US safety agency opens probes into Hyundai and Kia fires

The federal highway safety agency has announced investigations into fires involving Kia and Hyundai vehicles in response to a consumer advocacy group’s petition, according to The Associated Press.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has granted the petition from the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety to investigate a series of noncrash fires associated with vehicles manufactured by the two companies, which would be investigated separately, according to the AP.

{mosads}The Center for Auto Safety’s petition for the probes cited noncrash fires in almost 3 million vehicles, including Hyundai Sonatas and Santa Fes as well as Kia Sorentos, Souls and Optimas. Complaints involve more than 103 injuries and 3,100 fires.

“It is long past time for the full power of the federal government to be brought to bear to answer why so many thousands of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been involved in non-crash fires. While it may be six months post-due, we are gratified to see NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigations open formal investigations based on our petition,” Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Jason Levine said in a statement.

“Hopefully, this step will quickly lead to a recall being issued as soon as possible. The reality is that extended investigations do not protect Kia and Hyundai owners — that requires recalls which result in effective repairs,” he continued.