Due to the potential of engine fires, Korean automakers Kia and Hyundai have jointly issued a recall of a whopping 3.37 million vehicles in the United States, urging vehicle owners to park their cars outdoors and away from structures until the necessary repairs are performed.
Kia and Hyundai have taken this move in response to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety concerns. The problem is that internal brake fluid leaks have the potential to cause electrical shorts, which could lead to fires. The NHTSA has echoed the automakers’ suggestion, advising vehicle owners to follow their lead and store their vehicles outside until the necessary repairs are completed.
Since 2017, Hyundai has reported 21 fires and 21 other thermal issues related to the recall, according to the NHTSA. Kia, on the other hand, has recorded at least ten confirmed fire and melting incidents. According to either automaker, there have been no accidents, injuries, or deaths due to the recalls.
Kia recall details – Multiple models affected by engine fire
Kia America’s recall includes a wide range of cars, including the Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Sportage, K900, Optima, Soul, Rio, Sorento, and Rondo. These recalls cover a range of model years from 2010 to 2017. The problem is with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), which may suffer an electrical shortage due to brake fluid leaks. Whether the car is parked or in motion, an electrical short has the potential to cause engine compartment fires.
Hyundai’s extensive recall targets over ABS module fire risk
Hyundai’s recall, on the other hand, impacts around 1.64 million vehicles, including Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport models. These recalls cover model years 2011 through 2015. The problem in Hyundai automobiles is associated with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module, which may internally leak brake fluid and cause an electrical short, resulting in engine compartment fires when the vehicle is parked or in use.
Hyundai will encourage consumers to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the ABS module fuse changed. Kia is still working on a remedy, according to the NHTSA. The manufacturers will notify owners of the recall in November.