2014–2016 Kia Sportage: Engine bay fire risk (ABS/HECU recall)
Likely causes, ranked
- Shorting HECU$0–$0Shop
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: There may be no warning. A burning smell or smoke from under the hood, even when parked, means get away from the vehicle.
Likely causes
- Shorting HECU. Kia adds a fuse to the HECU circuit board.
DIY or shop?
Dealer. Recall repairs are free.
Useful steps
- Check your VIN for 22V051 (Kia SC227).
- Park outside and away from buildings until it's fixed.
Vehicle focus: 2014–2016 Kia Sportage.
Safety / mechanic note
Fire risk while parked or driving. ABS is a safety system. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.
Recalls & service bulletins
Recalls
- 22V051000 2014–2016 Sportage and 2016–2018 K900: the ABS hydraulic control unit (HECU) can malfunction and short, which could start an engine compartment fire. Dealers install a new fuse for the HECU circuit board. Park outside until it's repaired. Details
NHTSA complaints: 84 keyword-matched complaints for Kia SPORTAGE 2014–2016 (of 389 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.