Recently, we covered a recall initiative aimed at mitigating a potential fire hazard in certain models of the 2019-2020 Kia K900 and 2018-2022 Kia Stinger equipped with the 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine. Now, it appears that Genesis sedans equipped with the same engine are experiencing a similar issue.
The Korean automaker is initiating a recall affecting 14,186 G70s spanning model years 2019 through 2022, 7,372 G80s from 2018 to 2020, and 6,881 G90s from 2017 to 2022. This totals to 28,439 vehicles that will require attention in the United States.
Similar to the previous recall, the problem stems from the left-hand turbocharger oil supply pipe's proximity to the exhaust manifold. This positioning can cause degradation of the material, leading to the formation of cracks. In the event of oil leakage onto the hot manifold, there is a risk of a fire outbreak.
While the nature of the issue mirrors that of Kia's, Genesis's recall documentation provides additional insights. According to the filings, this issue is particularly concerning during colder months when the oil supply pipe experiences more pronounced temperature fluctuations, exacerbating the "cooling or hardening" of the pipe material.
Genesis has received a total of 81 reports from customers encountering problems related to this issue. Thankfully, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or major fires resulting from it. However, Kia has acknowledged a fire incident involving a 2018 Stinger's engine bay. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that instance. It's worth noting that the actual number of incidents may be higher, as the automaker is aware of similar issues in other markets, such as South Korea.
In response to this issue and to prevent future occurrences, Genesis has initiated a recall. As part of the recall process, dealer technicians will replace the existing oil supply pipe with a new one constructed from stainless steel, which offers better resistance to the elevated temperatures present in the engine bay.