Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million cars due to fire risk
Both companies are asking owners of affected cars to park outside
MARCH 2023 — (Autoblog) – Sister companies Hyundai and Kia have independently issued an urgent safety recall that applies to almost 3.4 million cars built between the 2010 and 2018 model years. The vehicles included in the campaign are fitted with a defective hydraulic part that can leak and start a fire.
Kia’s recall is assigned number 23V-651 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and it includes 1,730,192 cars, though the brand estimates that the issue is present in about 1% of these vehicles.
Hyundai’s is assigned number 23V-652 and it includes 1,642,551 cars, though here again the company estimates that 1% of these vehicles are at risk of a fire.
The full list of recalled cars: Click here (Autoblog)
Hyundai told the NHTSA that the ABS module “can leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time,” which “could result in significant overcurrent in the ABS module” and increase the risk of an engine bay fire while parked or driving. It adds that the O-ring fitted to the ABS motor’s shaft “may be susceptible to physical changes over time due to varying factors,” like contaminants in the brake fluid.
Kia noted that the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) “experiences an electrical short-circuit condition that results in excessive current,” which increases the risk of a fire. It adds that it hasn’t found the exact cause of the short-circuit yet, but that warning signs include the “check engine” or “ABS” warning lights illuminated in the instrument cluster, a burning or melting smell, and smoke from the engine bay.
Hyundai wrote that it’s safe to continue driving a car included in the campaign, but it recommends parking outside and away from structures. Both brands will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles by mail in November 2023. Motorists will need to take their car to a dealer so that a technician can replace the ABS system’s fuse on a Hyundai and new fuse(s) on a Kia with parts that have a lower amperage.
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FIRE RISK
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,730,192
Report Receipt Date: September 25, 2023
SEPTEMBER 2023 — Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 14, 2023. Kia’s number for this recall is SC284.
RECALLED KIA VEHICLES
- Kia Borrego — 2010-2019
- Kia Cadenza — 2014-2016
- Kia Forte — 2010-2013
- Kia Forte Koup — 2010-2013
- Kia Sportage — 2010-2013
- Kia K900 — 2015-2018
- Kia Optima — 2011-2015
- Kia Optima Hybrid — 2011-2013
- Kia Soul — 2011-2013
- Kia Rio — 2012-2017
- Kia Sorento — 2011-2014
- Kia Rondo — 2010-2011
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000
Component(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FIRE RISK
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,642,551
Report Receipt Date: September 22, 2023
SEPTEMBER 2023 — Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 21, 2023. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 251.
RECALLED HYUNDAI VEHICLES
- Hyundai Elantra — 2011-2015
- Hyundai Genesis Coupe — 2011-2015
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — 2011-2015
- Hyundai Accent — 2012-2015
- Hyundai Azera — 2012-2015
- Hyundai Veloster — 2012-2015
- Hyundai Elantra Coupe — 2013-2015
- Hyundai Santa Fe — 2013-2015
- Hyundai Equus — 2014-2015
- Hyundai Veracruz — 2010-2012
- Hyundai Tucson — 2010-2013
- Tucson Fuel Cell — 2015
- Santa Fe Sport — 2013
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