Kia Stinger customers may call 800-333-4542 and use recall number SC170.