Hundreds of Audi and Kia cars are recalled over fears they could catch FIRE or crash

Two popular car brands are recalling hundreds of vehicles due to major safety defects that they say could increase the risk of a traffic accident, resulting in injury or death.

On Thursday, the federal transportation department issued double recalls for the Audi e-Tron GT and Kia KA4 Carnival 2.2 CRDI Diesel models.

The safety defect for the Audi model concerns the sealing of the high-voltage battery housing that deteriorates over time, caused by a production problem.

The recall notice states that moisture can enter, potentially leading to a short circuit and increasing the risk of fire.

A total of 222 of the e-Tron GT variants produced in the 2022-2023 period are affected.

On the Kia Carnivals produced in South Korea, the safety problem concerns the incorrect production of an engine wiring harness.

“A poor connection may occur at the crankshaft position sensor, which may result in loss of drive and/or engine stalling,” Kia’s recall notice said.

The recall affects a total of 627 Kia Carnival 2.2 CRDI diesel variants produced in 2023.

Another 627 Kia KA4 Carnival 2.2 CRDI Diesel models have been recalled due to concerns over an engine wiring problem that could lead to loss of engine power or engine stalling

Both notices state that the defects may increase the risk of an accident resulting in injury or death to the vehicle occupants or other road users.

Owners of affected vehicles are asked to contact their preferred dealers and have the repairs carried out free of charge.

Last week, the department issued a recall alert for more than 4,300 luxury Teslas.

The recall was due to a software glitch that causes the steering wheel to ‘gouge’ in colder temperatures, but the company said there was no immediate safety concern.

Another 167 Kia Sorentos produced between 2020 and 2022 were recalled last year over fears that part of the seat belt housing could explode and cause serious injury.