NHTSA Complaint #11502932 — 2017 KIA SPORTAGE

We recently received an 'interim' recall notice due the potential for fire caused by a flaw in the tow hitch wiring harness. The letter recommended parking the car 'away from other vehicles and people', and nothing else, as Kia has not yet determined what a permanent remedy would be. This is really not acceptable, as we need to use our vehicle and this requires occasionally parking it in locations where it cannot be kept separated from other vehicles or people. In addition, this remedy only reduces the potential damage to others or their vehicles, it does not do anything to reduce the potential damage to our vehicle. I took the vehicle to our local repair shop and they were able to disconnect the 'ground' wire from the tow hitch wiring harness quickly and easily, so that no power will flow into the wiring harness and it will not catch on fire. Given how easy this was to do, Kia should have offered this as a solution, or should be willing to reimburse owners for having this change made to their vehicles during the 'interim' recall period.