March 19, 2019—A group of U.S. states is currently investigating Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company for possible deceptive acts regarding reports of vehicle fires, according to a report by the Reuters news service. Reuters cited a Monday interview with Connecticut attorney general William Tong.
The South Korean OEMs have recalled over 2 million vehicles since 2015 to address engine fire risks in a series of recalls. By last November, federal prosecutors had launched a criminal investigation into Hyundai and Kia to determine if vehicle recalls linked to engine defects had been conducted properly.
Hyundai and Kia said they were cooperating with the investigation. Hyundai officials also added that the company had improved its "engine manufacturing," and was reaching out to affected customers.
A spokesperson for the Connecticut attorney general declined to reveal how many states were taking part.
