Kia And Hyundai Recall More Than 3 Million Vehicles Due To The Risk Of Fire

Hyundai and Kia are initiating a recall of over 3 million vehicles and advising owners to park them outside due to the risk of engine compartment fires. The companies are urging drivers to keep their vehicles away from homes and structures until they can take them to a dealership for a free repair.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a warning, stating that fires can occur both when the vehicle is parked and turned off or while it’s in motion. The NHTSA identified specific issues in certain Hyundai and Kia models that could lead to these fires.

For Hyundai, the concern is centered around the anti-lock brake system in 13 different models, which may leak fluid and trigger an electrical short circuit that could result in a fire. In the case of Kia, the fire risk is linked to the hydraulic electronic control unit in 10 separate models.

The Hyundai recall includes approximately 1.6 million vehicles, including the following models:

– 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

– 2010-2012 Veracruz

Additionally, Kia is recalling approximately 1.7 million vehicles, including the following models:

– 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

– 2010-2013 Sportage

To check if your vehicle is affected, you can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).

As of now, there have been 21 fires associated with the Hyundai recall and 22 “thermal incidents,” including visible smoke, burning, and melting. In the case of Kia, there have been four fires and six thermal incidents. Fortunately, there have been no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities linked to these recalls, according to the NHTSA.

In the period from 2010 to December 2022, both Kia and Hyundai issued recalls for more than 7 million vehicles, with over 3,100 Kias and Hyundais catching fire. This resulted in 103 injuries and one death, according to the nonprofit Consumer Reports.

It’s worth noting that while Hyundai and Kia are distinct brands, Hyundai Motor Company holds a 33.88% majority stake in Kia Motors, and they often share parts from the same suppliers. Consumer Reports suggests that a shared four-cylinder engine could be a possible culprit behind these recalls and fire incidents.