Hyundai and Kia recall 3.4 million vehicles over fire risk, advise outdoor parking.
Hyundai and Kia Recall 3.4 Million Vehicles Due to Fire Risk
In a recent announcement, Hyundai and Kia have issued a recall for nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the United States. The reason behind this recall is the potential risk of engine compartment fires, which has prompted the automakers to advise owners to park their vehicles outside.
The recall affects various car and SUV models from 2010 to 2019, including Hyundai’s Santa Fe SUV and Kia’s Sorrento SUV. According to documents released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the anti-lock brake control module in these vehicles can leak fluid, leading to an electrical short circuit that can ignite a fire while the vehicles are parked or in motion.
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As a precautionary measure, Hyundai and Kia are advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed. Dealers will replace the anti-lock brake fuse free of charge. Kia plans to send notification letters to owners starting November 14, while Hyundai will begin on November 21.
According to reports, Hyundai has reported 21 fires and 22 “thermal incidents” in the affected vehicles in the United States, while Kia has reported 10 fires and melting incidents. However, both automakers assure owners that they can continue to drive their vehicles as no crashes or injuries have been reported. The recalls are being conducted to prioritize customer safety.
The companies have identified that an O-ring in the anti-lock brake motor shaft can lose sealing strength over time due to moisture, dirt, and dissolved metals in the brake fluid, resulting in leaks. The installation of a new fuse will limit the operating current of the brake module, addressing the issue.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, has raised concerns about the recall. He questions why the automakers are not fixing the underlying leak problem and why it will take several months to notify owners. Brooks emphasizes the importance of addressing the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms.
Both Hyundai and Kia have not provided explanations for why the fluid leaks are not being repaired or why the notification process will take so long. NHTSA has stated that automakers have the discretion to choose the remedy for a defect, and it will monitor the effectiveness of the repairs. The agency has also urged owners to park their vehicles outdoors until the necessary repairs are completed.
The affected Kia models include Borrego, Cadenza, Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, K900, Optima, Optima Hybrid, Soul, Rio, Sorento, and Rondo. Hyundai models covered by the recall include Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Azera, Veloster, Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, Equus, Veracruz, Tucson, Tucson Fuel Cell, and Santa Fe Sport.
This recall adds to the ongoing fire problems that have plagued Hyundai and Kia since 2015. The Center for Auto Safety has successfully petitioned for recalls in the past, and the automakers have already recalled over 9.2 million vehicles for fire and engine-related issues. NHTSA is currently investigating 3 million vehicles from the 2011 to 2016 model years due to engine fire complaints.
It is worth noting that in 2020, Hyundai and Kia were fined by NHTSA for their slow response in recalling vehicles prone to engine failures. The agencies involved will closely monitor the progress of the current recall and take further action if necessary.
What are the potential risks associated with the fires in Hyundai and Kia vehicles that led to the recall?
E potential risks associated with these fires. He stated, ”Whether or not people have been injured from these fires, this is something that clearly needs to be addressed. One fire is too many.” The Center for Auto Safety has been urging Hyundai and Kia to issue a recall for these vehicles since 2018.
This recall comes as a blow to both Hyundai and Kia, which are already facing scrutiny for other safety-related issues. In 2019, Hyundai recalled over 430,000 vehicles due to a problem with the engine that could cause them to stall, while Kia recalled over 500,000 vehicles for a similar issue. These recalls have raised concerns about the reliability and safety of Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia have stated that they are committed to customer safety and are working to address the issue as quickly as possible. They have also stated that they will be offering loaner vehicles to owners who are affected by the recall, to minimize the inconvenience.
Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to contact their local Hyundai or Kia dealership for further information. The automakers have also set up dedicated hotlines for owners to call with any questions or concerns.
In conclusion, the recall of nearly 3.4 million vehicles by Hyundai and Kia due to a fire risk is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The potential risks associated with these fires cannot be ignored, and it is crucial that owners follow the guidance provided by the automakers. Hyundai and Kia must take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their customers and restore confidence in their vehicles.
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