October 1, 2025 – Kia is recalling more than 39,500 Sorento SUVs in the United States after regulators identified a defect in the heating and air-conditioning system that could increase the risk of fire.
The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affects 2021-2023 model-year Sorentos.
The Issue
The problem stems from the blower motor resistor and wiring harness inside the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) unit. In some vehicles, wiring of a smaller gauge than specified was installed, creating the possibility of overheating when the fan is set to speed “3” with the ignition on.
Overheating may cause localized melting, a burning odor, or smoke from the vents. In rare cases, it could spark a fire.
The defect was flagged after a 2023 Sorento LX caught fire, prompting an investigation that uncovered 25 cases of damaged wiring, one connector fire, and another fire incident. No injuries or crashes have been reported.
Warning Signs for Owners
Kia and NHTSA advise drivers to watch for:
- A blower fan that suddenly stops working
- A burning or melting smell from the vents
- Visible smoke coming from the HVAC system
Any of these signs should prompt immediate inspection.
The Recall Remedy
Kia dealers will replace both the blower motor resistor and wiring harness free of charge. Interim notification letters are scheduled to be mailed to affected owners beginning November 24, 2025, with follow-up letters once replacement parts are fully available, likely in December.
Owners can confirm if their vehicle is covered by:
- Calling Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 (recall number SC351)
- Contacting the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236
- Searching their VIN on the NHTSA recall database
Broader Context
This recall follows a series of recent safety actions by Kia. In August, the automaker recalled more than 100,000 vehicles for exterior trim pieces that could detach while driving, and earlier this year, 201,000 Telluride SUVs were recalled for similar issues.
While no injuries have been linked to the Sorento defect, Kia and federal regulators stress the importance of responding quickly to recall notices, given the fire risk involved.
