Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

Kia is recalling as many as 70,887 SUVs equipped with trailer hitches because the wiring harness can cause a fire.

ConsumerConnect learnt the tow hitch harness of the affected vehicles could catch fire when they are parked or being driven.

The latest recall covers certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership.

The automobile manufacturer also said that debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module’s printed circuit board (PCB) might cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in an advisory: “Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.”

The regulatory agency said Kia is currently working on a remedy to the safety issue.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 14, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Kia’s number for this recall is SC249.

Affected vehicle owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.