Hyundai and Kia Announce Recall of Almost 3.4 Million Vehicles Over Fire Hazard Owners Advised to Park Vehicles Outdoors
Hyundai and Kia are issuing a recall for nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the United States due to a fire risk associated with the anti-lock brake control module. Owners of affected vehicles are being advised to park their vehicles outdoors until repairs are completed.
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The recall covers a range of car and SUV models from the 2010 through 2019 model years, including Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Kia’s Sorrento SUV. The issue stems from the anti-lock brake control module, which can develop a fluid leak and cause an electrical short circuit. This electrical short circuit can lead to fires, both when the vehicles are parked and during operation.
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Both Hyundai and Kia have reported instances of fires and “thermal incidents” involving affected vehicles. Hyundai has documented 21 fires and 22 other related incidents, while Kia reported 10 fires and melting incidents.
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Owners of these vehicles will have their anti-lock brake fuses replaced at no cost by authorized dealers. Kia plans to send notification letters to owners starting on November 14, while Hyundai will begin its notifications on November 21.
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Despite the fire risk, both automakers have stated that owners can continue to drive their vehicles, and no crashes or injuries have been reported as a result of this issue. The recalls are being conducted as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of customers.
The problem arises from an O-ring in the anti-lock brake motor shaft that can lose its sealing strength over time due to moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, leading to leaks. The replacement fuse will limit the operating current of the brake module.
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However, some experts have questioned the recall’s effectiveness. Michael Brooks, the executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, has criticized the automakers for not addressing the root cause of the issue, the fluid leaks. He believes that replacing the fuse without fixing the underlying design problem is insufficient.
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Furthermore, Brooks has raised concerns about the delayed notification to owners and the lack of interim letters warning them of the fire risk. He suggests that owners should be alerted immediately not to park their vehicles indoors.
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The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has stated that automakers can choose the remedy to address a defect and that it will monitor the effectiveness of the repairs. NHTSA has also issued a statement advising owners to park the affected vehicles outdoors until the necessary repairs are completed.
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Both Hyundai and Kia have experienced fire-related issues since 2015, with recalls totaling over 9.2 million vehicles, not including the latest recalls. NHTSA is also investigating 3 million vehicles produced by these automakers from the 2011 through 2016 model years due to engine fire complaints.
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In 2020, Hyundai and Kia were fined by NHTSA for their slow response to vehicle recalls related to engine failures and fire risks.
