2017 Kia Sportage – Highway Fire (California)
Summary: A 2017 Kia Sportage erupted in flames on a California freeway while the owner was driving. The family managed to escape just before the vehicle was engulfed.
Source: FOX LA report on widespread Sportage fire recalls and risk.
[Link to report] (use this URL for citation)
Wider Trend – Investigative Context
Summary: More than 3.4 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including Sportages, Optimas, Sorentos, and Souls, were recalled due to fire risk from brake fluid-induced electrical shorts in ABS modules—many remain unrepaired.
Source: AP News overview of Hyundai-Kia massive recall and fire risk.
[Read article] apnews.com
New York – “Driver says 2022 Kia spontaneously caught fire”
Summary: A 2022 Kia model began burning while driving on a New York road, forcing an urgent escape from the vehicle.
Source: WSOC-TV coverage of the incident described.
YouTube
2013 Kia Optima – Fire While Stationary (Florida)
Summary: A 2013 Kia Optima caught fire while parked in the owner’s driveway in Florida, quickly spreading and causing total vehicle and property damage.
Source: Blog on faulty fuel hose recall for 2013-2014 Optima vehicles.
[Link to report] (use this URL for citation) Bisnar Chase Attorneys
Statistical Context – Elevated Fire Risk
Summary: Insurance data shows that certain Kia models—including 2011–15 Optima and Sorento—have significantly higher rates of non-crash fires compared to similar vehicles, per study by HLDI.
Source: HLDI Bulletin on elevated claim frequencies.
[Study PDF] iihs.org
North Carolina – Repair-Triggered Fire (Greensboro)
Summary: A Greensboro-owner's Kia caught fire just hours after an engine repair at a dealership—warning of dangerous post-maintenance risk.
Source: Local YouTube news segment from Greensboro.
YouTube
Daniel McAdams – 2011 Kia Sportage (Pennsylvania)
On May 11, 2025, Daniel’s Kia Sportage caught fire while driving in Derry, PA. Smoke filled the cabin, causing throat and eye irritation. The vehicle was declared a total loss. Kia inspected the car but refused to release the full report, later admitting in writing that the fire originated in the engine compartment due to oil leaks contacting hot exhaust surfaces. Despite this, Kia denied restitution.
Arizona – Kia Cadenza Parked Fire (2023-09-27 NHTSA Recall Context)
Summary: A 2012–2016 Kia Cadenza parked at a home ignited spontaneously. While no injuries occurred, it highlights fire risk even while stationary.
Context: Centers around NHTSA recall (23V-652000) advising owners to park recalled vehicles outside due to fire hazards.
NHTSA
Germany – Fatal Sports Accident Fire (June 28, 2025)
Summary: On Germany's A31 near Meppen, a Kia Sportage crash led to the vehicle bursting into flames—tragically killing the driver at the scene.
Source: German news report (Bild).
bild.de
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2014 Kia Soul – Family Tragedy (Ohio)
Summary: A 2014 Kia Soul ignited outside a residential complex in Ohio. The owner’s son tragically did not survive the blaze, while the mother was forced to watch from a distance.
Source: Local news coverage of mother who watched her son burn to death.
[Watch video] (use this URL for citation) Tampa Bay 28 (WFTS)
[Alternative coverage] https://www.wvlt.tv
Texas – 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid Fire (Florida Highway Video)
Summary: A 2017–2020 Kia Niro Hybrid burst into flames while crossing a Florida causeway, nearly engulfing the cabin and endangering others.
Source: YouTube news clip from FL about spontaneous Niro fire.
YouTube