Recall 21V137 covers 379,931 2017-2021 Kia Sportage and Cadenza vehicles for HECU fire risk. Park outside until a franchised Kia dealer completes the free repair.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. If warning lights, a burning or melting odor, or smoke from the engine compartment appear, stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 379,931 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles under recall 21V137 because the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit electrical circuit can short and start an engine compartment fire. Owners should park outside and away from structures until a Kia dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, or HECU, on these 2017-2021 Kia Sportage and Cadenza vehicles is part of the anti-lock brake and traction control system. It uses electronics and hydraulic valves to manage brake pressure when a wheel starts to slip, helping the vehicle keep braking control on slick or uneven pavement.
On included vehicles, an electrical circuit inside the HECU can short-circuit. Kia reported that the exact cause of the short circuit is unknown. When that circuit overheats, it can start a fire in the engine compartment, even though the problem begins inside a brake control module.
Owners can see warning lights on the instrument panel, including the tire pressure warning light, ABS warning light, or MIL warning light. A burning or melting odor, or smoke from the engine compartment, is also a warning sign that needs immediate attention.
Who's affected?
Covers Sportage and Cadenza vehicles across 5 model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2017 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Cadenza | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Kia Cadenza | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
| 2019 Kia Cadenza | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 379,931 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. If warning lights, a burning or melting odor, or smoke from the engine compartment appear, stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2021 Kia Sportage or Cadenza is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free electrical-junction-box fuse replacement that reduces HECU short-circuit fire risk.
- Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
- Ask the dealer about the HECU software update if your vehicle has an electronic parking brake.
- Bring any owner letter you received, and reference recall number 21V137 and Kia recall SC206 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake also receive a HECU software update. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Because Kia includes park outside guidance, keep parking outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. If you already paid for a related repair, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Bring proof of payment to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 4, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 15, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 30, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V137?
Recall 21V137 covers 379,931 2017-2021 Kia Sportage and Cadenza vehicles with a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit electrical circuit that can short-circuit and start an engine compartment fire. Kia dealers replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box for free, and EPB-equipped vehicles also receive a HECU software update.
What should I do if my 2017-2021 Kia Sportage or Cadenza is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V137. If it is, park outside and away from structures until the repair is complete, then contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the fuse replacement and software update if your vehicle has an electronic parking brake.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia's remedy says repairs will be performed free of charge. A franchised Kia dealer will replace the covered fuses and, for EPB-equipped vehicles, update the HECU software.
Is it safe to drive a Kia Sportage or Cadenza with recall 21V137?
The official risk is an engine compartment fire, which increases the risk of injury. Kia does not label this as a do-not-drive recall, but owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete.
What if I bought my Kia Sportage or Cadenza used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2017-2021 Kia Sportage or Cadenza still qualifies if its VIN is included. Reference recall 21V137 or Kia recall SC206 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V137000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V137 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V137000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →