CHICAGO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- An independent auto safety organization in the U.S. on Friday called on Hyundai and Kia to recall some 2.9 million vehicles for potential non-collision fires.
The Center for Auto Safety, a non-profit consumer advocacy agency, said there have been more than 220 consumer complaints regarding non-collision fires in these vehicles submitted to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Center for Auto Safety combined.
The proposed recall involves 2011-2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2010-2015 Kia Soul vehicles.
"Since our call for an investigation into these Kia and Hyundai non-collision fires, we have seen reports of almost one fire every single day across these five models," said Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, in a statement.
Between June 12 and October 12, 2018, the center has learned of 103 additional fire reports concerning these cars, and the number and severity of these complaints is "frightening," said Levine.
A related vehicle fire in Ohio in April 2017 resulted in one death.
"Before there's another tragedy, Kia and Hyundai must recall these vehicles, determine why they are catching on fire, and remedy the situation," the center urged.
