Hyundai and Kia Issue Recall of Approximately 3.4 Million Vehicles Due to Fire Hazards, Advise Owners to Park Outside

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Hyundai and Kia have announced the recall of close to 3.4 million vehicles in the United States, citing risks of fires originating from the engine compartment. Owners are being advised to park these vehicles outdoors as a precautionary measure.

The recall is comprehensive, affecting various car and SUV models manufactured between the years 2010 and 2019. Among the models impacted are Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Kia’s Sorento SUV.

Regulatory documents released on Wednesday by U.S. safety authorities indicate that the anti-lock brake control module is prone to fluid leakage. This leakage can potentially cause an electrical short circuit, which could ignite a fire whether the vehicle is in motion or parked.

To mitigate the risks, both companies are directing owners to park their vehicles outdoors and at a safe distance from buildings until necessary repairs have been executed.

At no charge to vehicle owners, dealerships will be replacing the anti-lock brake fuse. Kia has announced that it will commence sending out notification letters to vehicle owners starting on November 14, while Hyundai plans to start its notifications on November 21.

Hyundai has disclosed the occurrence of 21 fires related to the affected vehicles within the U.S., in addition to 22 thermal events that include incidences of smoke, parts burning, and melting. Meanwhile, Kia has reported 10 such fire and melting incidents.

In an official statement, Hyundai emphasized that owners could continue to operate these vehicles as no accidents or injuries have been reported thus far. The company indicated that the recall is a proactive measure intended to safeguard customer safety.

According to the company, an O-ring within the anti-lock brake motor shaft may gradually lose its sealing capability due to the accumulation of moisture, debris, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, thereby leading to leaks.

A spokesperson for Kia confirmed on Wednesday that an official statement would be issued soon.

Among the Kia models implicated in this recall are the 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup and Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid and Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and the 2010-2011 Rondo.

The Hyundai models subject to this recall encompass 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.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to visit www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to ascertain whether their vehicle falls under this recall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hyundai and Kia recall

More about Hyundai and Kia recall

• U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Database
• Hyundai Official Website
• Kia Official Website
• Consumer Reports on Vehicle Recalls
• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
• Automotive News Coverage on Recalls