Kia Issues Unusual Warning to Its Drivers

Kia is telling owners of nearly 380,000 vehicles in the US to park them outdoors instead of in garages because of the risk of an engine compartment fire. The Korean automaker is recalling certain 2017 through 2021 Sportage SUVs and 2017 through 2019 Cadenza sedans to fix the problem, per the AP. The company says a short circuit in the electronic brake control unit can cause excessive current, increasing the risk of a fire. Owners should also park them away from structures until repairs are made.

The company says the recalled vehicles are not equipped with Kia's Smart Cruise Control system. Owners could see tire pressure, anti-lock brake, or other warning lights on their dashboard before the problem happens. They also might smell a burning or melting odor. Owners will be notified, and dealers will replace fuses in the electrical junction box to fix the problem.

(More Kia stories.)