NHTSA reopens probe into Hyundai and Kia over engine fire in their cars
US auto safety regulators have stepped up a series of engine fire investigations that have plagued Hyundai and Kia vehicles for more than six years. The investigation covers more than 3 million vehicles from both car companies.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is once again investigating several Hyundai and Kia vehicles for possible engine fires. According to an Associated Press report released on Monday, the NHTSA has launched a "new engineering investigation" involving more than 3 million vehicles.
What engines and car models are affected?
These engines are Theta II GDI, Theta II MPI, Theta II MPI Hybrid, Nu GDI and Gamma GDI, which are used in various Hyundai and Kia products. These include models, and, as well as Kia Optima,, and. All affected vehicles are from 2011-2016 model years.
An issue that has been affecting since 2015
According to the AP, the NHTSA received 161 engine fire complaints, many of which involved already recalled vehicles. These engine fire issues have been making headlines since 2015, when two automakers were fined for recalls that were too slow.
Since then, engine failure and fire have plagued the Korean automaker's vehicles, however, the company has recalled the engine failure. The company has since recalled at least eight more vehicles due to a string of engine problems, according to NHTSA documents posted on its website on Monday.
The agency says it is starting an engineering review to assess whether enough vehicles have been covered by previous recalls. It will also monitor the effectiveness of previous recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field activities that Hyundai and Kia are undertaking.
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