Hyundai and Kia have announced the recall of nearly 3.4 million vehicles in the United States. This decision follows concerns raised about the potential risk of a fire breaking out in the engine compartment due to a possible brake fluid leak. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a news release, underscored the gravity of the situation, cautioning that such a leak could cause an electrical short, potentially igniting a fire even while driving.
Addressing this issue, Hyundai and Kia strongly recommend that owners park their vehicles outside and at a safe distance from structures until the necessary fixes are made.
Furthermore, this recall is not confined to the US. Another 600,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles are also being recalled in Canada. Both automobile giants have affirmed that, as of now, they aren’t aware of any injuries, fatalities, or accidents tied to this defect.
Vehicles Affected and Recall Details
The recall in question concerns approximately:
- 1.64 million Hyundai and Genesis vehicles
- 1.73 million Kia vehicles
Hyundai and Genesis Safety Recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-651000)
Owners of the following Hyundai and Genesis vehicles should park outside and away from homes due to a fire risk:
- 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
Kia Safety Recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-652000)
Owners of the following Kia vehicles should also park outside and away from homes due to a fire risk:
- 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
Response and Next Steps
Owners are advised to remain vigilant for signs of possible defects, such as the illumination of the “check engine” or ABS lights, smoke emanating from the engine, or a distinctive burning or melting odor.
Both Hyundai and Kia have pledged to notify owners to bring their vehicles to dealerships to replace the ABS module fuse. In the interim, vehicle owners can verify the recall status of their vehicles online using their unique vehicle identification number.
The federal safety regulator has been proactive, announcing these recalls swiftly after becoming aware of the issues. Hyundai and Kia dealers will replace the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) fuse free of charge. Notification letters detailing the process and further actions are set to be dispatched to affected owners by mid-November.
For queries and concerns, Kia owners can reach out at 1-800-333-4542, quoting recall number SC284. Hyundai owners can contact 1-855-371-9460, referencing recall number 251.