NEWS
Hyundai And Kia Recall Nearly 3.4 Million Vehicles Due To Risk Of Fire, Warning Drivers To Park Outside
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Hyundai Motor America and Kia America on Wednesday issued recalls on more than 3.3 million vehicles over a risk they could catch fire due to issues with the antilock brake system.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a statement warned drivers of affected vehicles, which span model years 2010 to 2019, to park them outside and away from structures due to the risk of fire.
Recalled models include Hyundai’s 2012–2015 Accent, 2012-2015 Azera, 2011–2015 Elantra, 2013–2015 Elantra Coupe, 2014–2015 Equus, 2011–2015 Genesis Coupe, 2013–2015 Santa Fe, 2013 Santa Fe Sport, 2011–2015 Sonata HEV, 2010–2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, 2012–2015 Veloster and 2010–2012 Veracruz.
Also included are Kia’s 2014–2016 Cadenza, 2011–2013 Forte/Forte Koup, 2015–2017 K900, 2010–2015 Optima, 2011–2013 Optima Hybrid, 2011–2017 Rio, 2010 Rondo, 2011–2014 Sorento, 2011–2013 Soul and 2010–2013 Sportage.
According to the NHTSA, the anti-lock brake system module on affected vehicles can leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. A short could produce significant overcurrent in the ABS module, raising the risk of engine compartment fire.
The fires could break out while driving or while parked, the NHTSA said. The agency is urging drivers to keep the vehicles parked outside away from structures until their vehicles are remedied.
Dealerships will replace the ABS fuse at no cost to owners. Both manufacturers said they will begin sending notification letters to affected owners in November.
To date, neither Hyundai nor Kia are aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths as a result of the defect, and both companies said owners can continue driving.
TMX contributed to this article.
