Safety and Fire Risk: Hyundai, Kia Recall for Nearly 3.4 Million Cars

Safety and Fire Risk: Hyundai, Kia Recall for Nearly 3.4 Million Cars

Hyundai and Kia, two of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, have announced an urgent safety recall affecting nearly 3.4 million cars manufactured between 2010 and 2018. The recall is due to a defective hydraulic component that could lead to fires. The defect, which can cause brake fluid to leak and over time result in an electrical short, raises the risk of an engine bay fire. The issue is estimated to be present in about 1% of the recalled vehicles.

Warning Signs and Recommendations

The potential defect may manifest through a series of warning signs. These include illuminated ‘check engine’ or ‘ABS’ warning lights, a burning or melting smell, and smoke emanating from the engine bay. Despite these warning signs, Hyundai and Kia have stated that it is safe to continue driving these cars. However, the companies recommend that owners park their vehicles outside and away from structures as a precautionary measure until the defect can be addressed. Notifications for vehicle owners will be sent by mail in November 2023, instructing them to have the ABS system’s fuse replaced by a dealer.

Recall Scope and Impact

The recall issued by Hyundai and Kia is one of the largest in recent years, covering a vast range of models manufactured over an eight-year period. The list of affected models includes popular Hyundai vehicles like the Elantra, Sonata Hybrid, Accent, Santa Fe, and Tucson, and Kia vehicles like the Optima, Sorento, Rio, and Soul. The defect has already led to a number of fires, underscoring the seriousness of the recall.

Owners of the recalled vehicles are urged to heed the warning signs of a potential defect and to park their cars outside and away from structures. They will be contacted by Hyundai or Kia in November 2023 with instructions to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the ABS system’s fuse replaced. This repair will be carried out at no cost to the owner.