Kia recalls 30,000+ Carnivals and Sorentos

KIA Motors Australia (KMAu) has recalled more than 30,000 examples of its Carnival people mover and Sorento seven-seat SUV to rectify several potential fire risks.

The first and more widespread of these recalls relates to an electrical fault in 14,803 VQ series Carnivals (MY06-MY10) and 3288 BL Sorentos (MY06-MY09), with the defect lying in the vehicles’ Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit – the module responsible for the anti-lock braking, electronic stability control and traction control systems.

According to the official recall notice, the unit can remain live after the vehicle has been turned off, potentially creating an electrical short if moisture gets in, increasing the chance of a vehicle fire sparking in the engine bay.

KMAu says it is currently contacting affected owners and encouraging them to contact their preferred dealership to make an appointment to have their vehicles inspected and repaired, though parts will not be available until July.

“Until repairs have been made, consumers should park their vehicles outside away from structures and other vehicles,” the recall notice reads.

The other ongoing recall issued by KMAu relates solely to the petrol-powered VQ model Carnival (MY11-MY14) and the possible heat-induced cracking of its fuel rail, with more than 12,000 vehicles affected.

According to KMAu, if the fuel rail does crack then it has the potential to leak fuel both onto the hot engine components and road surface, increasing the risks of a possible fire both in the engine bay and on the road.

As is the case for the aforementioned Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, the relevant replacement parts are not expected to be available until July this year with KMAu currently contacting affected owners, something they will do again when the parts become available.