Hundreds of luxury Audi, Kia models recalled over serious safety defects

Two major car manufacturers have issued a call for hundreds of luxury vehicles over safety defects they say could increase the risk of injury or death.

Two popular car brands are recalling hundreds of vehicles over major safety defects they say could increase the chance of a road accident, causing injury or death.

Dual recall notices were issued for the Audi e-Tron GT and Kia KA4 Carnival 2.2 CRDI Diesel models by the federal Transport Department on Thursday.

The safety defect for the Audi model concerns the sealing of the high voltage battery housing reducing over time, caused by a manufacturing issue.

More than 200 Audi e-Tron GTs have been recalled over concerns the sealing around a high voltage battery could deteriorate, leading to moisture getting in and increasing the risk of an electrical fire. Picture: Supplied

The recall notice says it could allow moisture to enter, potentially resulting in an electrical short and increasing the risk of fire.

222 of the e-Tron GT variants manufactured over 2022-23 are impacted.

For the South Korean-manufactured Kia Carnivals, the safety issue concerns incorrect manufacturing of an engine wiring harness.

“A poor connection may occur at the crankshaft position sensor which lead to a loss of motive power and/or engine stalling,” the Kia recall notice states.

The recall applies to a total of 627 of the Kia Carnival 2.2 CRDI diesel variants manufactured over 2023.

Another 627 Kia KA4 Carnival 2.2 CRDI Diesel models have been recalled over concerns about an engine wiring harness that could lead to loss of motor power or engine stalling. Picture: Supplied

Both notices state the defects could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, or other road users.

Owners of affected vehicles are asked to contact their preferred dealers and have the repairs carried out, free of charge.

Last week, a recall alert for more than 4300 luxury Teslas was sent out by the department.

The recall was due to a software issue that causes the steering wheel to become “notchy” in colder temperatures – however the company said there was no immediate safety risk.

Another 167 Kia Sorentos manufactured between 2020-22 were recalled last year, over fears part of the seatbelt housing could explode and cause serious injury.