The automotive giant formed by Hyundai Motor America and Kia America recently announced the recall of more than 3.3 million vehicles due to a possible fire in the engine compartment. The companies advise parking the affected models in open areas away from buildings until the necessary checks have been carried out. This warning comes after numerous thermal incidents, including smoke and melted parts, in both running and switched off vehicles.
Find out why this massive Kia and Hyundai recall requires parking outside and preventing fire risks
In a statement issued on September 29 from Washington, DC, the two South Korean brands admitted that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module has a potential internal brake fluid leak, which can generate an electrical short circuit and lead to fires. So far, Hyundai has recorded 21 fires and 22 additional thermal incidents, while Kia has reported one confirmed fire and several instances of component melting.
Although no crashes, injuries or deaths associated with this defect have been reported, the scale of the recall has led to owners being urged to check their units as soon as possible and to keep them outdoors.
See the full list of affected models and how to proceed with the free repair
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is the of vehicles affected by the recall according to the NHTSA (Hyundai and Kia):
Hyundai (ID 23V-651000)
- 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)
Kia (ID 23V-652000)
- Cadenza (2014-2016)
- Forte/Forte Koup (2011-2013)
- K900 (2015-2017)
- Optima (2010-2015)
- Optima Hybrid (2011-2013)
- Rio (2011-2017)
- Rondo (2010)
- Sorento (2011-2014)
- Soul (2011-2013)
- Sportage (2010-2013)
Both Hyundai and Kia recommend parking these vehicles outside until customers have received the corresponding repair.
Experts point out how the risk of fire could impact confidence in Kia and Hyundai in the long term
Automotive industry specialists warn that, despite the absence of casualties or fatal accidents, the bad press over potential fires could affect the image of both brands, which in recent years have gained market share with popular and affordable models. However, analysts also point to the transparency of Kia and Hyundai in publicly addressing the problem and offering free solutions.
Hyundai says it plans to notify owners to take their vehicles to the nearest dealer, where the ABS module fuse will be replaced at no cost. Kia, meanwhile, is still working on the final solution, but confirms that consumers will not incur additional costs when the repair is defined.
Advice for affected drivers and the path to a quick and safe resolution
Given the scale of this recall, the main recommendation is to immediately check whether the car is on the list of affected models. To do this, the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be entered in the official NHTSA database (Recalls | NHTSA). If the vehicle is under recall, it is essential to contact the nearest authorized dealer and schedule the intervention as soon as it is available.
In the meantime, owners should park their cars in open spaces away from structures and houses to avoid further damage in case of fire. Also, downloading the SaferCar app can be a great help in receiving alerts of future recalls more quickly and efficiently.
If you know someone who has one of these models, share this news so that they can act immediately and avoid risks. Stay tuned for any communication from Kia and Hyundai, and periodically check the status of your vehicle to ensure everyone’s safety. Don’t forget that you can see more motoring news in this very same newspaper.
