2010-2019 Kia Multi-Model Recall 23V652: HECU Fire

Recall 23V652 covers 1,730,192 2010-2019 Kia vehicles for an HECU short and fire risk. Park outside, away from structures. Free repair.

What's wrong?

The HECU, or Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, is part of the antilock braking and stability-control system on these 2010-2019 Kia vehicles. It helps manage brake pressure during ABS or stability-control events, so the wheels keep traction when the system has to correct a skid or a hard stop.

In the recalled vehicles, the HECU can develop an electrical short inside the engine compartment. Kia believes the short sends excessive current through the unit, although the exact cause of the short remains unknown. That heat and current can damage the module and create an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or being driven.

Owners can see a malfunction indicator lamp or ABS warning light before the problem is found. A burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment, is also a warning sign that the area needs immediate attention.

Who's affected?

Spans Kia passenger cars, SUVs, and crossovers in the 2010-2019 scope, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Warning signs include the MIL, ABS warning light, a burning or melting smell, or smoke from the engine compartment. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.

What should I do?

1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2019 Kia Sorento, Rio, Optima Hybrid, Soul, Sportage, Optima, Cadenza, K900, Rondo, Forte Koup, Borrego, or Forte is included in this recall.
2. Park outside and away from structures until the HECU fuse replacement is complete.
3. Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free HECU fuse replacement that addresses the electrical short and engine compartment fire risk.
4. Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V652 and Kia recall SC284 when you call.
5. Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.

What happens at the repair

Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the HECU fuse that protects the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit circuit. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Kia. If you already paid for a related repair before this recall, Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers eligible repair expenses already incurred. Bring repair documentation and receipts to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC284.

Timeline

Frequently asked questions

More information

Source documents

• Download Quarterly Report (PDF) · RCLQRT
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCRN
• Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) · RCRIT
• Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) · RCONL
• Download Misc. Document (PDF) · RMISC
• Download Owner Notice (PDF) · RCMN
• Download Recall Report (PDF) · RCLRPT
• Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) · RIONL
• Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) · RCAK

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 →