Hyundai and Kia are recalling nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the U.S. and advising owners to park them outside as a precaution against engine compartment fires.
The recalls encompass multiple car and SUV models spanning from 2010 to 2019, including the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and the Kia Sorrento SUV.
According to documents released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wednesday, a leak in the anti-lock brake control module can cause an electrical short that may result in a fire. These fires can occur even while the vehicles are parked or being driven.
Both automakers are recommending that owners park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed. Authorized dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse free of charge. Kia has stated that notification letters will be sent to owners starting on November 14, while Hyundai’s letters will be sent on November 21.
As per the documents, Hyundai has reported 21 fires in the affected vehicles, along with 22 incidents of smoke, burning, and melting of parts. Meanwhile, Kia has reported 10 fires and melting incidents.
In response to these incidents, Hyundai has assured owners that they can continue driving their vehicles, emphasizing that no crashes or injuries have been reported. The company is conducting the recall to prioritize the safety of its customers.
Hyundai explains that moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid can cause an O-ring in the antilock brake motor shaft to lose sealing strength over time, leading to leaks. The new fuse limits the operating current of the brake module, addressing this issue.
Kia, on the other hand, states that an electrical short resulting in excessive current can cause an engine compartment fire near the brake control unit. The exact cause of the short circuit remains unknown, and no crashes or injuries have been reported.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, has raised concerns about the automakers not addressing the underlying leak problem and the delay in sending notification letters to owners. He questions why the fuse replacement doesn’t address the potential safety issue caused by brake fluid leaks.
Brooks further questions why NHTSA is allowing the companies to only replace a fuse and why interim letters warning owners about the serious problem are not being sent immediately. He suggests that owners should be informed right away to avoid parking their vehicles in garages where a fire could occur.
The statements released by Hyundai and Kia do not address why the fluid leaks are not being repaired or why it will take approximately two months to notify owners by letter. Spokespeople for both companies have promised to investigate these questions.
NHTSA explains that under the federal motor vehicle safety act, automakers have the discretion to choose the appropriate remedy for a defect. The agency will closely monitor the effectiveness of the repairs and initiate an investigation if necessary.
In addition, automakers have 60 days to inform owners of recalled vehicles by letter, although mailings often occur sooner, according to NHTSA.
NHTSA has also issued a statement urging owners to park the affected vehicles outdoors until repairs are completed.
The Kia models affected by the recall include the 2010-2019 Borrego, the 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, and Sportage, the 2015-2018 K900, the 2011-2015 Optima, the 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, the 2012-2017 Rio, the 2011-2014 Sorento, and the 2010-2011 Rondo.
For Hyundai, the models covered by the recall include the 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Sonata Hybrid, the 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, and Veloster, the 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe and Santa Fe, the 2014-2015 Equus, the 2010-2012 Veracruz, the 2010-2013 Tucson, the 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and the 2013 Santa Fe Sport.
Owners can visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to check if their vehicle is affected.
Hyundai and Kia have faced fire-related issues since 2015. The Center for Auto Safety petitioned U.S. regulators to initiate recalls in 2018 and claims that the automakers have already recalled over 9.2 million vehicles for fires and engine problems, not including the recent recalls. Over 20 models spanning from 2006 to 2021 were involved in more than two dozen recalls.
In addition, NHTSA is currently investigating 3 million vehicles produced by Hyundai and Kia from 2011 to 2016 due to 161 complaints of engine fires, some of which occurred in vehicles that were already recalled.
In June 2018, NHTSA reported receiving more than 3,100 owner complaints of fires, resulting in 103 injuries and one death. Hyundai and Kia were fined by NHTSA in 2020 for their slow response in recalling vehicles prone to engine failures.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
