NHTSA Investigates Millions of Kias\, Hyundais for Fire Risks

Federal regulators  are investigating potential safety defects that might put almost 3 million  Hyundai  and  Kia vehicles  at an increased risk of catching fire.  The Center for Auto Safety petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration last year to start two separate probes into the issue.  According the group, some cars from the Korean automakers have been associated with non-crash fires.

There have been more than 3,000 complaints about the vehicles, including claims of 103 injuries and one death.  The models  included in the investigations are certain years of the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe, and Kia Optima, Sorento and Soul.  NHTSA has already initiated recalls for most of the cars being investigated for engine failures that could lead to stalling and fires.  In a statement , the Center for Auto Safety said the new probes were long overdue.