Kia Spectra Sportage Rio Fires and Recalls

Issue: Fuel tank explosions

Kia Fire Risk Recall

In August 2004, the Korean car manufacturer recalled about 27,000 Kia Rios due to the risk of fire. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that a fault in the fuel distribution line of the Kia Rio could potentially crack and leak gasoline, resulting in an engine fire. The recall of Rio’s included both the Rio sedan and hatchback models with either manual or automatic transmissions manufactured between May 2000 and March 2004.

In April 2011, Kia SUV recalls were expanded to add more than 58,000 Spectra cars, model years 2004-2007, due to a risk of fire. The Kia Spectra fuel tanks have two metallic straps subject to corrosion and separation, allegedly leading to a fuel leak and fatal fire. The recalls occurred in 20 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

Kia Fires: Alleged Defects with Fuel Tanks and Valves

Other fire-related complaints have also been reported to the NHTSA, including problems with fuel tank assembly and fuel intake valves. There are several official NHTSA recalls of Kia models due to fire risks including recalls of the:

  • 2007 Kia Spectra
  • 2006 Kia Spectra
  • 2005 Kia Spectra
  • 2005 Kia Sportage
  • 2004 Kia Spectra
  • 2004 Kia Rio
  • 2003 Kia Rio
  • 2003 Kia Sorento
  • 2003 Kia Optima
  • 2002 Kia Optima
  • 2002 Kia Rio
  • 2001 Kia Rio

Kia Vehicle Fire Attorneys/Lawyers

Lieff Cabraser represents drivers and passengers of Kia cars and SUVs who were seriously injured in fires that have erupted after their Kia vehicle was damaged in an accident.

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