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Kia is recalling 68,000 vehicles over engine fire worries

Kia is also launching a campaign to install sensors that will alert drivers of possible engine failures.
Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
SAN LEANDRO, CA - APRIL 07: A sign with the Kia logo displayed at a Hyundai dealership on April 7, 2017 in San Leandro, California.

DETROIT (AP) — Kia says it will ignore the partial U.S. government shutdown and recall more than 68,000 vehicles to fix a fuel pipe problem that can cause engine fires. The problem stemmed from previous recall repairs due to engine failures.

The Korean automaker and its larger affiliate Hyundai have been dogged by fire and engine failure complaints from across the nation. They're both under investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency, which oversees recalls, is mostly closed because of the shutdown.

Kia also says it will do a "product improvement campaign" to install sensors in 1.7 million vehicles that will alert drivers of possible engine failures and send the cars into a slow-speed "limp" mode if problems are detected.

According to CBS News, the vehicles were subject to a previous recall and might not have been properly prepared.

The recall affects some 2011-2014 Optimas, 2012-2014 Sorentos and 2011 through 2013 Sportage SUVs.

Click here to search by your VIN number and see if your vehicle is affected by a KIA safety recall.

Previous: NHTSA to investigate fires linked to Hyundai-Kia engine failures

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