Recall 22V800 affects 71,704 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles for HECU fire risk. Park outside until repaired. Repair is free at a franchised Kia dealer.
A fire increases the risk of injury. Until the recall repair is complete, park outside and away from structures and other vehicles. Treat an ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to stop using the vehicle and call a Kia dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 71,704 2008-2009 Sportage vehicles because an engine compartment fire can start around the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit while parked or driving. A fire increases the risk of injury, so 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 the 2008-2009 Kia Sportage is part of the anti-lock braking system. It helps control brake pressure during hard stops or slippery-road braking so the wheels do not lock. The unit sits in the engine compartment and contains electrical circuits that must stay protected while the vehicle is parked or being driven.
On affected Sportage vehicles, an internal electrical short circuit can form inside the HECU. Kia says the exact cause remains unknown, but foreign substances left on the printed circuit board are suspected. That short can create enough heat around the HECU for an engine compartment fire to start, even when the vehicle is parked.
Owners can see an ABS warning light before the problem reaches that point. A burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment, is also a warning sign.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same hydraulic brake system component named in the recall.
| 2008 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Kia Sportage | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 71,704 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fire increases the risk of injury. Until the recall repair is complete, park outside and away from structures and other vehicles. Treat an ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to 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 2008-2009 Kia Sportage is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free HECU inspection and needed wiring-harness and fuse repair that addresses the engine-compartment fire risk.
- Park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V800 and Kia recall SC253 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the HECU, its wiring harness, and its fuses, then replaces any of those parts that need replacement. Parts and labor are covered under recall 22V800. Until the repair is complete, park outside and away from structures and other vehicles. Kia's general reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already paid before the recall work. Bring documentation for those expenses to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service if the dealer needs claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 24, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 22, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 22, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V800?
Recall 22V800 covers 71,704 2008-2009 Kia Sportage vehicles with a fire risk near the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. Kia says an engine compartment fire can start while the vehicle is parked or driving, increasing injury risk.
What should I do if my 2008-2009 Kia Sportage is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Sportage is included in recall 22V800. If it is, park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the repair is complete. Then contact a franchised Kia dealer and reference recall SC253.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost. Kia dealers will inspect and replace the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, its wiring harness, and its fuses as necessary, free of charge.
Is it safe to park my Kia Sportage in a garage before the repair?
No. Kia advises owners to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the recall repair has been performed. The fire risk involves the engine compartment area near the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit.
What if I bought my Kia Sportage used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Sportage is included, then call a franchised Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with recall SC253.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V800000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V800 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V800000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →