In Australia, a car manufacturing company is recalling tens of thousands of their popular vehicles due to concerns that a software glitch could cause the vehicles to overheat, which could then result in a vehicle fire.

There are currently over 31,000 of these SUVs that are being recalled, and owners are encouraged to have their unit software urgently updated.


Kia, one of the most well-known automobile manufacturing companies in the country, is in the process of conducting a safety recall for two of its most popular models, namely the Sportage, a mid-size SUV, and the Sorento, a seven-seat SUV.

Recalled vehicles include models of the Sportage manufactured between 2015 and 2021, as well as models of the Sorento manufactured between 2014 and 2020.


The car company's recall statement listed on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website says: "Due to a software issue, the Heater Core Element may operate at a higher than intended temperature, causing damage to the connector."

"If this occurs, it may result in a vehicle fire."

In addition, the recall stated that affected owners should get in touch with the local Kia dealership in their area to schedule an appointment to have the software for the HVAC control unit updated.

"The Heater Core Element and connector should also be inspected and replaced if damaged," the statement said.

Affected owners and operators can contact Kia Customer Service at 131 542 or through their email at [email protected].

The website of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications contains additional information on the safety recall that can be accessed through this link.


A burning car is a very dangerous situation and can cause injury not only to the driver but to the passengers as well.

Accidental car fires can happen for a number of reasons, and sometimes they can be fatal because a car's fuel tank is filled with petrol or diesel, which are highly flammable liquids.

So, what should you do if your car starts burning? If you are involved in such an incident, the following are some steps you should take:

Stop and switch off the ignition: If you see a fire in your car while you're driving, you should pull over to the side of the road and turn off the ignition.

Get out of the car: The next thing you should do is get out of the car as soon as you can. You should also help the other people in the car get out of the car safely. Before turning off the ignition, you can also unlock all the doors and windows.

Move away from the burning car: As soon as you get out of the burning car, move away from it. There are liquids in a car that can catch fire, which could cause it to explode. So, keep a safe distance from the car that is on fire. Also, if you can, warn the cars coming the other way about the danger.

Use fire extinguisher: If you have a fire extinguisher, try to put out the fire before it gets out of hand. Keep in mind that you should only follow this point if it is safe to do so. Always keep a fire extinguisher in your car, because fires can happen at any time.


Do not open the bonnet/boot: If a car is on fire, don't try to put it out by opening the bonnet or trunk. Fire in the engine bay or under the car is very dangerous, and if you try to open the trunk or hood, the flames may flare up and burn your hands.

Contact the fire department and traffic police: If the fire is getting out of control, you should call the fire department right away and also tell the police. The traffic police will help get the word out to cars coming the other way about what happened.

Contact the authorised car service centre: Contact the authorised service centre for your car and let them know what's going on. Tell them how bad the damage is from the fire, and you can also ask for a tow truck to take the car to the nearest service centre.

Be aware of the oncoming traffic: Don't stand in the middle of the road. Always stand behind the car that's on fire to keep from getting hit by cars coming the other way.

Inform your car insurance provider: As soon as the fire is out, tell your car insurance company what happened. Wait until a manager from the insurance company gets there to see how bad the damage is.

Source: ACKO.

Stay safe and always be cautious, members!