Kia and Genesis are recalling a combined 235,792 vehicles after regulators said a fuel leak could develop in certain models and raise the chance of a fire in the engine bay. Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show the automakers submitted separate recalls on April 10.
The Kia recall covers 141,032 Carnival minivans from the 2022 to 2026 model years. Genesis is recalling 94,760 vehicles from the 2021 to 2026 model years, including the GV70, GV80, G80 and G90. In both recalls, a suspected production deviation could mean the crossover fuel pipe that connects the left and right fuel lines has retention fasteners that loosen over time. If the fasteners become too loose, the connecting pipe may begin to leak.
That is the problem owners will be asked to have checked. The automakers said they will contact owners of affected vehicles and direct them to local dealerships for inspection. Dealer technicians will inspect the high-pressure crossover pipe for leaks and will replace or re-tighten the connectors where needed.
The timing matters because notification letters are already on the calendar. Kia letters are expected to go out on June 2, while Genesis letters are scheduled for June 8. Until then, the affected vehicles remain on the road with a defect that could turn a fuel leak into an engine-bay fire if the connectors loosen enough.
The recalls are tied to vehicles equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6, including the Kia Carnival and Genesis lineup covered by the filings. The fix is straightforward, but the scope is large, and the risk sits in a part most drivers will never see. For owners of these models, the key question now is not whether a recall is coming. It already has.