Kia weighs recall after car burst into flames on H-3

Kia Motors America said it will recall more vehicles if a second investigation finds that an engine defect caused a 2019 Kia Soul to burst into flames on the H-3 freeway, critically injuring two Hawaii tourists.

The Korean automaker told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that it has launched a second, “more comprehensive inspection” following a lawsuit that was filed against the company by 33-year-old Jordan Carlton, whose body was almost entirely burned when his rental car spontaneously caught fire June 30, also severely injuring his mother, who leaped from the moving vehicle to survive.

The Oklahoma native, who is still fighting for his life at Straub Medical Center, and his parents, Robert and Becky, are suing Kia Motors America Inc. as well as car rental company Avis Budget Group Inc. for causing “excruciating pain and suffering” and severe injuries and disability due to an engine defect that is the subject of thousands of fires in Kia and Hyundai vehicles nationwide.

Kia said it “recognizes that the Carltons, as well as the general public, deserve an understanding of the cause of this incident and, in turn, the ongoing safety of our vehicles.”

“We also recognize that the injuries suffered by the Carltons, particularly Jordan Carlton, are serious and significant,” said Kia spokesman James Bell in an email.

“Because all automobiles contain combustible materials and a fire may be the result of any number of complex factors, such as a manufacturing issue, inadequate maintenance, installation of aftermarket parts, an improper repair, arson, or some other non-vehicle source, each incident must be carefully evaluated by qualified and trained investigators and/or technicians,” he said.

The company brought in staff from the U.S. and South Korea, and two independent American fire experts, to inspect the vehicle July 23. But inspectors couldn’t draw a conclusion as to what caused the fire because the car was significantly damaged, he said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration earlier this year opened two investigations into Hyundai and Kia vehicles after getting complaints of more than 3,100 fires and 103 injuries. One death was reported involving a Kia vehicle, according to The Associated Press.

Kia owners are urged to contact consumer affairs at 800-333-4542 for any questions or concerns related to the incident.