U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) recently sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking information on spontaneous non-collision-related fires affecting Kia and Hyundai vehicles.
More than 120 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, according to a review by the Center for Auto Safety, and there have been six injuries.
The complaints involved the Hyundai Sonata sedan and Santa Fe SUV and the Kia Optima sedan and Sorento SUV, model years 2011 to 2014.
“Spontaneous fires are serious safety hazards and should not be taken lightly,” Nelson said. “We have to find out what is causing these fires and what can be done to prevent them. Owners need to know if their vehicles are safe.”
There also have been 229 complaints of melted wires.
The Center for Auto Safety filed a petition Tuesday for a defect investigation with the NHTSA. The agency is required to respond within 120 days.
Kai said it would work with the NHTSA. The company also said it was aware of the petition and would review it. Kia’s vehicles meet or exceed U.S. safety standards, the company said.
Nelson is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the automotive industry.