Mass Kia and Genesis recall: more than 235,000 cars at risk of fuel leaks

Kia and Genesis have announced a major recall of cars in the US affecting a total of 235,792 vehicles. Of these, 141,032 are Kia Carnival minivans from model years 2022–2026, and 94,760 are Genesis models, including the G80, G90, GV70, and GV80 from 2021–2026.

The reason for the recall is linked to a defect in the fuel system. The issue involves a fuel hose that connects two fuel lines. Due to a manufacturing defect, fasteners may loosen over time. As a result, there is a possibility of a fuel leak and, in the worst-case scenario, a fire in the engine compartment.

It is important to note that the problem develops gradually. Drivers may notice a distinctive fuel smell or a check engine light. At the same time, according to Kia, the defect affects around 1% of vehicles, which means potentially around 2,000–3,000 cars out of the total number affected.

The history of the issue began in 2024, when the first complaints about a fuel smell appeared. By early 2026, at least 129 complaints had been filed regarding Genesis vehicles and more than 250 regarding Kia. Despite this, no crashes, fires, or injuries have been officially reported.

The solution is standard: owners will be invited to a service center, where the connection will be inspected. If a leak is found, the hose will be replaced; if not, the fasteners will simply be tightened. All work will be carried out free of charge. Notifications will be sent starting June 2, 2026, for Kia and July 8, 2026, for Genesis.

This case shows that even major manufacturers can have vulnerabilities in core components. Even if the risk is relatively low, the scale – more than 235,000 cars – makes this one of the largest service campaigns of the year.