Fire Risk Prompts Recall Of Nearly 40,000 Vehicles

Kia has recalled nearly 40,000 vehicles after discovering a faulty HVAC system that could increase the risk of fire.

“Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire,” a recall notice stated.

Recall Alert
2021-2023 Kia Sorento vehicles.
Recalled for fire from HVAC wiring harness.https://t.co/IaWCQD1HLC

— NHTSA Recalls & Ratings (@NHTSArecalls) September 30, 2025

USA TODAY has more:

The recall applies to approximately 39,536 Kia Sorento cars in the model years 2021-2023. Owners will be notified via letters that are expected to be mailed on Nov. 24.

Owners with impacted vehicles should bring their car to a Kia dealer, who will replace both the blower motor resistor circuit harness and the blower motor resistor.

The replacement will be made free of charge.

Kia estimates that approximately 1% of the recalled vehicles, roughly 395 cars, have the defect.

Kia recalls more than 39K vehicles over faulty HVAC system that can cause fires https://t.co/TsdaEEXbcq pic.twitter.com/gzY3izt9jz

— New York Post (@nypost) September 30, 2025

The New York Post provided further info:

Kia blamed a quality control issue at its parts supplier, which is based in Mexico, for some of the unusually thin wiring gauges – which could cause the HVAC system to overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Drivers may notice some warning signs, including an inoperable blower motor in the HVAC system, a burning or melting smell or smoke pouring through the vents, the automaker said.

The recall includes all 2021-2023 Kia Sorento LX vehicles manufactured from Sept. 10, 2020, through Dec. 29, 2023, at Kia’s factory in Georgia.

Kia’s 2024 Sorento vehicles are equipped with a different HVAC system, so they are not subject to the recall.

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Read the full recall notice HERE.