Kia Picanto recalled over fire risk

Kia Australia is recalling Picanto hatchbacks made between 2020 and 2023 to rectify a manufacturing defect that could potentially lead to a fire.

“Due to a manufacturing defect, the low-pressure fuel feed tube may have insufficient clearance to the battery sensor wiring which could cause the fuel feed tube to become damaged," the company says in its recall notice.

"This may lead to a fuel leak and in the presence of an external ignition source could result in a vehicle fire.

“A vehicle fire could cause injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users or bystanders and/or damage to property.”

• A total of 1180 vehicles are affected, produced between 2020 and 2023
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

If you own an affected vehicle, you'll need to schedule an appointment with an authorised Kia dealer to have the work carried out, free of charge.

Concerned owners can contact Kia Australia on 131 542 or via email at customer_service@kia.com.au.

It's the first time the Picanto, one of Australia's most affordable new cars, has been recalled since 2022, when it was called back because its fog-light warning system didn't comply with an Australian Design Rule (ADR).

The Picanto is also one of the few passenger cars available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions and comfortably outsells its only rival in the micro car segment, the Fiat 500.

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