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Kia Sportage Recall 16V815: Water Can Corrode Brake Module Wiring, Causing Engine Fire Risk

NHTSA campaign 16V815, reported November 10, 2016, 71,704 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

On certain 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles, the cover over the wire harness connector on the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may not be sealed properly. Water can then reach the HECU circuit board. If that water contains salt, such as from melted snow, the connector pins can corrode and the circuit board can short circuit.

A short circuit in the HECU increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Kia will notify owners. Dealers will inspect the connector pins for corrosion. If none is found, the connector cover will be replaced. If corrosion is present, the dealer will replace the HECU assembly and the connector cover. The repair is free of charge. Contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 (recall SC138), and check your vehicle's VIN for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V815Kia Motors America
Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Risk
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
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.
Notes
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.

Affected vehicles

Kia Sportage20082009