Kia Australia is recalling 31,074 vehicles across its Sorento and Sportage lines as a software issue could lead to a vehicle fire.

“Due to a software issue, the Heater Core Element may operate at a higher than intended temperature causing damage to connector,” the company says in its recall notice.

“If this occurs it may result in a vehicle fire.

“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.”

The recall affects the preceding generations of its Sorento and Sportage crossovers: the 2015-20 UM Sorento and the 2016-21 QL Sportage.

  • A total of 31,074 vehicles are affected
  • The VIN list is attached here
  • The original recall notice is attached here

If you own an affected vehicle, you can contact a Kia dealership to schedule an appointment to have this fixed.

A technician will update the HVAC control unit software and inspect the heater core element and connector, replacing them if they’re damaged.

If you have any further questions, you can contact Kia on 131 542.

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William Stopford

William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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