Kia and Hyundai have recalled more than 3.4 million cars due to fire risk and asked owners to park their vehicles outside until dealers have time to complete a crucial repair.
The recall affects cars built on certain specified dates. So, you might own the same model as your neighbor, but just one of you is at risk. You’ll have to wait for Hyundai or Kia to contact you to find out if your car is affected, but it’s not a bad idea to park outside until you know.
Hyundai’s recall includes some, but not all, examples of the:
- 2010-2012 Hyundai Veracruz
- 2010-2013 Hyundai Tucson
- 2011-2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- 2011-2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- 2012-2015 Hyundai Accent
- 2012-2015 Hyundai Azera
- 2012-2015 Hyundai Veloster
- 2011-2015 Hyundai Elantra
- 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- 2013-2015 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
- 2013-2015 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2014-2015 Hyundai Equus
- 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell
Kia’s recall includes some, but not all, examples of the:
- 2010-2011 Kia Rondo
- 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup
- 2010-2013 Kia Sportage
- 2010-2019 Kia Borrego (sold in some U.S. territories but not the 50 states)
- 2011-2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 2011-2013 Kia Soul
- 2011-2014 Kia Sorento
- 2011-2015 Kia Optima
- 2012-2017 Kia Rio
- 2014-2016 Kia Cadenza
- 2015-2018 Kia K900
Different Explanations
While both companies are warning of fire risk, the problems inside the cars are slightly different.
Hyundai tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that “the subject vehicles are equipped with anti-lock brake system (ABS) modules that could leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short over time.”
Hyundai dealers will fix the problem by replacing the ABS fuse.
Kia locates the problem in the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), part of the car’s stability control system. The company tells NHTSA, “Over time, the HECU experiences an electrical short circuit condition that results in excessive current, thereby increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving or parked.” Kia isn’t sure of “the exact cause of the electrical short circuit.”
Kia Dealers will install a new fuse in the HECU’s electrical board.
Free Repairs
Both companies ask owners to park cars outside, away from structures and other vehicles, until dealers can complete the repair.
Recall repairs are always free.
Many cars are recalled, often more than once, during their lifespan. Automakers try to contact every owner but don’t always reach them all. Find out whether your car has any outstanding recalls with the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
