What you should know
- Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia America are recalling more than 3.3 million vehicles due to a fire hazard and asking drivers to “park outside” until the damaged vehicles are repaired.
- Manufacturers stressed that the safest place to park cars is outside, away from homes and other buildings.
- They warn of the possibility of fire when the car is parked and turned off or while driving.
If you drive Hyundai Motor and Kia America brand cars, pay attention to this call.
The two companies on Wednesday recalled more than 3.3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire, and are asking drivers to “park outside” until the damaged cars are repaired.
Manufacturers stressed that the safest place to park cars is outside, away from homes and other buildings. They warn of the possibility of fire when the car is parked and turned off or while driving.
To date, Hyundai is not aware of any accidents, injuries or deaths associated with this defect. There have been 21 vehicle-related fires reported in the United States, as well as 22 thermal incidents, including visible smoke, burns, and melting. For its part, Kia is not aware of any accidents, injuries or deaths associated with this defect, and has reported one engine compartment fire, three unit fires, and six cases of melted components.
What types of Hyundai and Genesis cars are affected by the fire hazard?
Owners of approximately 1.64 million select Hyundai and Genesis vehicles must park their vehicles outside and away from their homes until they are repaired.
Below is a list of vehicles and vehicle model years:
- Accent 2012-2015.
- Azera 2012-2015.
- Elantra 2011-2015.
- Elantra Coupe 2013-2015.
- Equus 2014-2015.
- Genesis Coupe 2011-2015.
- Santa Fe 2013-2015.
- Santa Fe Sport 2013.
- Sonata HEV 2011-2015.
- Tucson 2010-2013.
- Tucson fuel cell 2015.
- Veloster 2012-2015
- Veracruz 2010-2012.
What types of Kia cars are affected by fire hazard?
Owners of approximately 1.73 million Kia vehicles must park their vehicles outside and away from their homes until they are repaired.
Below is a list of vehicles and vehicle model years:
- Cadenza 2014-2016
- Forte/Forte Cup 2011-2013
- K900 2015-2017
- Optima 2010-2015
- Optima Hybrid 2011-2013
- Rio 2011-2017
- 2010 tour
- Sorento 2011-2014
- Soul 2011-2013
- Sportage 2010-2013
What is wrong with the affected vehicles
The vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) module can leak brake fluid inside and cause a short circuit. An electrical short can significantly increase the current in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parking.
If my car is affected, what action should I take?
Hyundai plans to advise owners to take their vehicles to the nearest dealer to have the ABS module fuse replaced. Kia is still working on a solution.
Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls And enter your 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if your vehicle is under review. If so, vehicle owners should contact their nearest dealer immediately to schedule a free repair when a repair is available.
Owners can also download the app NHTSA SaferCar. Enter your vehicle, tires, car seat, or other vehicle equipment and the app will send a notification if a recall is issued.
“Beeraholic. Friend of animals everywhere. Evil web scholar. Zombie maven.”