Tag Archives: posssible engine fire

Kia Stinger Engine Compartment Fire

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Some 2019 Kia Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines and manufactured between June 21, 2018 to July 9, 2019 could experience an engine compartment fire. There have been six (6) fire related customer complaints and no known crashes or injuries related to this problem.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience an engine compartment fire in the area of the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Kia is still investigating possible causes and are asking drivers to watch for signals that a fire could occur. This includes the illumination of warning lights on the instrument panel, including tire pressure, ABS and MIL lights. Other signs include a burning or melting odor and smoke from the engine compartment. Owners should park their vehicles outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall is repaired.

The fix for this defect is still under development and is expected to begin October. Kia’s recall number is SC196 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-518.

Toyota-Lexus Engine Noises And Smoke

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles because of a problem affecting engine and engine cooling. The subject vehicles are equipped with 2.5L 4 cylinder engines that may have been produced with engine blocks with high porosity levels.

According to the defect report, these porous engine blocks could crack and leak internally and/or externally causing the engine to overheat and possible internal mechanical damage. There is also an increased risk of an engine fire if oil leaks should come in contact with an ignition source.

Drivers may be alerted of a problem through engine noises, smoke, illuminated engine warning lights and an audible warning chime.

Vehicles Affected
2020 Lexus ES300H
2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2020 Toyota Camry
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4
2019-2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Dealers will inspect the engine and engine block, replacing them as necessary. Toyota’s number for this recall is 20TA04. Lexus’ number for this recall is 20LA02. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V-064.

Ram 2500 & 3500 Transmission Fluid Leak From Dipstick

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 2019-2020 Ram 3500 pickups equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions, because of a problem affecting the transmissions in their trucks.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience a build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission strong enough to expel fluid from the dip stick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with the turbocharger or other ignition sources within the engine compartment, it could lead to a fire. Vehicle occupants may notice odd smalls, noises or transmission surging prior to a vehicle fire.

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogramming the powertrain control module. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-043.

Audi R8 Spyder & R8 Coupe Transmission Fluid Vent Hose Leak

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If you are the owner of a 2017-2018 Audi R8 Spyder or R8 Coupe, you may be receiving a manufacturer defect notice for the power train of your vehicle. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during extreme maneuvers the transmission fluid could expand and foam up beyond the expansion volume in the gearbox, causing the transmission fluid to leak out of the gearbox ventilation hose. The fluid could contact hot engine parts, causing smoke and a possible fire.

Dealers will correct the problem by adding a double ventilation hose that has a higher oil expansion volume. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 34J1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-639.

Audi A8 & S8 Fuel Smell

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2015 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles because of a problem affecting the fuel system.

According to the NHTSA defect report, the high pressure fuel pump supply line could become porous and deteriorate from the inside. The resulting fuel leak may lead to a fuel smell withing the vehicle cabin and a potential fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Audi will be asking owners to return to their dealers to have the fuel line replaced. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 20AV and the NHTSA campaign number is 18V-430.

2017 Kia Sorento Engine Crankshaft Failure

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Kia will be asking the owners of certain 2017 Kia Sorento vehicles, equipped with 3.3L engines, to return to their dealerships to repair an improperly heat treated crankshaft. According to the defect report, an improperly heat treated crankshaft will produce a cyclic knocking noise from the engine that may result in the illumination of the engine warning lamp. If these warnings are ignored and the vehicle continues to be driven, the crankshaft could fail, the engine vehicle could stall and, under certain conditions, a fire may occur.

Dealers will inspect the crankshaft and replace the engine sub assembly as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC153 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-586 .

Audi 2.0L TFSI Engine Overheat Warning

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The owners of certain Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0L TFSI engines, will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the engine and its cooling system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the coolant pump could become blocked by debris from the cooling system. If this happens the pump could overheat and cause a fire.

The vehicles affected by this defect include:

Audi has developed software which will deactivate the power supply to the coolant pump, if the pump becomes blocked. The driver will be notified of the blockage through an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 19M1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-002.

2015-2017 Ford Mustang Oil Leaks

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Ford will be contacting the owners of certain 2015-2017 Mustang vehicles regarding a manufacturing error affecting the engine cooling system. According to the defect report, the engine oil cooler assembly hose may have insufficient crimps and could separate and leak. A sudden loss of engine oil may result in engine failure or a possible fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the engine oil cooler tube assembly replaced. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 16S40 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-779.