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Kia Cadenza, Sportage Brake Module Fire Risk

NHTSA campaign 21V137000 · Reported Mar 4, 2021 · Kia Motors America

critical How serious is it? About this label

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Owners are told to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the repair is complete.

⚠ Park outside, away from buildings — fire risk. See all such recalls.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	21V137000
Reported to NHTSA	Mar 4, 2021
Manufacturer	Kia Motors America
Part affected	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
Vehicles covered	6 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2021
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	Yes — fire risk
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Some Kia Cadenza and Sportage vehicles have an electrical circuit in the brake control unit that may short-circuit. This short can cause a fire in the engine compartment.

What you should do

1. Park outside and away from structures until the repair is done.
2. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3. Contact a dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542; the repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 21V137000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (6)

2018 Kia Cadenza
2018 Kia Sportage
2019 Kia Cadenza
2019 Kia Sportage
2020 Kia Sportage
2021 Kia Sportage

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Kia Hydraulic Brake Recalls Involve Fire and Reduced Braking · all 4 Kia recalls in this area

Other Kia Sportage recalls

Dec 17, 2025Kia Sportage Instrument Panel Screen May Failhigh
Jun 7, 2024Sportage Power Steering May Short Circuithigh
Jan 18, 2024Kia Carnival and Sportage: Roof Molding May Detachmedium
Jul 31, 2023Kia Seltos, Soul, Sportage: Oil Pump Fire Riskcritical
Jun 7, 2023Sportage Brake Booster Leak May Cut Power Assisthigh
Apr 26, 2023Kia SUVs and cars: dashboard display may go blankmedium

All 11 Sportage recalls

Official notice

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Safety risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.