Kia and Hyundai Recall 3.4 Million Vehicles and Instructs Owners to Park Outdoors

On 27 September 2023, the United States Department of Transportation issued a press statement warning consumers of Kia and Hyundai recalling 3.4 million vehicles. The vehicles are being recalled because they pose a fire threat.

“Hyundai Motor America and Kia America have issued “park outside” recalls for more than 3.3 million vehicles due to the risk of fire. Until these recalls have been repaired, the manufacturers say the safest place to park them is outside and away from homes and other structures. Fires can occur whether the vehicle is parked and turned off or while driving.”, says the NHTSA in their press statement.

The reason these vehicles are a fire risk, is that the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system (ABS) could possiblyleak brake fluid onto nearby electrical components, this therefore, could cause an electrical short.

According to the NHTSA, this kind of electrical short could result in a huge overcurrent in the ABS module, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.  

South Korean vehicle manufacture Hyundai, plans to call upon owners of the affected models to visit the nearest dealership to replace the ABS module fuse.

On the other hand, Kia is still working to find a solution to this situation.

So far in the United States, there has been 21 reports of Hyundai vehicle fires due to this defect on the affected models. 22 thermal incidents have also been reported, these include visible smoke, burning and melting.

Fortunately, Hyundai has not detected any vehicle accidents, or injuries involving this defect on their cars.

For Kia, there is one incident of an engine compartment fire, three fires in the unit, and six incidents of melting components. Similar to Hyundai, Kia has no reports of any vehicle accidents, or injuries caused by this issue on their vehicles.

Owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles are urged to log onto the NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check if their vehicle is affected by this defect. If so, they are encouraged to visit their nearest dealership to have the vehicle repaired off this defect free of charge.

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Written by: Prince Neo Mokwena

Images: NBC26, Fox21 & Danielborgesboston

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