NHTSA Complaint #11470026 — 2019 KIA SOUL

The dash had a electrical burn smell then smoke started coming out. There were children in the car. Unsure if the dash was on fire we stopped and started removing the area the smoke was coming from. The knob that controls the fan speed for the heat/ac had burnt and melted the plug the sensor to the knob as well as inside the back of the knob. We immediately unplugged it to prevent further damage or fire. After checking the internet I saw many forums stating the fan would only blow if they fiddle with the knob between setting 3 & 4 which is how mine started. Also on this panel is the plug to the light for the passenger airbag. This is my main source of transportation and a very dangerous situation. I took it back to the dealership where I bought it brand new in 2019 and was informed it’s my problem and my responsibility to pay for this electrical issue. Giving other people are having the same problem I believe it should be looked into before someone’s car catches on fire. This is a manufacturing problem as it’s obviously something I could not have done and too many other complaints. I mentioned to the service man perhaps maybe it should be reported and looked into as a recall issue and was informed there’s no way because he’s never heard of anyone else having this problem or seen this before. I explained perhaps they just haven’t brought theirs in or reported it yet or they simple don’t know that’s the problem and this is the result. This is very dangerous please look into it. I am unsure if there was ever a small fire or it just became so hot it melted and we happened to smell and see the smoke.