Sept. 27 (UPI) — Millions of Kia and Hyundai owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from their homes because of a fire risk following the “urgent recall” of 3.3 million vehicles by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday.
The recall affects dozens of models from Kia and Hyundai. The NHTSA has warned that the vehicles can catch fire while driving or even when they are parked and turned off.
At the heart of the issue is a faulty anti-lock brake system module. This module can leak brake fluid internally, leading to an electrical short. The carmakers explain that the short can cause an overcurrent in the ABS module, thereby increasing the risk of fire in the engine compartment.
To date, no injuries or deaths have been reported as a result of this defect. In the United States, Hyundai has reported 21 fires and 22 thermal incidents related to this problem, involving smoking, burning, and melting. Kia has acknowledged one engine compartment fire, three fires within the car, and six instances of melting components.
Owners of more than 1.6 million Hyundai and Genesis vehicles are advised to park their cars outside until the necessary repairs are completed.
Hyundai’s safety recall includes various models such as the 2012-2015 Accent, 2012-2015 Azure, 2011-2015 Elantra, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2011-2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013-2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2011-2015 Sonata HEV, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, 2012-2015 Veloster, and 2010-2012 Veracruz.
Owners of more than 1.7 million Kia vehicles are also advised to park their cars outside until repairs are completed.
Kia’s safety recall applies to models such as the 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2011-2013 Forte/Forte Koup, 2015-2017 K900, 2010-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2011-2017 Rio, 2010 Rondo, 2011-2014 Sorento, 2011-2013 Soul, and 2010-2013 Sportage.
Vehicle owners can check if their car is under recall by entering their 17-digit vehicle identification number at NHTSA.gov/recalls. Once confirmed, they can schedule a free repair at the nearest dealership.
