CLEVELAND — 5 On Your Side Investigators have been on top of Kia car-fire problems showing you local and national victims. On Wednesday, Kia admitted there's a problem.
After our reporting along with other Scripps stations, Kia sent out a notice that thousands of cars will now be recalled all related to the fires.
RELATED: Kia to announce recall on tens of thousands of vehicles
The recall covers 50,000 Optimas, 17,000 Sorentos and 1,000 Sportages that had engine replacements from an on-going problem already identified.
Kia wants to "confirm the high pressure fuel pipe was properly installed."
"In some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak increasing the risk of fire."
It's the same problem that our experts pointed to back in November.
"I looked at my mom and I said, 'Hey, I could have died today,” said Jakob Moyer from Canton.
Moyer told News 5 last September he just had his 2013 Optima repaired at the dealership and on his way home his car burst into flames while he was driving.
RELATED: Despite our ongoing investigation, Kia and Hyundai CEOs refuse to testify about their car fires
"I see my buddy fly up, left lane, pass me, swerve me off the road. He's yelling, 'Get out of the car! It's on fire!'" said Moyer.
News 5 spoke to Moyer Wednesday, who said he's happy to hear the recall is finally taking place but added it should have been done months ago.
People have been suffering from these fires all over the country.
Kia and Hyundai CEOs refused to testify during a November U.S. Senate panel hearing about the fires.
A Kia spokesman says the recall plan has not yet been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration because of the government shutdown.
Those who are affected by this recall will be notified by mail. Dealers will check for leaks and Kia is sending a video to help teach the mechanics about the proper installation.
Hyundai also announced Wednesday a recall related to fires that are similar to the Kia problems.
To read Kia's full statement, click here.
